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Timbers edge Union to remain perfect at Jeld-Wen

May 7, 2011 - 4:42 AM Portland, OR (Sports Network) - Mamadou Danso scored in the 72nd minute as the expansion Portland Timbers remained perfect at home with a with a 1-0 win over the Philadelphia Union at Jeld-Wen Field on Friday in Major League Soccer.

Portland (4-3-1) has won all four of its home matches, but is also winless in its four road matches this year. Danso's first MLS goal was just the third the Union (4-2-1) have allowed this season in seven matches.

Timbers goalkeeper Troy Perkins made just two saves for his second consecutive shutout, including a crucial stop on Union striker Sebastien Le Toux with just minutes remaining.

Portland had the only good chance of the first half when Eric Brunner headed a shot just over Philadelphia goalie Faryd Mondragon's crossbar, and the chances remained rare early in the second half for both sides.

The Timbers' breakthrough came in the 72nd, when captain Jack Jewsbury played a free kick from near midfield into the penalty area, where Danso reached the ball and turned a header inside Mondragon's near post from eight yards.

Philadelphia nearly grabbed a late equalizer, but Le Toux's chance from inside the box was knocked down and then covered by Perkins, who has his two shutouts in just three starts. Portland shutout Real Salt Lake, 1-0, last week.

The Union were shutout for the second time this season and they have failed to score more than one goal in any match this year. Philadelphia also lost 1-0 to the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Philadelphia gets another chance against L.A. on Wednesday at PPL Park, while Portland will try to earn its first road win May 14 at Seattle Sounders FC.