PHILADELPHIA, Pa.
– Portland Thorns FC acquired forward
Jodie Taylor
from the Washington Spirit in exchange for a 2015 second-round pick (No. 13 overall) and two second-round picks in 2016 at the 2015 National Women’s Soccer League College Draft held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center today in Philadelphia.
Before trading for Taylor, Thorns FC acquired the 13th overall selection in 2015 and a 2016 second-round pick from the Houston Dash in exchange for a player to be named later. Portland then acquired Taylor from Washington in exchange for the 13th overall pick in 2015, the 2016 second-round pick acquired from Houston and Portland’s natural second-round pick in 2016.
It was later announced that forward Jessica McDonald was the player to be named, completing the draft day trade with Houston.
“Jess had an exceptional season last year and provided the team with many timely goals,” said Thorns FC head coach Paul Riley. “Her attitude and professionalism are admirable qualities and will hold her in good stead for the next stage of her professional career. I would like to express my sincere thanks for all her hard work and commitment to Thorns FC. We wish her continued success in Houston.”
A standout at Oregon State, Taylor, 28 was one of the top goal scorers in the NWSL in 2014. A NWSL Second XI pick, Taylor recorded 11 goals (tied for third) and two assists during the regular season. In her first NWSL season, Taylor appeared in 21 matches (19 starts), tallying four game-winning goals as she helped guide Washington to its first-ever appearance in the NWSL Playoffs.
“We’ve been chasing Jodie for awhile,” said Riley. “She’s a proven goal scorer and a recognized forward. She’s dangerous and a good finisher, too. She’s one of the premier finishers in the league. I think with the quality players we have around her she’ll score more goals. We are really happy to get her.”
During her professional career, Taylor has played in Australia, England and Sweden in addition to the NWSL. In 2010, Taylor signed with the Melbourne Victory of the W-League, scoring 12 goals in 21 matches from 2010-2012 with the club. Taylor returned to England to join Birmingham City in 2012, helping lead the team to the Women’s FA Cup title, while scoring eight goals in 11 appearances. In 2013, Taylor made the move to the Damallsvenskan in Sweden to play for Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC, scoring 10 goals in 10 matches. Before signing with the Spirit in 2014, Taylor returned to the W-League to play with Sydney FC and finished the season as the league’s top scorer with 12 goals.
An England international, Taylor has earned three caps with the England Women’s National Team, making her debut in an international friendly against Sweden in August 2014.
Taylor played four seasons at Oregon State University from 2004-2007. A four-time first team all-conference selection, Taylor appeared in 78 career matches for the Beavers, recording 47 goals and 19 assists. Taylor currently holds OSU career records in points (113), goals and game-winning goals (18).
In one season with Thorns FC, McDonald registered 11 goals in 24 appearances (13 starts) while earning NWSL Second XI honors.
Jodie Taylor
Position: Forward
Height: 5-4
Born: May 17, 1986, in Birkenhead, England
Hometown: Birkenhead, England
Last Club: Washington Spirit (NWSL)
College: Oregon State University
Citizenship: England
