PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers tried a similar tactic last year, when the team used Targeted Allocation Money to bolster their defensive with the acquisition of Claude Dielna. There were uncertainties in the early months, but by the end of the season, the plan’s general goal came through. He was a central defender who’s going to come in and defend and compete with the other players on the depth chart.
Consider that lens when looking at Dario Zuparic, a slightly younger player than the newly departed Dielna but one who addresses similar needs and goals.