A Love Letter to El Ciclista: Thanks for the Memories

Saturday against Minnesota FC was Darion Asprilla's final game in a Portland Timbers uniform. After 10 seasons with the club, Asprilla, one of the longest-tenured Timbers, will move on to the next chapter of his career. 

A Love Letter to El Ciclista: Thanks for the Memories

One of the most exciting and enigmatic players in club history, Asprilla was the physical embodiment of the Timber Army's spirit and exuberant nature. He is one of the most charismatic players in league history, even in his last game, and Asprilla couldn't resist adding to his TImber's lore.

He assisted Johnathan Rodriguez in the game-winning goal that erased a 2-0 deficit and continued the Timber's seven-game unbeaten streak. Even his last moments in a Timber's uniform were magical, which is why the Colombian was, and will always be, a club cult hero.

His emotional last game came after rumors were confirmed and broke earlier in the week that Asprilla would return to his boyhood and hometown club, Atletico Nacional, in Colombia's Categoria Primera A. Jeremy Peterman from Cascadia FC reported that Asprilla wanted an extension to end his career in Portland.

Unfortunately, neither side could agree on a new deal. Regardless of what happened, the memory and impact Asprillas has left will be everlasting. 

The Portland Timbers' story can not be told without Darion Asprilla, as some of the most significant moments in franchise history involved the 32-year-old. He played in all three of Portland's appearances in MLS Cup (2015, 2018, 2021) and had monumental moments in those playoff runs. His nickname was Mr. October, after all. 

His stunning goal against Dallas FC in the 2015 MLS Western Conference Finals gave Portland a 2-0 lead and an eventual 3-1 win en route to the 2015 MLS Cup win, which gave Portland their very first MLS trophy. It was the first great moment in the Legend of Asprilla. 

In the 2018 MLS Western Conference Finals against archnemesis Seattle Sounders, Asprilla assisted and scored in two crucial goals and was the clinching penalty in the penalty shoot-out that sent Portland to their second MLS Cup appearance. 

Dairon is also the author of two of the most extraordinary and jaw-dropping bicycle-kick goals in MLS history, the first of which came against the San Jose Earthquakes in 2021. This goal was heard around the league as Asprilla's creativity and athleticism were showcased for the world to see. It was Dairon's magnum opus. The legend of Asprilla continued to grow. 

Asprilla's second mesmerizing bicycle kick came in 2023, against the Sounders (again), in one of the few highlights of a lowlight season. Tied 1-1 in the 71st minute, Asprilla's goal spurred the Timbers to score three goals in 20 minutes. Dairon was magic and became synonymous with the bicycle kick, hence his second nickname, El Ciclista. 

Along with his highlight reel plays, Darion has statistically left his mark in Portland. Asprilla is one of five players in Timbers History to make 200 appearances for the club. The other three are Darlington Nagbe, Diego Chara, Sebastian Blanco, and Diego Valeri. Elite company. 

At his departure, Darion was tied for fourth in club history with 39 goals, tied with Felipe Mora. His last assist gave him 22, tied for fifth in club history. When combined, Darion is fourth in club history with 61 goal contributions, only behind Valeri (178), Sebastian Blanco (97), and Fanendoo Adi (74). In 17 playoff games, Aasprilla had four goals and four assists. However you cut it, Asprilla has been crucial to Portland's success since 2015. 

But perhaps more important than his impact on the field was Asprilla's impact on the Timbers' Army. The Army's love and admiration for Darion made him a club cult legend and a player who will live forever with the club.

His charismatic personality and unpredictable play on the field drew the Timbers' Army to someone like Asprilla. When he was on the field, you never knew what would happen, and that is what made him so special and loved. 

In spirit, Asprilla is irreplaceable. Darion has left his mark on one of the most historic clubs in MLS. Asprilla jerseys will be seen at Providence Park for generations. Portland dads, moms, grandpas, and grandmas will tell their kids and grandkids stories about the legends and lore of Darion Asprilla. 

He will certainly have great moments and make memories with Atletico National. Still, when El Ciclista decides to hang them up, he will undoubtedly be added to the Ring of Honor at Providence Park, a venue that was filled with so much joy because of Mr. October.