On Tuesday we assessed the season that was for the Portland Timbers' goalkeepers and backline. Today we move up into the midfield and look at the Timbers' d-mids, attacking central midfielders, and wingers.
Diego Chara, A: The Timbers' original designated player keeps justifying his status as the club's first big-time signing. Chara started the season strong in the 4-2-3-1 despite playing with a variety of central-midfield partners. But the most impressive moments of Chara's season came when the Timbers shifted to the inverted 4-3-3, isolating Chara in front of the backline and asking the typically aggressive ball-winner to disrupt opposing attacks, protect Zone 14, and maintain the team's shape without the full-time benefit of a running mate.