D. Ayala, Portland Timbers Midfielder #24: Career & Impact
When you watch D. Ayala in the Portland Timbers midfield, you see a player who mixes patience on the ball with sharp defensive instincts.
Portland signed him from Estudiantes de La Plata in Argentina, and since then, Ayala has become a trusted option in Major League Soccer. He’s a midfielder who can break up play, push possession forward, and deliver when it really counts.
At just 23, Ayala already brings international experience from Argentina’s U-17 squad and has made steady progress in Portland’s system.
Wearing number 24, he’s shown real composure after setbacks, including a tough season-ending injury in 2023. He bounced back and started impacting matches again with goals and assists.
His journey is all about resilience and the trust the Timbers have put in him through the U22 Initiative.
You’ll notice his influence in crucial matches, like that stoppage-time winner against St. Louis CITY SC in 2025.
That knack for stepping up in decisive moments makes him more than just a role player. He’s a midfielder worth paying attention to as he shapes his career in Portland and wherever he goes next.
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Profile of D. Ayala
Ayala blends Argentine development with MLS experience, growing from a promising teenager into a reliable midfielder in Portland.
His background, role, and physical traits give you a good sense of how he fits into the Timbers’ system.
Personal Background
David Ayala was born on July 26, 2002, in Berazategui, Argentina.
You can see the influence of Argentina’s football culture in his game, shaped by his time at Estudiantes de La Plata, where he debuted professionally at 17. That early start gave him composure and tactical awareness.
He joined the Portland Timbers in February 2022 under the MLS U22 Initiative.
Since then, he’s steadily earned minutes, even after suffering a serious injury in 2023. When he returned in 2024 and 2025, he showed resilience, especially with that stoppage-time winner against St. Louis CITY SC.
Ayala also played for Argentina at the U-17 level, appearing in the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup. That experience exposed him to top youth talent worldwide and added maturity to his game.
Key Facts
- Birthplace: Berazategui, Argentina
- Date of Birth: July 26, 2002
- Former Club: Estudiantes de La Plata
- International: Argentina U-17
Playing Position and Style
You’ll usually find Ayala in defensive midfield, where he reads the game and disrupts attacks.
He positions himself well, closes space quickly, and distributes the ball efficiently.
Ayala’s style leans more toward control than flair, which fits what Portland needs in the middle third.
He’s shown he can chip in offensively when needed. In 2024, he scored his first MLS goal against Colorado Rapids and followed up with a game-winner in 2025.
Those moments show he brings more than just ball recovery.
Ayala fits the mold of a midfielder who balances defensive duties with transition play. He might not dominate possession, but you can count on him to link passes and keep things organized.
Recent Contributions
| Season | Matches | Goals | Assists | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 12 | 0 | 0 | MLS debut season |
| 2023 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Season-ending injury |
| 2024 | 15 | 1 | 1 | First MLS goal and assist |
| 2025 | 20+ | 2 | 1 | Game-winner vs St. Louis CITY SC |
Jersey Number and Physical Attributes
You’ll spot Ayala by his #24 jersey for the Timbers. That number’s become part of his identity in MLS, and you just associate it with his steady presence in midfield.
Physically, Ayala is more about endurance than size. He stands at 5’9” with a lean build that lets him cover ground easily.
That mobility helps him press opponents and win back possession without needing brute strength.
He’s also dependable. In 2025, he missed just one match, showing he can handle the grind of a long MLS season.
Consistency like that matters a lot in a league where travel and scheduling can wear anyone down.
Player Snapshot
- Jersey Number: 24
- Height: 5’9”
- Position: Midfielder, defensive role
- Strengths: Work rate, positioning, short passing
- Contract: Through 2025 with club option
For more on his career and current stats, check out his Portland Timbers profile.
D. Ayala at Portland Timbers
David Ayala arrived in Portland with a reputation as a disciplined defensive midfielder, shaped by his days at Estudiantes in Argentina.
His move to MLS gave him a chance to grow in a league that values both physicality and tactical awareness.
He’s dealt with injuries, recoveries, and steady progress as part of Portland’s midfield rotation.
Transfer to MLS and U22 Initiative
Ayala landed in Portland in early 2022 when the Timbers signed him from Club Estudiantes de La Plata.
The club brought him in through the MLS U22 Initiative, a program that attracts younger international talent with lower salary cap charges.
At just 19, Ayala fit right into that plan. His signing used up one of Portland’s international slots and showed the club’s commitment to developing him over several seasons.
He came over after making his professional debut in Argentina’s Primera División, where he impressed as a defensive midfielder.
Portland’s scouts liked his ability to read the game and break up attacks—qualities the team needed in midfield.
This transfer also signaled that Portland wanted to invest in youth development alongside their veteran core.
Key Performances and Milestones
Ayala’s early MLS career started with his debut against LAFC, coming off the bench and showing composure even though he was barely out of his teens.
His first full season didn’t go as planned—injuries, including a torn ACL in 2023, limited him to just four matches.
By 2024, he got back on the pitch and worked his way into the rotation again.
Against Western Conference rivals, he logged steady minutes and regained his rhythm. In the Leagues Cup, he stood out for covering ground and winning duels.
Here’s a quick look at his early numbers with Portland:
| Season | Matches Played | Starts | Minutes | Assists | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 17 | 7 | 725 | 0 | 3 |
| 2023 | 4 | 2 | 180 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 21 | 12 | 1,050 | 1 | 4 |
You can see how injuries slowed him down, but once he got healthy, he carved out a role again.
Role in the Midfield
Ayala’s job is mostly defensive, sitting in front of the back line and shielding the defense.
He thrives on intercepting passes, making tackles, and quickly distributing to jumpstart attacks.
When he’s paired with more attacking midfielders, he gives the team balance. His positioning lets others push forward without leaving the team exposed.
Ayala’s game isn’t flashy, but it’s effective. He reads passing lanes, closes down space, and makes simple, precise passes to keep possession.
That consistency has helped Portland in tight matches, especially against teams like LAFC and Seattle.
He’s also started mentoring younger players in training. Even at 22, his experience in Argentina’s top flight and MLS gives him credibility with teammates.
Contract Details
Ayala signed with Portland through 2025, with a club option year after that.
His contract falls under the U22 Initiative, so his salary cap hit stays lower than older designated players.
This setup gives the Timbers some flexibility. They can keep him at a manageable cost or, if European clubs come calling, make a move.
The contract shows Portland believes in his potential. By signing him in his early 20s, the club keeps control during his prime.
For fans, that means Ayala should stick around in the midfield for a while, unless injury or a transfer changes things.
His development since joining from Estudiantes makes it pretty clear why Portland invested in him.
Notable Matches and Achievements
David Ayala has built a reputation in Portland by delivering in high-pressure situations—goals, assists, and strong performances in both league and tournament play.
He’s bounced back from injuries and kept contributing in meaningful ways since leaving Estudiantes de La Plata.
Game-Winning Goals and Assists
Ayala made a big statement in 2025 with his stoppage-time winner against St. Louis CITY SC on June 8.
That goal sealed three points and showed real composure late in the match.
Earlier that season, he notched both a goal and an assist in a 3-1 win over Sporting Kansas City on April 13.
That performance landed him a spot in the MLS Team of the Matchday 8.
Back in 2024, Ayala picked up his first MLS assist against Minnesota on May 18.
He also scored his first league goal against the Colorado Rapids on September 14.
| Season | Opponent | Contribution | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | St. Louis CITY SC | Game-winning goal | Win |
| 2025 | Sporting KC | Goal + Assist | Win |
| 2024 | Colorado Rapids | First MLS goal | Win |
| 2024 | Minnesota | First MLS assist | Draw |
Leagues Cup Highlights
Ayala’s impact carried over into cup play too.
In the 2024 Leagues Cup, he scored his first career goal for Portland against the Colorado Rapids on August 1.
That goal was a milestone, showing he could adapt in a tournament setting.
After his long-term injury in 2023, the Cup gave him a chance to get back into competitive minutes.
Those performances helped him regain rhythm and confidence.
Leagues Cup can really test a squad’s depth, but Ayala showed he could handle the pace and physicality.
For a midfielder under the U22 Initiative, these moments proved his value to the roster and showed how far he’s come since his early days at Estudiantes.
Recognition and Honors
Ayala’s consistency and resilience have really put him on the map. In 2025, he kicked off the season with energy and earned a spot in the MLS Team of the Matchday 8 after a standout game against Sporting Kansas City.
On the international stage, he represented Argentina’s U-17s and made 13 appearances. He played in the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup, reaching the Round of 16, and joined the squad that won the Valentin Granatkin Memorial tournament.
At the club level, Ayala’s MLS journey shows steady improvement. He suffered a season-ending injury in 2023 against St. Louis but bounced back to play significant minutes in 2024, racking up 31 matches.
His minutes, starts, and overall contributions show how much he’s grown in Portland’s midfield. Ayala skipped college in the United States and developed fully in Argentina with Estudiantes before heading to MLS.
That path shaped his professional style and toughened him up for league and tournament play.
International Career
David Ayala’s international journey started early, shaped by his time with Argentina’s youth teams. He gained experience in major tournaments, competitive friendlies, and faced a variety of playing styles that challenged his growth as a midfielder.
Argentina U-17 and U-20 Teams
Ayala got his first call-up to Argentina’s U-17 squad in 2019. He played 13 matches that year, earning steady minutes against international opponents.
His job wasn’t about scoring goals—it was about controlling the midfield, breaking up attacks, and distributing the ball. Later, he joined the U-20 setup, where competition for spots ramped up.
Training camps and friendlies let him measure himself against some of Argentina’s top prospects.
Argentina Youth Appearances
| Team | Year | Matches | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina U-17 | 2019 | 13 | 0 |
| Argentina U-20 | 2020 | Limited | 0 |
These experiences built up his foundation before he moved to the Portland Timbers from Estudiantes, the club that shaped him as a teenager.
2019 U-17 FIFA World Cup
Ayala played for Argentina at the 2019 U-17 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He worked as a central midfielder, focusing on keeping possession and holding things steady in the middle.
Argentina made it to the Round of 16 before Paraguay knocked them out. The team didn’t go as far as they wanted, but Ayala’s steady play in midfield stood out.
He wasn’t flashy, but his positioning and decisions fit what tournament football demanded. For a 17-year-old, the World Cup was a real test.
Playing against international peers in a high-pressure setting gave him a taste of the pace and intensity he’d face as a pro.
Valentin Granatkin Memorial
Ayala also competed in the Valentin Granatkin Memorial, a youth tournament in Russia. The event brings together tough European and South American teams, so players face a mix of tactical systems.
Ayala played a supporting role for Argentina, focusing mostly on defense and short passing. It’s not a tournament that gets global headlines, but it gave him meaningful minutes against disciplined teams.
The Granatkin Memorial let Ayala work on his timing, especially during transitions. For anyone following his career, it’s clear Argentina trusted him to gain experience both in big tournaments and smaller international competitions.
Early Career at Estudiantes de La Plata
David Ayala grew up in Argentina with his path set by Club Estudiantes de La Plata. His time there built the foundation for him to become a professional midfielder.
He started with years in the youth academy and eventually made his debut in Argentina’s top flight at just 17.
Youth Development
Estudiantes’ academy played a huge role in Ayala’s background. The club, known for producing disciplined and technically sharp players, brought him in young.
He trained daily in Berazategui before joining Estudiantes’ youth system, where he really settled into his role as a central midfielder. Coaches liked his ability to read the game and his positional sense more than any flashy tricks.
By 16, Ayala was already playing against older kids in the academy’s top youth divisions. That experience toughened him up for the physical side of Primera División.
His steady climb through the ranks made him one of the club’s most-watched prospects.
Primera División Debut
Ayala made his professional debut for Estudiantes de La Plata on December 10, 2019, in a Primera División match. At 17, he became the second-youngest player to debut for the club.
That’s pretty rare. Estudiantes usually takes its time with young players, but Ayala’s maturity on the ball earned him an early shot.
He debuted against Arsenal de Sarandí and played as a defensive midfielder. The coaching staff trusted him to hold his position and keep possession, even under pressure.
Even in limited minutes, he showed a level of composure that set him apart from other teenagers in the league. That debut kicked off his senior career and started drawing scouts from abroad.
Performance with Estudiantes
With Estudiantes, Ayala played in several competitions, including the Copa de la Liga. He racked up over 30 senior appearances before heading to MLS.
His main job wasn’t to score goals; he focused on breaking up play and distributing the ball.
Here’s a quick summary of his early numbers:
| Season | Competition | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | Primera División | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020-21 | Copa de la Liga | 8 | 0 | 1 |
| 2021 | Primera División | 16 | 0 | 0 |
His stats really show his defensive role. He rarely pushed forward, but he always maintained shape and covered ground.
That reliability made him a regular squad option despite his age.
By 2021, Ayala logged enough minutes to attract international attention, which led to his transfer to the Portland Timbers in early 2022.
His time at Estudiantes gave him the tactical know-how and mental toughness he’d need for the next step.
Key Teammates and Influences
David Ayala’s growth with the Portland Timbers ties directly to the players around him. The midfield core offers both mentorship and tactical balance, shaping how he reads the game and contributes on both ends.
Diego Chara and Eryk Williamson
When you watch Ayala, you can’t help but notice how his role overlaps with Diego Chara, the longtime captain and defensive anchor. Chara’s knack for covering ground and breaking up attacks lets Ayala focus on distribution and timing his forward runs.
Training with a veteran like Chara gives a real template for discipline, positioning, and consistency.
Eryk Williamson brings a different influence. His creativity and vision in the attacking third push Ayala to stretch his passing range.
When Williamson drifts higher up the pitch, Ayala often slides deeper, showing off his adaptability. That balance between defensive cover and forward support is where you really see Ayala’s development.
Here’s how their 2024 season numbers stack up:
| Player | Matches Played | Tackles Won | Key Passes | Passing Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diego Chara | 28 | 62 | 14 | 87% |
| Eryk Williamson | 22 | 31 | 29 | 83% |
| David Ayala | 25 | 45 | 18 | 85% |
The mix of Chara’s defensive stability and Williamson’s attacking spark paints a pretty clear picture of how Ayala fits into the midfield rotation.
Cristhian Paredes’ Partnership
You can’t help but notice how Cristhian Paredes fits with Ayala’s style. Paredes, a Paraguayan international, brings a burst of energy and covers a ton of ground. That lets Ayala hang back, stay central, and really control the tempo.
Their partnership often feels like a relay race—one pushes forward, the other holds things together. When both start, the team usually keeps the ball better and looks more balanced during transitions.
Paredes presses high and recovers fast, which gives Ayala the space to focus on linking up with the forwards and wingers. That combo really shines against teams that like to press hard.
He’s also got some leadership qualities, thanks to his experience. Since joining Portland in 2018, Paredes has learned the league’s pace and physicality inside out.
Ayala, coming from Estudiantes de La Plata in Argentina, benefits from that guidance as he gets used to the MLS rhythm.
Together, Ayala and Paredes form a midfield duo built on trust, work rate, and skills that genuinely complement each other. Their chemistry seems to grow a bit more every season.
