Player Details

Name

David Justin Taylor

Height

5' 9"

Weight

163 lbs

Date of Birth

8.26.1997 (25)

Birthplace

Raleigh, USA

Position

Defender

Position Detail

Full Back

Preferred Side

Right

Roster Category

Supplemental Slots 25-28
2023 MLS Regular Season
2023 MLS Regular Season
Career Summary

Taylor joined the Loons in 2021 after four seasons with former USL Championship side North Carolina FC. After spending his first season with Minnesota as a depth piece, Taylor shined in 2022, making 26 game appearances, starting 23 games and providing three assists down the right flank. Taylor started the 2022 season playing with MNUFC2, making two game appearances before earning his starting position with the first team for the majority of the season. Taylor made his MLS debut on July 3, 2021 against San Jose Earthquakes and his first start the following weekend at Colorado Rapids on July 7. He scored his first MLS goal in a 2-1 win at FC Dallas.

The North Carolina native is a product of the North Carolina FC youth academy. He began his professional career in 2015 with CF Torre Levante of the Spanish Tercera Division but returned to North Carolina during the 2017 season. Taylor established himself as the starting right back for North Carolina FC in 2018 and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. Internationally, Taylor represented the U.S U18 National Team in 2015, appearing in two matches and scoring a goal at the Copa Chivas Tournament. 

Taylor married his longtime girlfriend Mercedes during the offseason ahead of the 2023 season. Additionally, Taylor is the founder of how own clothing line, Venci - a luxury fashion line inspired by urban youth America.