PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers have loaned midfielder Eryk Williamson to Portuguese first-division side Clube Desportivo Santa Clara for the club’s 2018-19 season with the ability to recall the player in January 2019, it was announced today.

“Eryk is a talented young player within our club and this is an excellent opportunity for him to continue his growth and development,” said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager and president of soccer for the Timbers. “He has excelled with T2 in his first season with us, and this opportunity abroad will further challenge him in his continued preparations to becoming an impact MLS player with our club.”

In his first season with the Timbers, Williamson, 21, made 15 appearances (15 starts) for Portland’s USL side, T2, tallying three goals and two assists in 1,252 minutes played in the regular season. Additionally, Williamson made his Timbers debut in a 2-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes in the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on June 6, playing 45 minutes in the victory.

“Eryk has shown he has great abilities in his first season with us, and we are pleased to further support his development with this opportunity,” said Giovanni Savarese, head coach of the Timbers. “We believe this is an excellent option for him at this time, and one that should afford him the opportunity to come back an even better player.”

The Timbers originally acquired Williamson’s MLS Homegrown Player rights from D.C. United on Jan. 23, 2018.

Transaction: Portland Timbers loan midfielder Eryk Williamson to Clube Desportivo Santa Clara on Aug. 28, 2018.