C. Paredes, Portland Timbers, Midfielder, #17: Player Profile & Career
When you watch C. Paredes in the middle of the pitch for the Portland Timbers, you’re not just seeing a steady midfielder. You notice a player who’s grown into a key part of the squad since he arrived from Club América and started wearing the number 17 shirt.
He’s got that mix of defensive discipline and the drive to push forward and create scoring chances. Honestly, it’s not easy to find a midfielder who can do both well.
You can trace his journey from Paraguay to Mexico, and now to MLS, where he’s built consistency year after year. At 27, Paredes keeps shaping games with timely tackles and sharp passing.
He’s got an eye for goal when it matters. His recent strikes in the 2025 Leagues Cup really show how he thrives against both MLS and Liga MX opponents.
When you look at his path, you see international experience adding to his profile. He’s represented Paraguay at both youth and senior levels, and that maturity comes through in his game.
With a contract extension through 2025, he’s become a fixture in Portland’s midfield. You probably want to keep an eye on him as the season unfolds.
For context, he never played college soccer. Instead, he turned pro as a teenager in Paraguay and took his shot abroad.
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C. Paredes at Portland Timbers
You see a midfielder who’s grown into a steady presence for the Timbers, balancing defensive work with timely goals. Cristhian Fabián Paredes Maciel came up through Club Sol de América and later Club América, and he’s really settled into MLS with the green and gold.
Squad Role and Shirt Number
C. Paredes plays as a central midfielder, often in a box-to-box role. You’ll spot him filling defensive gaps, then making late runs into the box.
He balances physicality and composure, which makes him a reliable option in the middle third.
He wears the #17 shirt for Portland Timbers. That number’s become part of his identity since he arrived in 2018.
For a team that’s rotated midfielders over the years, his role has stayed steady.
At 27, Paredes brings both experience and energy. You’ll find him trusted in high-pressure matches, like Leagues Cup and MLS playoffs.
His presence lets Portland shift between systems without losing stability in midfield.
Key Contributions and Highlights
You can track Paredes’ impact through goals, assists, and appearances. He has a knack for stepping up in big games.
In 2025, he scored against LAFC on July 25, then added another in the Leagues Cup against Querétaro on August 2. That’s just classic Paredes—showing up when it counts (Timbers profile).
Here’s a quick look at his recent MLS production:
| Season | Matches Played | Goals | Assists | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Ongoing | 2 | 0 | Goals vs LAFC, Querétaro |
| 2024 | 20+ | 0 | 3 | Assists vs Colorado, Vancouver |
| 2023 | 25+ | 2 | 2 | Goal vs LAFC, assist vs Seattle |
| 2022 | 27 | 2 | 3 | Regular starter |
You might remember his highlight in 2019, when he scored twice against LA Galaxy and earned MLS Team of the Week honors. Performances like that have built his reputation as a dependable contributor.
Contract and Transfer Details
Portland brought Paredes in on loan from Club América in 2018, then made the deal permanent in 2020. Since then, he’s become one of the longest-serving midfielders on the roster.
In March 2022, he signed a contract extension through 2025, with a club option for 2026 (MLS announcement). That move showed Portland’s confidence in his long-term value.
He started his pro career with Sol de América in Paraguay, then moved to Mexico’s Club América, where he made just a handful of appearances before heading to MLS. His career path really shows steady progress—from Paraguay’s Primera División to Liga MX, and now to a central spot in Portland.
Unlike many MLS players, Paredes never played college soccer. He came up through professional academies, which gave him valuable experience early on. You can see that composure in his play today.
Career Achievements and Notable Matches
Cristhian Paredes has built a solid career with the Portland Timbers by delivering key goals, timely assists, and steady midfield play. His performances in MLS, domestic cups, and international tournaments show a player who delivers in important moments.
He came up at Sol de América, then moved to Club América, and since joining Portland, he’s become a reliable figure.
Goals and Assists in MLS
You can follow Paredes’ impact through his scoring and playmaking numbers. Since 2018, he’s put together multiple seasons with both goals and assists, often stepping up against rivals like LAFC and Seattle.
He earned MLS Team of the Week in 2019 after scoring twice against LA Galaxy. That year, he also picked up assists against Chicago and Columbus, showing his versatility.
In 2023, he added goals against LAFC and San Jose, and kept setting up teammates in big games.
Selected MLS Stats
| Season | Goals | Assists | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 3 | 18 |
| 2019 | 4 | 2 | 28 |
| 2020 | 0 | 1 | 17 |
| 2021 | 2 | 3 | 22 |
| 2022 | 2 | 3 | 27 |
| 2023 | 2 | 2 | 24 |
| 2024 | 0 | 3 | 20 |
| 2025* | 2 | — | Ongoing |
*2025 stats through August
Performance in Leagues Cup and Other Tournaments
Paredes has made an impact in cup competitions too. In the 2020 MLS is Back Tournament, he helped Portland lift the trophy, playing steady minutes in midfield.
He’s often chipped in with goals or assists in knockout competitions. In the 2025 Leagues Cup, he scored against Querétaro and earlier netted against LAFC, proving he can finish against Liga MX sides.
The year before, he picked up assists against Colorado and Vancouver in the tournament.
His history goes beyond MLS. With Club América, he played in the Copa MX in 2017 and scored a stoppage-time equalizer against Santos Laguna.
Before that, he got early international club experience with six matches in the Copa Sudamericana for Sol de América.
Recognition and Awards
Recognition has followed his performances. In 2019, he made the MLS Team of the Week after his brace against the Galaxy—a real highlight in his league career.
His biggest team honor came when Portland won the MLS is Back Tournament in 2020. He played a role in the midfield rotation during that run.
While he hasn’t stacked up a big list of individual awards, his consistency has kept him in the lineup season after season.
On the international side, Paredes has earned senior caps for Paraguay, including a start in a 2019 win over Jordan. He also played for Paraguay’s U-17 and U-20 squads, which shows coaches trusted him early.
Again, he never played college soccer. He went straight from Sol de América into the pro system, and that shaped his early career.
Professional Journey and Transfers
Cristhian Paredes has built his career step by step. He moved from Paraguay’s domestic league to Mexico’s top division, and finally settled into a long-term role in Major League Soccer with Portland.
His path shows steady growth, consistent playing time, and the trust of clubs willing to invest in his development.
Early Career in Paraguay
You first saw Paredes rise in the Paraguayan Primera División with Club Sol de América. He made his debut in 2016 as a teenager and quickly earned a starting spot.
His ability to read the game and help on both sides of the ball made him stand out right away.
That season, he played 30 matches, all as a starter, and scored 4 goals. For a young midfielder, those numbers showed real maturity.
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Sol de América | 30 | 4 |
His performances caught the eye of bigger clubs in South America. While Club Olimpia and others tracked him, it was Mexico’s Club América that made the move for him.
Move to Club América and Liga MX
When he moved to Club América in 2017, it marked a big step up. América, one of the giants in Liga MX, signed him after his breakout year in Paraguay.
They saw him as a long-term project with potential to develop into a regular starter.
He didn’t get much league time but did play in the Copa MX, where he scored once in two matches. América then loaned him to Atlético Zacatepec, a second-tier Mexican club, so he could get more minutes.
That period tested him. Competition at América was fierce, with established midfielders ahead of him.
Still, his experience in Mexico exposed him to a faster tempo and tougher tactical demands—things that shaped his next move.
Loan and Permanent Transfer to Portland Timbers
Back in February 2018, you saw Paredes make the move to the Portland Timbers on loan from Club América. He jumped right into MLS, starting 18 matches that season and showing off his flexibility as a box-to-box midfielder.
By 2020, Portland decided to lock him down with a permanent transfer from Club América, using allocation money to get his rights. That move really said a lot about his growing importance in the squad.
He’s since racked up over 100 appearances, chipping in with goals, assists, and a lot of reliable defensive work. Portland even handed him a four-year extension through 2025, which pretty much says he’s part of the club’s long-term plans.
On the international front, Paredes made his Paraguay debut in 2017 against France. He later played for the U-23s in the CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament. His consistent club performances keep him in the running for senior call-ups.
International Experience
If you look at his journey, you’ll find a midfielder who worked his way up through Paraguay’s youth system and earned a shot at the senior level. He played in age-group tournaments and got real experience in continental competitions.
Youth National Team Appearances
Cristhian Paredes got his first call with Paraguay’s U17s in 2015. Over 9 matches, he scored 2 goals—showing pretty early that he could help at both ends of the pitch.
He joined the U20s in 2017, making 4 appearances and scoring once. That same year, he also played for the U23s, though just for a single cap.
Here’s a quick look at his youth record:
| Team | Years | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paraguay U17 | 2015 | 9 | 2 |
| Paraguay U20 | 2017 | 4 | 1 |
| Paraguay U23 | 2015– | 1 | 0 |
These youth matches gave you a sense of his steady climb. He didn’t just fill out the roster—coaches trusted him in competitive matches that really shaped his game before he moved up to the senior squad.
Tournaments and Championships
At the U17 level, you saw him compete in the South American Youth Football Championship, a huge stage for young talent across the continent. His performances there helped him earn a spot in Paraguay’s squad for the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he faced some of the toughest competition around.
He got that exposure while still playing domestically in the Paraguayan Primera División with Sol de América. Mixing pro minutes with international youth tournaments gave him a ton of valuable experience against all sorts of playing styles.
By 2017, Paredes had already stepped up for Paraguay’s senior national team, picking up 6 caps. Those games built on what he learned in youth tournaments, where he figured out how to adapt to different opponents and situations.
Playing Style and On-Field Attributes
Cristhian Paredes brings a steady hand to midfield, mixing defensive focus with smart runs forward. He’s not flashy, but his positioning and awareness let him link play and keep things moving. If you want a reliable option, he’s your guy.
Position and Tactical Role
Most often, Paredes lines up as a central midfielder in a box-to-box role. He balances defensive cover with the urge to push forward, giving Portland flexibility in both attack and defense.
When the team needs a steady presence, he sits deeper and shields the back line. But when the match opens up, he pushes ahead to connect with the attackers.
He works best in a double-pivot system—one midfielder sits, he roams. This setup lets him scoop up second balls, recycle possession, and press high up the pitch. Coaches count on his tactical discipline when they want balance.
Sometimes, he’s played further forward, arriving late in the box to finish chances. His goals against LAFC and Querétaro in 2025 show how his timing can change a match. He’s not really a classic playmaker, but his adaptability keeps him valuable in all kinds of lineups.
Strengths and Skills
Paredes mixes defensive hustle with attacking contributions. You’ll notice how he reads passing lanes, steps in to intercept, and quickly transitions into attack. He’s not the most physical, but his anticipation and positioning win him plenty of balls.
When he’s on the ball, he prefers simple passes over risky ones. That keeps possession ticking and lets the more creative players take the big risks. Still, he’s chipped in with some important assists and goals when needed.
Key Attributes:
- Strong positional awareness
- Solid short passing
- Timely late runs into the box
- Defensive coverage during transitions
| Season | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 27 | 2 | 2 |
| 2024 | 24 | 0 | 3 |
| 2025* | 15 | 2 | 0 |
*2025 stats through August (Portland Timbers official records)
Paredes never went to college in the United States. Instead, he turned pro as a teenager in Paraguay before moving to Club América in Mexico. That background really shows in his maturity and tactical understanding at such a young age.
Key Matches Against MLS and Liga MX Clubs
Cristhian Paredes, a product of Club América and a Paraguayan international, has built his name with the Portland Timbers by showing up in big games. Since joining Portland in 2018, the ex-Sol de América midfielder has proven he can influence games both in MLS and against Liga MX teams.
Standout Performances vs. MLS Teams
You’ve seen Paredes step up against Western Conference rivals. In a crucial 2025 stretch, Portland grabbed a 5-2 win over LA Galaxy, and Paredes really controlled the midfield tempo and helped drive the attack.
Against Seattle Sounders FC, his positioning and knack for breaking up play have made a difference. Matches with San Jose Earthquakes and Vancouver Whitecaps FC often show off his defensive work rate, as he wins duels and jumps into the attack quickly.
He’s also played well against Eastern Conference clubs like Columbus Crew SC and New England Revolution. His passing under pressure and ability to adapt to different midfields have made him a steady pick for Portland.
Key MLS Stats (2018–2025)
| Opponent | Matches Played | Goals | Assists | Notable Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA Galaxy | 10 | 2 | 1 | Controlled midfield in 5-2 win (2025) |
| Seattle Sounders FC | 12 | 1 | 2 | Strong defensive presence |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 9 | 0 | 1 | Ball recovery and distribution |
| Columbus Crew SC | 6 | 1 | 0 | Key passing under pressure |
Notable Games vs. Liga MX Opposition
You can trace Paredes’ confidence in international competition back to his Club América roots. Facing his old club at Estadio Azteca was a real test, matching up against experienced Liga MX midfielders. Those games pushed his tactical awareness and resilience.
In the 2025 Leagues Cup, Paredes played against Querétaro F.C. at Providence Park. His control in midfield helped Portland keep the ball and carve out chances.
Matches against Liga MX teams often show how he adjusts to faster, tougher play. Whether it’s América or Querétaro, he stays composed on the ball and doesn’t shy away from tight spots.
Those experiences sharpen his skills and prepare him for playoff-level intensity in MLS. For a guy who started out in Paraguay, these matches really highlight his growth into a reliable veteran in Portland’s midfield.
Personal Background and Off-Field Information
Cristhian Fabián Paredes Maciel grew up in Paraguay and built his career step by step before moving to Major League Soccer. You see a player who mixes international experience with steady club contributions, all while maintaining a strong physical profile that fits his role in midfield.
Early Life and Development
Paredes’s story starts in Paraguarí, Paraguay, where he was born on May 18, 1998. He honed his skills locally before breaking into the pro ranks with Club Sol de América.
At just 18, he made his debut in Paraguay’s top division, showing a maturity that’s honestly rare at that age.
His performances earned him a move to Club América in Mexico, where he saw action in the Copa MX. That stretch helped him adjust to tougher competition and set the stage for his move to Portland.
He didn’t attend college in the US, but his early years in South America gave him the foundation to succeed in MLS. His path follows the classic South American route—straight from youth setups into the pro game.
By the time he joined the Portland Timbers in 2018, you could already see how he combined defensive work with timely attacking runs. His early development shaped his versatility, letting him play box-to-box or drop into a more defensive spot.
Pronunciation and Full Name
You might hear his name pronounced a few different ways, but the right way is pah-REH-des. His full name—Cristhian Fabián Paredes Maciel—reflects his Paraguayan roots.
For fans and broadcasters, getting his name right matters. It shows respect for his background and keeps things clear during matches.
You’ll usually hear just his last name, but sometimes teammates and coaches use his full name in formal settings.
It might seem like a minor detail, but it connects you a bit more to the player. In a league with so much international talent, pronouncing names right really does matter for identity and culture.
Physical Profile
Paredes really catches the eye with his strong build, especially for a central midfielder. He stands about 5-foot-11 (1.80m) and weighs roughly 165 pounds (75 kg), which gives him enough size to hold his ground defensively. Still, he manages to get around the pitch in transition.
His frame lets him win duels and shield the ball. You’ll often see him making those late runs into the box, which adds another layer to his game beyond just defending.
Here’s a quick snapshot of his physical profile:
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Weight | 165 lbs (75 kg) |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Jersey Number | #17 |
These qualities help explain why coaches keep picking him for the Timbers and why Paraguay keeps calling him up. His physical traits just seem to fit a style that mixes endurance, strength, and tactical smarts.
