The signing of Gambian defender Mamadou "Futty " Danso on Wednesday by the MLS-bound club Portland Timbers has extended the number of Gambian exports in America's premier tier football to seven players – the highest number from any other Africa nation.

Timbers announced in the midweek that they have signed the Gambian alongside three other players to bolster their squad ahead of their first MLS appearance. All four played for the Timbers' USSF D-2 (one level below MLS) team last season - the final season before the Timbers join MLS in 2011.

Danso, 27, is a 6-foot-3, athletic central defender who anchored Portland's defense last season, his second season with the club after being absorbed from the US college system in 2009. "It's an exciting moment for me," Danso said. "But I will get (more) excited to play the first game than to just get signed."

Danso's steadiness on the backline contributed to the Timbers allowing 23 goals during the regular season, second in the league. When he was called away from the Timbers side by Gambia's national team, Danso was missed in the Timbers' playoff series loss to Vancouver in October.

"Futty plays with a tremendous amount of presence," said Timber's general manager & technical director Gavin Wilkinson. "He is a tremendous athlete and will be a very good central defender at the next level." There was speculation Danso had other offers. "There has always been pressure on me for either signing (with Portland) or signing somewhere else," Danso said. "The coaching staff convinced me to stay (in Portland). I feel like this is the best place for me to be."

Danso joins in the top flight six other Gambians in first signees Sainey Nyassi and Kenny Mansally of New England Revolution, Sanna Nyassi of Colorado Rapids, Omar Jasseh of San Jose Earthquakes, Emmanuel Gomez of Toronto FC and Amadou Sanyang – who despite being waived by Toronto – remains a contracted player of the Canada based-club. With the MLS pre-season build-up well under way, Gambia's exports could still sharpen up before the new season kicks off on March 19 with Kansas City Wizards - another MLS side - tracking Wallidan and Gambia U-20 central defender Omar Colley.

The 18-year-old was with the club for a week-long tryout back in August 2010, and according to the club's technical director, the combative defender - who can also play at left-wingback - showed a lot of soccer techniques and potential during his tryout, hence the club's decision to invite him back - this time for a longer period and execution of a potential deal.