It took a while, but the Green and Gold finally have their new number eight.
The club wrapped up a prolonged search for a new midfielder and successor to club legend Diego Chara, who will likely transition to a substitute role going forward, earlier this month, signing Joao Ortiz to a three-year deal. Portland was reportedly focused on addressing the need with an open Designated Player spot last summer, but nothing came to fruition, and they ended up getting their guy using Targeted Allocation Money instead.
Ortiz, 28, arrives with a pedigree of success under his belt. He won four trophies in three years at arguably the most prestigious club in his native Ecuador, Independiente del Valle. His impressive performances led him to winning a regular role with his national team in 2023, where he’s made nine appearances for La Tricolor so far. Most recently, he recorded a career high this past year in assists.
The right profile for Ortiz is as a ball-winning midfielder with a strong, athletic frame. He ranks in the 99th percentile for his aerial duels, a critical strength in addressing the Timbers’ struggles with set-piece defense in 2024. Once he wins the ball, he can drive it forward and make the right pass to transition his team forward. In a league as physical as MLS, these skills become even more valuable, too.
Another plus is that he fits well with U22 initiative player David Ayala. Together, they could operate as a double pivot, with Ayala providing defensive cover and Ortiz using his passing range to help drive the attack, offering balance and flexibility in the midfield. Both players bring pace and quickness, something lacking at the center of the pitch in recent years, and you have to wonder if that will be key to rejuvenating things there.
Change can be difficult, especially when transitioning from a club legend, but it is necessary. Props can be given to the front office that has been proactive in finding solutions quickly. Will this move pan out? Only time will tell, but it’s exciting, that’s for sure.
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