Portland Timbers News Release - www.portlandtimbers.com

Thursday, October 8, 2009

PORTLAND, OR -- In recognition of his exemplary efforts in making a difference off the playing field this season, Portland Timbers defender Mamadou Danso was named the club’s Community Player of the Year for the 2009 season.

Danso, 26, most exemplified the goals of the Timbers Community Outreach Program by making a positive impact on community values and lending his time and energy to a number of causes and philanthropic activities throughout the season.

Among his many contributions, Danso lent hours of his time to numerous community appearances; helped raise money for local United Way and Children’s Cancer Association branches through a charity bowling event; visited children at local elementary schools, sharing the importance of teamwork, goal-setting and being a positive team member; coached under privileged kids and worked with dozens of youth at the Timbers Nike Soccer Camps throughout the greater-Portland area.

Danso, a native of Serekunda, Gambia, will be presented with a commemorative painting produced by local artist Ken Rumbaugh in recognition of his efforts throughout the season prior to tonight’s playoff match against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

As a rookie with the Timbers this season, Danso logged over 1,000 minutes in 16 matches and scored one goal. He was an All-American at Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, Georgia, before starting his professional career in 2009.

Danso joins an impressive list of Timbers players who have made an impact around the community in recent years, including midfielders Brian Winters (2005), Tom Poltl (2006), Kiki Lara (2007) and Miguel Guante (2008).

KEITA HONORED BY TIMBERS FANS

Prior to the Portland Timbers playoff match Sunday, forward Mandjou Keita was presented the 2009 Supporters Player of the Year award. Keita was selected by fans as the Timbers player who made the biggest impact on the 2009 USL First Division season.

A native of Guinea, Keita led the league and the team in scoring with 29 points to capture the USL First Division scoring championship. In addition to his seven assists, Keita scored 11 goals in 29 games to become just the sixth player in Timbers modern-franchise history to record 10+ goals in a single season. Following the regular season, Keita was named to the USL First Division All-League First Team.

Nearly 1,000 votes were cast for the 2009 Supporters Player of the Year award through the Timbers’ website – www.portlandtimbers.com. Previous Supporters Player of the Year award-winners include defender Cameron Knowles (2008), goalkeeper Josh Wicks (2007) and midfielders Luke Kreamalmeyer (2006) and Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar (2005).