He was the Soccer America magazine Freshman of the Year when he finished second in the US in assists and tied for third in the points list.
[2] Jara earned five caps with the United States U-23 men's national soccer team in 1994 and 1995.
In February 1996, the Los Angeles Galaxy selected Jara in the first round (7th overall) of the 1996 MLS College Draft.
[4] Jara began the 1999 season in Tampa Bay, but was traded to the Colorado Rapids on June 14, 1999, in exchange for Steve Trittschuh.
In 2000, Jara spent the season with the San Diego Flash of the USL A-League.