Despite all the Colombian talent in MLS, it's been some years since a player in this league has been selected by los Cafeteros for a meaningful game.
That all changed on Thursday as Colombia head coach Leonel Álvarez called Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Chara for a World Cup qualifier next month.
Former Dallas Burn and New England Revolution star Álvarez named Chara to his 23-man roster set to face Bolivia on Oct. 11 for Colombia's first game in this qualifying cycle at the Hernando Siles stadium in La Paz.
Before the call, Chara had expressed confidence that his time would come.
"I think we may have new opportunities," Chara told FutbolMLS.com last week. "Leonel has played in the United States in MLS and knows that the level has changed, and that may present an opportunity for Colombians who are playing here."
Full Colombian roster
Goalkeepers: David Ospina (Nice/France), Bréiner Castillo (Independiente Medellín/Colombia), Róbinson Zapata (Deportivo Pereira/Colombia).
Defenders: Amaranto Perea (Atlético Madrid/Spain), Mario Yepes (AC Milan/Italy), Aquivaldo Mosquera (Club América/Mexico), Cristian Zapata (Villarreal/Spain), Pablo Armero (Udinese/Italy), Camilo Zúñiga (Napoli/Italy), Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (Udinese/Italy), Juan David Valencia (Junior/Colombia).
Midfielders: Freddy Guarín (FC Porto/Portugal), Carlos Sánchez (Valenciennes/France), Abel Aguilar (Hércules/Spain), James Rodríguez (FC Porto/Portugal), Diego Chara (Portland Timbers), Dorlan Pabón (Nacional/Colombia).
Forwards: Teófilo Gutiérrez (Racing Club/Argentina), Adrián Ramos (Hertha Berlin/Germany), Giovanni Moreno (Racing Club/Argentina), Radamel Falcao García (Atlético Madrid/Spain), Jackson Martínez (Jaguares de Chiapas/Mexico), Dayro Moreno (Club Tijuana/Mexico).
