PORTLAND, Ore. – In recognition of his exemplary efforts in making a difference off the playing field this season, Portland Timbers defender Mamadou Danso today 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).