Timbers U-23s add Spokane’s Hamer

Gonzaga University sophomore Nick Hamer is looking to get a jump start on a professional career, joining the USL Premier Development League side Portland Timbers U-23s on Friday. The Mead High School product saw immediate action with the development side of the MLS club.

Hamer started all 15 matches last season for Gonzaga, recording two goals and two assists. As a freshman, he was named to the West Coast Conference All-Freshman Team after being one of only two Bulldog players to start all 19 matches.

In high school, Hamer was a three-time All-Greater Spokane League selection. Following his senior season he was also named to the Washington 4A All-State Team.

Portland wasted no time putting Hamer into the lineup, inserting him into Saturday’s match against the Vancouver Whitecaps U-23 side at the University of British Columbia. With the club already trailing 2-0, the midfielder could only help the team manage a consolation tally in a 2-1 defeat.

Hamer joins fellow Gonzaga sophomore Clark Phillips, a Portland native who committed to the club back in March.

Phillips has played in all four games thus far and has a goal for the Timbers U-23s, the lone Portland tally in Saturday’s contest.