Courtesy: Portland Timbers FC
You know when Inter Miami flew north to play Toronto FC in minus-300 degree weather last April that then-Miami head coach Phil Neville wished he had superstar DP’s like Lorenzo Insigne or Federico Bernardeschi. If he wanted to, he could now take one of them off TFC’s hands. Just saying.
Just days after acquiring Canadian international defender Kamal Miller in a trade with Inter Miami, the Portland Timbers have made some changes to their roster ahead of the Phil Neville era. Yimmi Chara has left the Rose City for Colombian top-flight side Junior FC, opening up two Designated Player spots on their roster after Portland declined striker Jaroslaw Niezgoda’s 2024 contract option.
Chara, who joined the Timbers in 2020, leaves the club with 15 goals and 29 assists in 102 regular-season games. He previously played for Junior FC from 2017-18 and has also represented Colombia’s national team on 16 occasions.
With Chara’s departure, the Timbers have star midfielder Evander as their only remaining Designated Player. They also have key attacking players such as veteran striker Felipe Mora and U22 Initiative signings Antony and Santiago Moreno.
It’s not that far fetched to think that Neville might be inclined to ask ownership how they would feel about splurging for Bernardeschi who clearly wants to win now and despite all the rumours of a return to Italy, very much enjoys the relaxed North American lifestyle. One can assume based on Oregon’s cannabis tolerance that they may also be more kind to vapers.
Neville’s first official match as head coach of the Timbers will be on February 24 against the Chris Armas’ Colorado Rapids.
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