Jamaica international Jermaine Taylor (pictured) signed with the Portland Timbers on January 22, 2016. (Photo: Mexsport)

PORTLAND, Oregon – The Portland Timbers announced Friday the signing of Jamaica international Jermaine Taylor, whose rights were acquired in Stage Two of the Major League Soccer Re-Entry Draft on December 17. 

The 31-year-old defender spent five years with the Houston Dynamo, making 106 appearances after joining the club in 2011.

“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 Portland head coach Caleb Porter. “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 progressing through the youth ranks. He has earned 83 caps, including three appearances during the Reggae Boyz’s run to the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup final. Taylor has been part of three Caribbean Cup title-winning sides (2005, 2010, 2014), has played in 15 World Cup qualifiers and saw action in one game at the 2015 Copa America. 

He began his professional career at 19-years-old with Jamaica’s 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. 

Portland earned a place in the 2016/17 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League by winning the 2015 MLS Cup title.