The Portland Timbers today announced the signing of goalkeeper Joe Bendik.

He signs with the club after playing the past two seasons in Norway with Sogndal.

Timbers general manager Gavin Wilkinson made the announcement.

Bendik, 22, began his professional career abroad in 2010, appearing in 11 matches overall for Sogndal and helping the club gain promotion in to Norway's first division following the 2010 campaign. A member of the U.S. National Team at the U-17 and U-18 levels, Bendik was a standout at Clemson University, where he finished his collegiate career ranked among school leaders in several goalkeeping statistics.

"Joe is a young and upcoming goalkeeper that has done well in preseason," said Timbers head coach John Spencer. "He has definitely raised the level of goalkeeping for the Timbers squad."