Caleb Porter

Timbers coach Caleb Porter and his staff

( Thomas Boyd/The Oregonian)

It might just be bad luck, but Portland Timbers defender Futty Danso has been directly involved in conceding one or more goals in each of the last three games.

Danso conceded an own goal in the Timbers 3-2 win over D.C. United on May 3 and his failure to clear a cross against the Los Angeles Galaxy on May 11 led to a goal by Galaxy forward Robbie Keane.

And on Saturday, Danso was directly involved in conceding two goals to the Columbus Crew.

Danso's foul in the box on a Columbus corner kick during stoppage time in the first half led to a penalty kick that Columbus forward Federico Higuain easily converted to give the Crew a 2-1 lead at half time.

Then, immediately after Timbers midfielder Will Johnson tied the game up at 2-2 in the 80th minute, Columbus Crew midfielder Ethan Finlay took a shot from the top of the box that deflected off Danso's back and into the net.

"Players are humans," Timbers coach Caleb Porter said. "They go through ups and downs. I think Futty right now is going through a down."

Porter said he could tell that Danso's confidence was shaken on the field Saturday and the Timbers coach said it would be his job to motivate his center back and make sure he stays positive.

Even though Danso started the season on the bench, he earned his way back into the starting lineup in place of center back Norberto Paparatto.

Even after Danso's mistake against the Galaxy, Porter has continued to show faith in his center back.

"He's questioning himself a little bit," Porter said. "He's lacking a little confidence. That was clear in the game. So, we got to get him back on track. That's why I'm called a manager. I got to manage him and get him psychologically sorted out."

-- Jamie Goldberg | @jamiebgoldberg