APRIL 22, 2018 – PORTLAND, OR: Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Chara heads to the corner during the Portland Timbers 3-0 victory over the New York City FC on April 22, 2018 at Providence Park, Portland, OR (Photo by Diego G Diaz).
I call Diego Chara El Cid, as it is an appropriate title for a man who carries the Portland Timbers in every match. With the courage he displays he is one valuable asset in the Timbers initial eleven. The chivalry this man possesses when he is in the field has been a plus throughout these years with the Rose City squad. His seriousness and initiative he takes in every play, it is why he is one of his manager’s favorites because of his all-around dependability. He is one of Portland’s most valuable assets and gems in its defensive system and his shown his value behind the scenes in the offensive game as well.
The man is a total dynamo in the field defending and contributing in the attack; the man is all over the field. That justifies for this recognition of his abilities that so long have been a plus for the Rose City squad throughout these years. Being away from the starting lineup in the second leg of the MLS Western Conference semifinals adversely affected Portland’s starting eleven and was a major reason for their defeat. As you remember that horrible foot fracture that he endured in the first leg in BBVA Stadium against Houston cost him the remainder of the playoffs.
His leadership skills were deeply missed in the club’s opening two matches against the Los Angeles Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls. A fan favorite whenever we hear his name announced in Providence Park during introductions. He has earned the love of Timbers supporters across the country and the begrudging respect of the opponent’s fans as well.
Many Timbers supporters will fondly recall his birthday against in a Cascadia Derby against the Seattle Sounders where he scored a double from more than 30 yards away. He is a player that can cover the whole field from start to finish and is a total guarantee to add more cushion to the Timbers defensive game. So far in 2018 he has played 450 minutes in five games, has two yellow cards and committed nine fouls versus seven sustained. No goals but it will only be a matter of time before Chara accompanies his teammates in the scoring ledger.
One thing that is for sure is that he gives his teammates a level of consistency and is always contributing in some notable fashion. For his energy and his all-around tireless efforts in the field, Portland struck gold ever since his arrival in the Rose City squad. Pity he never makes the league All Star games as his contributions certainly warrant consideration.
For El Cid or Lord that Diego Chara wondrous performances show off a true grit in the field that to mention aloud. In league circles Chara is considered to be one of the league’s top-rated players and most complete of defensive midfielders. It is time that he receives the same level of recognition publicly.
MLS
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