The Portland Timbers have finalized the signing of former Newcastle United center back Steven Taylor, the club announced today. With the Timbers’ back line suddenly in dire straights with the loss of Nat Borchers to a season-ending torn Achilles tendon and the all too regular absences of Liam Ridgewell, the presence of another high quality center back has become an urgent necessity.
With Taylor, 30, the Timbers get another seasoned and versatile defender in a similar mold to Ridgewell. Capable of playing anywhere across the back line in a pinch and comfortable playing out of the back, Taylor should be able to step quickly into the Timbers’ system.