Dairon Asprilla has named the Portland Timbers’ win over rivals Seattle Sounders in the 2018 Western Conference semifinals as his favorite memory at the club so far.
The Colombian forward is in his seventh year with the Timbers, during which time he’s helped his team reach three MLS Cup Playoffs finals, winning in 2015 and finishing runner-up in both 2018 and 2021.
Naturally, Asprilla has witnessed some incredible moments at Providence Park. However, it’s the Timbers’ trip to Seattle in the 2018 Playoffs that stands out the most to the 30-year-old, who scored and assisted in a 3-2 loss which ultimately secured a 4-4 draw and a penalty shootout – in which Asprilla netted the decisive kick.
“One of my favorite moments was winning against Seattle at their stadium in 2018, when I was able to help with a goal and an assist, as well as scoring the last penalty kick to punch a ticket into the MLS Cup final that year,” Asprilla said in a quickfire Q&A on the Portland Timbers website.
Asprilla has been something of a mercurial figure during his time with the Timbers, more often seen as someone who scores more important and flamboyant goals than one who can find the net on a regular basis.
However, you always know when it’s Asprilla who has scored thanks to his trademark backflip celebration.
It’ll come as no surprise to learn that if Asprilla hadn’t become a professional footballer, he would likely have pursuied a career in dancing.
“When I was a little kid, I would only think about playing around with kids until I played soccer for the first time and it changed my life. Aside from that, I like to dance and swim, so maybe something along those lines. I’m a little crazy but happy too, so maybe psychology as well,” he said.
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