Official: Eryk Williamson loaned to C.D. Santa Clara of the Portuguese top flight

The Portland Timbers announced today that 21 year-old midfielder Eryk Williamson will be headed out on loan to the Portuguese top flight side Clube Desportivo Santa Clara for the club’s 2018-19 season. There is a clause in the loan that Williamson could be recalled during the January transfer window.

Williamson made his debut with the Portland Timbers during the U.S. Open Cup 4th round match up with the San Jose Earthquakes, in which he went 45 minutes. He’s played mostly with T2 this season, netting three goals and two assists in 15 starts.

Gio Savarese on Williamson:

“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.”

Williamson is on a homegrown contract that was purchased from D.C. United on January 23rd of this year.