TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
The Portland Timbers are preparing for their Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoff match next week against FC Dallas (Nov. 22, 10 pm ET | TV & streaming info), but that doesn't mean they don't have an eye towards 2021.
The West's No. 3 seed announced on Wednesday that they have signed 18-year-old goalkeeper Hunter Sulte to a Homegrown Player contract. He will be added to the Timbers for the 2021 season.
“Hunter is a talented player whose commitment and dedication to the sport has been rewarded,” said Timbers GM and president of soccer Gavin Wilkinson in a statement. “We look forward to working with Hunter to fulfill his potential at the professional level and be a goalkeeper for the Timbers for many years to come.”
Sulte joins the Timbers after having made eight appearances (8 starts) for Portland Timbers 2 during the 2020 USL Championship campaign, tallying 31 saves. He becomes the first player from Alaska to sign an MLS Homegrown contract with an MLS club. Additionally, Sulte took part in the Timbers’ first team training camp in Costa Rica before the beginning of the 2020 campaign.
The Anchorage, Alaska, native joined the Timbers Academy in 2016, having made appearances at the U-14, U-16/17, and U-18/19 levels. Notably, Sulte is the second player ever from the state of Alaska to have signed a professional contract with an MLS club.
“We are very excited to sign an academy player who has shown all the signs and promise of a great future with the Timbers,” said Timbers head coach Giovanni Savarese. “We feel that this the best move for him to continue to develop and are invested in Hunter as a player.”
