PORTLAND, Ore. – Diego Chara’s reputation is built on being a destroyer, a ballhawk – a No. 6 whose tenacity in the tackle and explosion on the counter attack, together, may be unparalleled in Major League Soccer. But along the path of the Portland Timbers’ 2018 season, Chara’s responsibilities are starting to morph. Suddenly, the Colombian midfielder is playing as much time in higher up the field, in a No. 8’s role, than in the team’s deepest midfield spot.
“The position I’m in right now, it’s a little different,” Chara said, two weeks ago, “but I believe the things I’m being asked to do are the same on the field: try to win the ball back; try to maintain a balance between defense and attack.