Mike Chabala

Mike Chabala

Personal information
Full name	Michael Shaun Chabala
Date of birth	May 24, 1984 (1984-05-24)
Place of birth	Fresno, California, United States
Height	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Playing position	Defender
Club information
Current club	Portland Timbers
Number	4
Youth career
2002–2005	Washington Huskies
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2004	Yakima Reds	5	(2)
2005	Fresno Fuego	3	(0)
2006–2011	Houston Dynamo	47	(1)
2006	→ Portland Timbers (loan)	9	(0)
2009	→ Austin Aztex (loan)	2	(0)
2011–	Portland Timbers	14	(1)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of October 27, 2011. † Appearances (Goals).

Mike Chabala (born May 20, 1984 in Fresno, California) is an American soccer player who currently plays for the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer.

Career

College and Amateur

Chabala played college soccer at the University of Washington, and also played with in the USL Premier Development League with both Yakima Reds and his hometown team, Fresno Fuego.

Professional

Chabala was drafted in the fourth round (44th overall) of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft by Houston Dynamo. He was sent on loan to the Portland Timbers of the USL First Division during his first year with the Dynamo, making nine appearances.

Having spent two years with Dynamo's reserves (where he made 24 starts and registered 12 assists, leading the MLS Reserve Division in 2007), Chabala finally made his full professional debut for Dynamo on 10 July 2007, in a US Open Cup third round game against Charleston Battery. He made his second first team appearance on 1 July 2008, again in a US Open Cup third round game against Charleston Battery. He also played on 28 November 2008, in a CONCACAF Champions League game against C.D. Luis Ángel Firpo, a game in which he played a full 90 minutes.

After four years on the Houston roster, Chabala finally made his MLS debut on April 11, 2009 as an 80th minute substitute for Wade Barrett in a game against the New York Red Bulls - and was given a red card for a 'serious foul play' 13 minutes later.

He was sent on loan to Austin Aztex on June 16, 2009. He returned in July and has set career highs for games, starts, and minutes in the 2009 season.

On July 21, 2011, Chabala was traded to the Portland Timbers along with Lovel Palmer for Adam Moffat and allocation money. Impressive performances and his interaction with club supporters have made him a fast favorite with Portland fans.

See also

• List of current MLS players

External links

• MLS player profile