The Portland Timbers on Monday announced the signing of longtime Newcastle United central defender Steven Taylor.
Taylor, 30, played 13 seasons with Newcastle United, 12 of them in the English Premier League. At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Taylor brings both size and experience to the Timbers defense. He figures to be the starter alongside Liam Ridgewell, also a Premier League veteran.
The signing of Taylor had been expected. Per MLS guidelines, specifics of the contract were not announced.
“Steven Taylor gives us a proven piece that can step into our backline and perform immediately,” Timbers coach Caleb Porter said.“His experience and leadership will be very important to our team down the stretch.”
The addition of Taylor fills a need for the Timbers following the season-ending injury to Nat Borchers.
