MLS wrap: Dansa winner lifts Timbers

Gambia-born defender Mamadou Dansa scored the only goal as Portland Timbers won at home against the Philadelphia Union on Friday.

Dansa struck in the 72nd minute to break the deadlock and send the Timbers to third place in the MLS Western Conference in front of a sold-out crowd at Jeld-Wen Field in Oregon.

Danso’s goal, his first of the season, gave the Timbers their second successive league win and their fourth in the past five games. The Timbers remain undefeated in four MLS games at home this season.

It was the Timbers second successive league game in which they had not conceded a goal, turning the table on a Philadelphia team that leads the league with four cleansheets this season.

Danso missed with a header in the first half, but he was on target after a Jack Jewsbury free kick.

Danso’s header directed the ball inside the near post past Philadelphia goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon.

The visitors’ best chance came three minutes from time when Sebastian Le Toux shot at close range but Portland goalkeeper Troy Perkins was equal to the task.