BEAVERTON, Ore. — It was one week before Club América arrived in Portland, and Cristhian Paredes and Josecarlos Van Rankin were waiting for an interview beside the Timbers’ training field. But both players have been a part of North America’s biggest soccer rivalry, América versus Chivas de Guadalajara, giving each a view on the Timbers’ next Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League opponent.
“They are the biggest club in Mexico,” Parades, a former América player, said, nodding at Van Rankin. Van Rankin is currently on loan from Chivas.
The grandiosity Paredes emphasized is part of any match against Las Aguilas.