Chara’s return lights fire under Timbers defensive midfield

Photo Credit: Mark Hoffman

Welcome back, Diego Chara!

The man from Colombia became a difference maker for the Portland Timbers last Saturday in their 1-1 draw with FC Dallas. After manager Giovanni Savarese decided to put him in the lineup adding him to a three defensive midfielder set. This became a well-orchestrated by Gio. Incorporating Diego in the right side of the along with newcomer Cristhian Paredes in the left and placing Lawrence Olum in the center.

All the right moves I must say with Diego Chara at the end being all over the field and putting in display the tough game we are accustomed of him. Very well, his experience and wisdom in the field were beneficial to see Portland rise to the occasion defensively.   Despite the Dallas side taking thirteen shots and showing off more possession, it did not matter as the Rose City backfield went above and beyond their normal output to earn the result.

Despite the tie this weekend the Portland side did show up many improvements in its initial eleven rising to the occasion and not intimidated by the Dallas attack. After coming from a notable win over Seattle, a week ago, with an inspired Ronaldo Lamah and in a match that his goal could prevent. Still the leadership of Diego saw his midfielder teammates in Lawrence Olum showing off a nice game. The Kenyan international, however, did see red after a not-so-smart play inside their eighteen. Also Paredes began to show some of his promise with  wondrous display of technique in the field. He had a bit of a return of his confidence in the match, showing off a one of a kind game.

Chara’s influence and leadership skills cannot be overstated enough though. Now that the defense started to see, some promise for the better now is the attacking factor.

Welcome back Dieguito you were missed and now your influence for sure will uplift this squad defensive game a notch we were expecting and with your return. This influence and leadership he put in the defensive midfield is a boost to many of his teammate’s confidence. With Paredes and Olum back on track hopefully now he can work his magic on David Guzman.