Valeri had a record-setting nine-year career with the Portland Timbers and is considered one of the greatest players of all time.
PORTLAND, Ore. — He was perhaps the greatest Portland Timbers player to wear a uniform during the Major League Soccer era and will soon be inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame. Diego Valeri gave his all to the club for nine years and immediately won MLS Rookie of the Year after arriving from his native Argentina in 2013.
The Timbers had no intention of letting him go. And for Valerie, his wife and young daughter, Portland felt right.
“The (Pacific) Northwest, we didn’t know anything about it. But it was exciting for us to come here and see what life was like here,” Valeri said. Ta. We fell in love with this city. ”
Diego Valeri, a midfielder who seemed to be able to do it all, earned the title “El Maestro” during his nearly 10-year stay with the team.
After injuring his ACL at the end of the 2014 regular season, Valeri returned in 2015 and led the Timbers to MLS Cup.
The Portland star scored his first goal of the championship game off a clearance by the opposing goalie. The goal, which came 27 seconds into the game, was the fastest goal in cup history.
The Portland Timbers won their first ever MLS Cup championship, and Valeri was named Most Valuable Player.
Valeri’s greatness on the pitch cannot be denied. 2017 was his best season statistically. He scored a career-high 27 goals and also had 11 assists, setting a league record for scoring in nine consecutive games.
“And my team was about creating chances and scoring goals, right? And like I said, ‘OK, we’re the Portland Timbers and we’re going to compete. We’re going to compete.’ That’s the mentality.”
But for Valerie, it was always about the team, and teamwork.
One of the most fulfilling years was 2020. Portland played in Orlando, Florida as MLS resumed competition amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Valeri captained the Timbers to victory in the MLS is Back tournament, which had no fans in the stands but was attended by many of his teammates.
“And we played in a bubble for 45 days or two months as a whole team there and were really focused on winning that trophy. And we did that.” Valerie recalled.
Valeri remains the club’s top scorer in all competitions, with 100 goals under his belt. He is also the all-time assist leader with 100 assists.
After his career with the Timbers, Valeri spent some time living and playing in Argentina. But then he and his family moved back here and reconnected.
“We decided to come to Portland and live here because we love this city. You know, we decided this is America’s place to live,” he said. Ta.
Timber great Soccer City USA’s Diego Valeri is now a member of the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame.
“It’s an honor for me. “I’m honored because I’ve received a lot of love from this place, from this city, and I wanted to play soccer and give back. That’s what I know how to do.” he said.
The Night of Champions induction ceremony will be held next Tuesday, October 29th at 7:00 pm at the Reser Center for the Arts. Tickets can be purchased from the Sport Oregon website while they are still valid.
