The Portland Timbers came up with a big win Sunday evening, defeating FC Dallas 1-0 at home. Midfielder Diego Chara helped lead the way with trademark energetic play throughout, helping spark the counter that led to Brian Fernandez' game-winning tally, leading the team with six tackles and threw in two clearances and an interception to boot.
His play didn't show up on the scoresheet but it was essential to the victory. Portland head coach Giovanni Savarese was effusive in his praise.
“I think this was his best performance since I’ve been here," he said after the match. "I think today he brought the level of play a lot higher. He defended in a way with sacrifice, with quality, being smart and offensively he was the one that started a lot of the counter attacks. Chara is very important for us and he was incredible today.”
MLS agreed and named Chara to the Team of the Week for Week 17.
Team of the Week: Justin Meram (ATL), Wayne Rooney (DC), Valentin Castellanos (NYC), Valeri "Vako" Qazaishvili (SJ), Jan Gregus (MIN), Diego Chara (POR), Maxi Moralez (NYC), Sam Vines (COL), Ike Opara (MIN), Kelvin Leerdam (SEA), Luis Robles (RBNY)
Coach: Matias Almeyda (SJ)
Bench: Zac MacMath (VAN), Justen Glad (RSL), Nani (ORL), Tommy Thompson (SJ), Darwin Quintero (MIN), Orji Okwonkwo (MTL), Teal Bunbury (NE)
For more information about the Audi Player Index, visit mlssoccer.com/audi.
The Team of the Week presented by Audi is voted on by the MLSsoccer.com editorial staff.
