His given name was Mamadou, but calling him such in Portland would be a tell. For Timbers fans who bridged the gap between the USL and MLS eras, “Futty” Danso became a litmus test. If you weren’t familiar with the Gambian defender’s history with the team – one that extended from 2009 through 2014 – you were probably new to the green and gold.
He was one of the few players that went with the Timbers from second division to first, playing a key role in 2011’s expansion season and, in 2013, forming half of one of the most cherished partnerships in team history.