PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers today announced that the team has selected Jamaican international defender Jermaine Taylor with the 20th pick in Stage Two of the MLS Re-Entry Draft.
Taylor, 30, has made 106 career appearances (101 starts) with the Houston Dynamo since originally signing with the club in 2011 from Jamaican side St. George’s SC. A five-year MLS veteran, the central defender made 16 appearances (all starts) for the Dynamo in 2015 and previously helped the club register back-to-back Eastern Conference championships in 2011 and 2012.
At the international level, Taylor made his senior national team debut for Jamaica in 2004 after moving up through the U-17 and U-20 youth national team system. A presence in the back line for the Reggae Boyz, Taylor has earned 83 caps for Jamaica, including three appearances during the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup group stage. Taylor has been part of three Caribbean Cup-winning sides for Jamaica (2005, 2010, 2014) and appeared in nine matches during 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying.
Jermaine Taylor
Position: Defender
Height: 5-10
Weight: 195
Born: Jan. 14, 1985, in Portland, Jamaica
Last Club: Houston Dynamo
College: n/a
Citizenship: Jamaica
Acquired: Selected in Stage Two of the 2015 MLS Re-Entry Draft
Press Release
Portland Timbers select defender Jermaine Taylor in Stage Two of MLS Re-Entry Draft


Exclusive perks, big savings and unrivaled access
Unlock unbeatable value and unforgettable moments all season long!
-
Matchday | Timbers host San Diego FC on MLS Decision Day
-
1:18
What's at stake for the Timbers on MLS Decision Day | The Matchup
-
7:32
"Everybody's fit and ready to go" | Neville talks ahead of match against SD
-
5:09
"We have to make sure we defend well" | Surman talks about goal with national team and now prepping for SD
-
An MLS Decision Day edition with MLS 360's Kevin Egan | Talk Timbers
-
Timbers set to participate in 2026 Coachella Valley Invitational
-
4:33
"There's a clear pathway to a game of football" | Neville discusses team coming out of int'l break