Long before Portland Timbers forward Dairon Asprilla immortalized himself into MLS highlight reels with Sunday night’s 30-yard wonder strike, he was the centerpiece of Colombian second division side Alianza Petrolera’s attack. The pacey, 5-foot-10 winger lifted the club to its first ever promotion to Colombia’s Primera División in 2012, by scoring 10 goals in 33 matches, putting him second on the club’s all-time scoring list. Asprilla’s success caught the eye of Portland’s brass – which frequently taps into the South American player pool – and he signed with the club in December 2014, despite not knowing a word of English.
In stepped Colombian compatriot and teammate Diego Chara. In 2011, Chara made a virtually identical move – leaving Colombia for a city more than 4,000 miles away that he had never been to, forced to learn a language he didn’t know. But Chara adapted and assimilated, and if the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs are any indication, Asprilla is too. After recording just one goal and two assists in 26 appearances during the regular season, he has already turned in a goal and two assists in four playoff appearances.
In stepped Colombian compatriot and teammate Diego Chara. In 2011, Chara made a virtually identical move – leaving Colombia for a city more than 4,000 miles away that he had never been to, forced to learn a language he didn’t know. But Chara adapted and assimilated, and if the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs are any indication, Asprilla is too. After recording just one goal and two assists in 26 appearances during the regular season, he has already turned in a goal and two assists in four playoff appearances.
“My stay here has been much easier thanks to Diego Chara and his family, who were a magnificent support for me and my family,” Asprilla told Hablando Con in July. “It's something I'm very grateful to him for because despite not knowing me before, he showed me the way here and watched all my movements and helped me in everything we need."
With a 3-1 lead, Asprilla and Chara head to Texas to take on FC Dallas and its own Colombian contingent in the second leg of the Western Conference Championship on Sunday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m. ET (ESPN, ESPN Deportes, TSN2).
With a 3-1 lead, Asprilla and Chara head to Texas to take on FC Dallas and its own Colombian contingent in the second leg of the Western Conference Championship on Sunday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m. ET (ESPN, ESPN Deportes, TSN2).
By: Editor
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