For Diego Chará, yellow card record is just part of the job
The Timbers legend became MLS’ all-time leader in yellow cards the day before turning 40. He’s not sure the record-breaker was deserved, but after 16 seasons in Portland, he understands the job.
For what it’s worth, Diego Chará doesn’t think his record-breaking foul was warranted.
Portland’s midfielder had only been in the match against Vancouver for three minutes two weeks ago when he was shown the yellow card — his 124th in MLS play, breaking Kyle Beckerman’s record.
“I think half the yellow cards are not fair,” Chará said with a grin outside Portland’s training facility. “In my opinion, that one wasn’t. But that happens. It’s what the referee decides.”
Chará has given officials plenty to work with over his 16-year career with the Timbers. While the club captain has celebrated milestones like playing the most games for the Timbers and winning an MLS Cup, the meaning of this record brings with it a little bit of nuance.
On one hand, setting a record for getting booked the most isn’t exactly one Chará is ready to put on his resume. There are some bad fouls in there. But there were plenty of necessary ones, too. And after playing more MLS matches than all but eight players in league history, the midfielder was bound to find his way into the record book somewhere.
Remember: LeBron James has missed the most shots in NBA history, too.
“It’s not a record that a player is looking for,” Chará said. “But at the same time, it’s part of my position. I enjoy it because I have to be aggressive in a good way.
“It’s difficult for me to pick (a favorite), but I think any time I got a yellow card because maybe I stopped a transition, I think that’s a good yellow card.”
Chará’s card against Vancouver didn’t just set the record — it was his last foul as someone in his 30s. Chará, who has played 368 minutes and started four of Portland’s eight games, turned 40 the next morning.
And, other than suddenly being alone in MLS history, he said things don’t feel a whole lot different than they did before.
“The most difficult part right now is the recovery. It takes a little bit longer than before,” he said. “At the same time, having the opportunity to compete — that feels great.”
— Tyson Alger, The I-5 Corridor
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