New Portland Timbers winger/forward Dairon Asprilla arrives in Portland excited for the next step. At 22, he has come a long way from his Istmina, Colombia hometown to push himself in the next phase of his career.
“In Colombia, there is a lot of competition but here it is different, because everything is new,” he said through a translator. “I have to give my best and work to contribute to the team.”
The youngest of a large family--he has the names of all eight of his siblings tattooed on the inside of his right forearm--Asprilla was first spotted at the age of 10 by a local coach who gave him the opportunity to train and play football. A quick and incisive player, Asprilla went on to play 71 games with Alianza Petolera in the Colombian top division Primera A scoring 22 times—often with some pretty stylish goal celebrations.
“Any time you score there’s a lot of happiness and joy involved, and so for me, I like to dance the salsa,” said Asprilla with a smile.
Coming to Portland as part of a busy December that saw the Timbers also acquire former RSL defender
Nat Borchers
, Ghanaian World Cup goalkeeper
Adam Kwarasey
, and Brazilian defender
Jeanderson
, Asprilla is eager to begin his Portland experience.
“I am really happy to have the opportunity to grow as a person and as a professional,” said Asprilla.
With a number of Spanish-speaking teammates on the roster including fellow Colombian
Diego Chara
, as well as Argentines
Diego Valeri
,
Gastón Fernández
,
Norberto Paparatto
, and
Maximiliano Urruti
, Asprilla knows that they will help with the transition into the club. Prior to arriving in Portland, he spent time talking with Valeri about what to expect.
“He gave me a lot of great advice and said that the biggest thing is the team is all here to support me on the field,” said Asprilla. “I know that the team is really well organized and trying to achieve great things."
While Asprilla will tackle learning English as well as unlocking MLS defenses, he believes that there is a larger challenge for him ahead as he begins his time with the Timbers.
“The biggest challenge is always growing. In every step, there is something to gain and learn from it.”
