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Portland Timbers’ MLS Cup 2015: Where are they now?

By Matt Coles

PORTLAND, OR - AUGUST 04: Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Valeri celebrates the first goal of the night during the Portland Timbers victory over the Philadelphia Union On August 4, 2018, at Providence Park, Portland, OR (Photo by Diego Diaz/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).
PORTLAND, OR - AUGUST 04: Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Valeri celebrates the first goal of the night during the Portland Timbers victory over the Philadelphia Union On August 4, 2018, at Providence Park, Portland, OR (Photo by Diego Diaz/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images). /
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WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 15: Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Chara pushes D.C. United forward Paul Arriola (7) off the ball during a MLS match between D.C United and the Portland Timbers, on August 15, 2018, at Audi Field, in Washington, D.C.D.C. United defeated the Portland Timbers 4-1.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 15: Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Chara pushes D.C. United forward Paul Arriola (7) off the ball during a MLS match between D.C United and the Portland Timbers, on August 15, 2018, at Audi Field, in Washington, D.C.D.C. United defeated the Portland Timbers 4-1.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

DM – Diego Chara – Portland Timbers

One of the key parts of the Portland side, both in 2015, and still to this day, is Diego Chara, who played 32 times in the holding midfield role as the Timbers won the MLS Cup. The 33-year-old started his playing career in his native Colombia, spending five seasons with Deportes Quindío, the side he spent his youth career with.

Chara then spent a season with América de Cali before moving to Deportes Tolima for the 2010 season. He spent two seasons with the side, scoring five times in 51 league games for Tolima. During his time with Tolima, the defensive midfielder made his international debut for Colombia. He earned a second cap before retiring from international football.

In April 2011, Chara became Portland’s first-ever Designated Player, when he made the move to MLS from his home country. Since then, the Colombian has played over 250 times for Portland, and has helped them reached the playoffs on four occasions, including their first post-season trip in 2013.

Chara was an integral part of their three-man midfield in the 2015 success, playing in four of the six post-season matches, as the Timbers lifted the trophy. He remains part of the backbone of the Portland side in MLS and was part of the team that reached the MLS Cup final last season.

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