DARIO ZUPARIC NEWS

On bench against Nashville Zuparic (knee) is on the bench for Saturday's visit to Nashville.

Impact Zuparic has been included in the match squad for the first time this season following his forced absence for the last couple of games. The central man was a consistent starter in 2024, so he could eventually regain a spot in the back line over Finn Surman or Ian Smith. In that case, Zuparic would be reliable for his recent averages of 4.1 clearances, 1.7 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per match.

MARCH 8 • ROTOWIRE

Surprisingly questionable Zuparic (knee) is questionable for Saturday's trip to Nashville, per the MLS injury report.

Impact Zuparic was originally expected to be out until early April, but surprisingly he's questionable Saturday. It's a nice sign for the defender, who should compete for starts when he's back to full fitness.

MARCH 7 • ROTOWIRE

Out for the time being Zuparic picked up a knee injury that is considered significant, coach Phil Neville confirmed in a press conference, as reported by Jeremy Peterman. "Dario has a bad injury."

Impact Zuparic is expected to miss time due to a significant knee injury. His return timeline is currently unclear, but he could be sidelined for the next few matches. Finn Surman is likely to receive increased playing time in his absence.

FEBRUARY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Out with knee injury Zuparic (knee) is out for Sunday's match against Vancouver.

Impact Zuparic will not make the call for Sunday's opener, with the defender dealt a knee injury. He did start in 25 of his 29 appearances last season, so this is a tough loss. He will hope for a return soon, with Miguel Araujo as a possible replacement until he returns.

FEBRUARY 22 • ROTOWIRE

Defensive masterclass Zuparic registered two tackles (one won), six clearances and two interceptions in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Seattle Sounders FC.

Impact Zuparic led the Portland Timbers' defensive effort Saturday with six clearances, helping Portland hang on to draw 1-1 with Seattle. In addition to leading the team in clearances, Zuparic made two tackles (one won) and two interceptions. The veteran defender contributed to six clean sheets over his 28 appearances (24 starts) in 2024. The 28 appearances are the least for the durable defender since his inaugural 2020 season with Portland when he made 24 appearances (23 starts).

OCTOBER 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Eligible to return this weekend Zuparic completed his one-game suspension and will be eligible to face Vancouver on Saturday.

Impact Zuparic has started in 20 of his 24 appearances for Portland this season, and the defender should be eligible to return for this derby against the Whitecaps in a new edition of the Cascadia Cup. Zuparic has started in every MLS match he's been available for since May 12, so he's a near lock to return to the side in this upcoming contest. He's averaging 3.8 clearances, 2.0 interceptions, 1.0 blocked shots and 1.8 tackles per game over his last five outings.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Given ban Zuparic had three tackles (one won), three clearances and three interceptions in Wednesday's 4-2 win over Los Angeles Galaxy. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 13th mi...

Impact Zuparic had picked up a yellow card in each of the last five matches and is set for a one match suspension. He had started the last 19 games in a row, totaling 34 tackles, 22 interceptions and 89 clearances in that span. A few changes to the starting XI will likely happen, with Claudio Bravo likely to start at left back, with Kamal Miller an option to move to center back for Saturday.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Leads backline to clean sheet Zuparic registered two tackles (two won) and seven clearances in Saturday's 1-0 victory versus Seattle Sounders FC.

Impact Zuparic was crucial to the Portland clean sheet effort Saturday as they defeated Seattle 1 - 0. The veteran defender's seven clearances were tied four a team-high, and he also registered two blocks. Zuparic has started 16 successive matches for Portland and continues to be central in their defensive efforts.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Decent defensively Zuparic had three tackles (one won), seven clearances and two interceptions in Thursday's 3-2 loss to FC Dallas.

Impact Zuparic saw a decent match even though his team took the loss, as he provided two interceptions, three tackles and a match-leading seven clearances. This marks his 11th straight start, with the defender continuing as a mainstay in the middle of the defense.

JULY 5, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Earns clean sheet in win Zuparic recorded two tackles (two won), four clearances and one interception in Wednesday's 2-0 win versus Austin FC.

Impact Zuparic played his fifth consecutive match as part of a back four that finally kept an opponent off the score sheet. The defender is averaging 3.9 clearances and 2.6 tackles per game when in the starting lineup. He'll aim to improve those numbers if he retains the spot, with clean sheet chances still far from guaranteed for his team.

MAY 30, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Out Saturday Zuparic (not injury related) is out for Saturday's clash with LAFC, according to the MLS injury report.

Impact Zuparic is out Saturday, though it's not an injury related absence. It's not clear what the issue is for Zuparic, but this will be his second match in a row on the sideline. Miguel Araujo and Kamal Miller should pair in central defense Saturday.

APRIL 12, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Plays huge role Zuparic made 31 appearances (all starts) in 2023, scoring and assisting once.

Impact Zuparic was as reliable as he has been for the last four seasons, one of the first names on the team sheet and an anchor in the backline. The defender is showing no signs of slowing down and remains under contract for 2024, where he will be a crucial piece of the defensive unit.

JANUARY 5, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Clears suspension Zuparic served his one-match suspension and will be eligible for Sep 17 clash with Austin F.C.

Impact Zuparic is expected to return to the lineup against Austin following his one-match suspension. He's started and played all 90 minutes the last 12 games in a row, totaling an assist with 34 clearances, 17 interceptions and eight blocks in that span.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up suspension Zuparic was shown a yellow card during Sunday's two-all draw with Seattle and will be handed a one-match ban.

Impact Zuparic has now earned three yellow cards in four matches on the way to getting suspended. The central defender will miss a Saturday clash with LAFC due to the ban. Zuparic's first chance to return is a Sept. 17 trip to Austin.

SEPTEMBER 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Assists opener in win Zuparic assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Saturday's 3-2 victory over Columbus Crew.

Impact Zuparic recorded his first assist of the season Saturday as he found Dairon Asprilla in the 28th minute to open up the scoring. It was the only chance he created in the match to go with two tackles, one interception and one blocked shot in his full 90 minutes of action.

JULY 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Returning from suspension Zuparic will be available for selection in next weekend's clash against the Sounders after serving a one-game suspension.

Impact Zuparic missed Saturday's loss to Sporting KC while suspended for yellow card accumulation, but he should take back over from Larrys Mabiala to start in central defense versus Seattle next weekend.

MAY 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Suspended against Kansas City Zuparic will miss next weekend's clash against Sporting KC with a suspension for yellow card accumulation.

Impact Zuparic picked up his fifth booking of the season in Saturday's defeat against Minnesota United, meaning he will be suspended for next weekend's game. Larrys Mabiala should replace him in central defense for the match.

MAY 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Records six clearances Zuparic registered six clearances in Thursday's 0-0 draw against Real Salt Lake.

Impact May continues to be a good month for Zuparic. He began it by logging his first goal of 2023. During the Portland team's next two games, its opponent scored only one goal. Zuparic helped limit damage by logging 14 clearances during that two-game span.

MAY 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Scores in draw Zuparic scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Austin FC. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 87th minute.

Impact Zuparic scored his first goal of the season Saturday, a header in the 33rd minute assisted by Evander with a cross. It was his only shot in the match to go with one interception and five clearances in his full 90 minutes of action. He also picked up a yellow card in the 87th minute, his fourth booking of the season.

MAY 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Starting Saturday Zuparic (illness) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash with St. Louis.

Impact Zuparic returns to the starting XI on Saturday after missing one match with an illness. The defender partners Zac McGraw in central defense as expected, with Larrys Mabiala falling back to the bench.

APRIL 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Back in training Zuparic (illness) has cleared the health and safety protocols and returned to training with the Timbers this week, The Oregonian's Ryan Clarke reported Wednesday.

Impact Zuparic missed last weekend's loss to Cincinnati with an illness, but he should be able to return to the squad to face St. Louis City on Saturday, likely as a starter back alongside Zac McGraw in central defense.

APRIL 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Will miss Cincinnati game Zuparic has been ruled out of Saturday's clash against FC Cincinnati after entering the health and safety protocols.

Impact Zuparic has started all eight of the Timbers' matches this season, keeping two clean sheets alongside Zac McGraw in central defense. Larrys Mabiala should replace him in the XI against Cincinnati this weekend.

APRIL 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Totals five clearances Zuparic recorded three tackles (three won) and five clearances in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus FC Dallas.

Impact Zuparic recorded a season-high of clearances to give him a total of 12 thus far. This brings his average a match to two, which is low for a center back. He also only recorded 97 clearances in 30 appearances in 2022, following a season where he had generated 139.

APRIL 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Keeps clean sheet in win Zuparic made two blocks and three clearances in Monday's 1-0 victory against Sporting KC. He also took a shot in the match.

Impact Zuparic returned to the XI for Monday's season opener against Kansas City, and he kept a clean sheet alongside Zac McGraw in central defense.

FEBRUARY 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Suspended against RSL Zuparic will miss next weekend's clash against Real Salt Lake with a suspension for yellow card accumulation.

Impact Zuparic picked up a booking in Sunday's defeat against LAFC and will now be suspended for Decision Day. He has started in 22 of Portland's last 23 MLS games dating back to early May in central defense, but Zac McGraw is likely to replace him in the XI as the Timbers try to book a spot in the playoffs next weekend.

OCTOBER 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE