The defending MLS Cup champion Portland Timbers began their title defense right where it left off with its high-octane trio of young internationals Fanendo Adi, Dairon Asprilla and Lucas Melano, providing some of the most exciting soccer on opening day in a 2-1 win over MLS Cup foe Columbus Crew SC. With all three players still filled with unloaded potential, another year under coach Caleb Porter could mean Portland is set for an MLS Cup repeat. The Timbers will look to further their strong start this Sunday when they take on the San Jose Earthquakes at Avaya Stadium (7 p.m. ET, FS1/FOX Deportes).
Adi has given the Timbers a large presence on the attack in more ways than one. The 6’4” Nigerian native possesses an impressive combination of strength and deftness with the ball evidenced by last season’s 16 goal campaign. Adi scored the eventual game winner on Sunday and seems to be coming into his own as he develops into one of the Timbers’ most reliable scorers. Originally from a small town in Nigeria, the striker grew up playing soccer barefoot with dreams of one day making it big. Adi ended up earning the chance of a lifetime after being selected in an open tryout to attend a soccer academy in Lagos. Adi quickly turned heads, eventually making his way around Europe before finally landing in the Rose City. The 25-year-old has found his footing with the Timbers, and his performances have caught the attention of his home country, earning his first call up to the Nigerian national team for Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers later this month.
Also defying the odds is Asprilla, the youngest of nine, who was first noticed by a local coach at the age of 10 in his hometown of Istmina, Colombia. Given the rare opportunity to train fully at a young age, Asprilla quickly rose in the ranks, eventually going on to play 71 games with Alianza Petolera in the Colombian top division Primera A, scoring 22 times. Since joining the Timbers in 2014, the quick and speedy winger has caused trouble for opponents down the wing and was no exception last Sunday, as his deflected shot off of Columbus goalkeeper Steve Clark fell to Adi for the game-winning finish.
First scouted by the Timbers in 2012, it was finally the right place and time for Argentine winger Melano to make his way to Portland in the summer of 2015. After a career in the Argentine Premier Division, which included a spell at Lanus – the same club fellow Timber Diego Valeri once suited up for – the Hernando native became another vital addition to a club brimming with South American talent. The 23-year-old didn’t miss a beat adapting to MLS, proving clutch in the postseason with a stoppage time goal in the Western Conference Championship against FC Dallas and an assist on Rodney Wallace’s game-winning goal in MLS Cup.
Also defying the odds is Asprilla, the youngest of nine, who was first noticed by a local coach at the age of 10 in his hometown of Istmina, Colombia. Given the rare opportunity to train fully at a young age, Asprilla quickly rose in the ranks, eventually going on to play 71 games with Alianza Petolera in the Colombian top division Primera A, scoring 22 times. Since joining the Timbers in 2014, the quick and speedy winger has caused trouble for opponents down the wing and was no exception last Sunday, as his deflected shot off of Columbus goalkeeper Steve Clark fell to Adi for the game-winning finish.
First scouted by the Timbers in 2012, it was finally the right place and time for Argentine winger Melano to make his way to Portland in the summer of 2015. After a career in the Argentine Premier Division, which included a spell at Lanus – the same club fellow Timber Diego Valeri once suited up for – the Hernando native became another vital addition to a club brimming with South American talent. The 23-year-old didn’t miss a beat adapting to MLS, proving clutch in the postseason with a stoppage time goal in the Western Conference Championship against FC Dallas and an assist on Rodney Wallace’s game-winning goal in MLS Cup.
By: Editor
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