When the Portland Timbers kick off their 50th season, midfielder Diego Chara will be stepping onto the field to potentially mark his 400th career Major League Soccer (MLS) appearance this Sunday against the Vancouver Whitecaps. This landmark match not only honors Chara’s longevity with the club but also showcases the legacy he has built since joining the Timbers during the inaugural MLS season back in 2011.
Chara, who is now 38 years old, reflected on his unique position as he approaches this milestone, stating, "I think most players, you spend between three and five years with a team, so for me this is going to be really special.” He has already set the record for the most matches played for a single club, surpassing Chris Wondolowski’s previous record of 376 appearances, and he is the current holder of the most yellow cards accumulated throughout his career, along with the record for the most fouls – 894 to date.
The Colombian midfielder's achievement places him among only 13 players in MLS history to have reached the 400-match milestone, and he is currently one of only four active players to accomplish this feat, alongside players like Darlington Nagbe and Stefan Frei. Chara’s contribution to the Timbers has been immense, aiding the club to three Western Conference titles, the 2015 MLS Championship, and victories at the MLS is Back tournament.
With the cascading honor of his impending milestone, this match against the Whitecaps holds additional weight due to its historical rivalry component; it’s part of the long-standing Cascadia Cup competition. Both teams have sparked fierce matches over the years, and this opening game of the season adds to the excitement as the Timbers confront their neighbor rivals.
For Chara, stepping onto the pitch against Vancouver provides motivation beyond personal achievement. He stated, "I think we're really motivated for this game. Obviously, now it's different, but at the same time, I think the team knows what happened in the past and we have a great opportunity.” His focus steers toward not just his personal milestones but also the collective aspirations of the Timbers as they seek to reclaim their past glory after missing out on the playoffs the last two seasons.
The upcoming season will see the Timbers navigate the changes brought about by recent roster decisions, such as their split with Brazilian midfielder Evander, who was sent to FC Cincinnati. Despite his contributions last season, where he scored 15 goals and recorded 19 assists, rumors circulated of his dissatisfaction with the club, and his departure leaves holes to fill. Portland has since acquired Portuguese midfielder David Da Costa, who joins the team after four seasons with France’s top league. The young playmaker's integration will be key as the Timbers seek to stabilize their performance.
Reflecting on Chara’s significance within the club, head coach Phil Neville remarked, "He's got the respect of everybody within the dressing room, outside of the dressing room, outside of this football club. Everyone in this league, I think, respects him and holds him in the highest regard.” Neville seeks to bring out the best not just from Chara but from the entire team should they aim to meet the challenges posed this season.
With the Timbers tracing their origins back to 1975 and the North American Soccer League (NASL) days, the club’s proud history melds with Chara’s milestones, intertwining their journeys. This Sunday’s game stands as not only another step for the club's legacy but reflects the dedication of one of its most storied players. Excitement engulfs the Portland soccer community, anticipating the match's outcomes, setting the tone for what the franchise hopes will be a resurgent and remarkable 50th season.