Portland Timbers goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey has lauded his teammates for Thursday’s win over Real Salt Lake which keeps the side alive in the race to clinch a playoff spot in the MLS.

The Ghana international made two exceptional saves to ensure Timbers came away with a win from Utah with Fanendo Adi’s 54th minute penalty proving good enough to secure all three points.

The win pushes Caleb Porter’s side to 6th in their fight to clinch a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

And Kwarasey who had to skip international duty with the Black Stars in their friendly with Canada on Tuesday to prepare for the game with his club has applauded his teammates for the crucial win.

“It’s a crucial game for us,” Kwarasey said.

“We know how to win to keep it alive, and we had to be at our best today to win the game. … I really trust the guys in front of me and all around me.

“Today was amazing, we all fought and bleed and sweat for this team, so it’s such a great feeling.”

Portland Timber will be hoping to garner enough points in their remaining two games of the regular season against LA Galaxy and Colorado Rapids.