PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers today announced that the team has signed Jamaican international defender Jermaine Taylor. Per league and club policy, terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Portland acquired Taylor with the 20th overall pick in Stage Two of the MLS Re-Entry Draft on Dec. 17.
“Jermaine is an international-caliber player and MLS veteran defender who brings valuable experience to the group during a season that includes multiple competitions,” said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager of the Timbers.
Taylor, 31, made 106 career appearances (101 starts) with the Houston Dynamo after joining the club in 2011. A five-year MLS veteran, the 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 before joining the Timbers.
“Jermaine’s MLS experience at Houston playing for trophies, along with his Jamaican senior national team pedigree will be extremely beneficial to the club,” said Caleb Porter, head coach of the Timbers. “I like his physical tools and his ability to play center back and outside back, which he has done at the club and national team level. He also will be a great role model for some of our younger players.”
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.
Taylor began his professional career at the age of 19 with Jamaican side Harbour View FC (2004-09) and competed in the 2008 CONCACAF Champions Cup, while also helping the club win a league title in 2007 before joining St. George’s SC in 2009.
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 2015 MLS Re-Entry Draft on Dec. 17, 2015; signed on Jan. 22, 2016
