Portland Timbers sign Steven Taylor

Steven Taylor's future is in one of North America's most eco-friendly cities.

On Monday, almost two months since Newcastle United announced Taylor would be leaving the Magpies once his contract expired, the Portland Timbers signed the English centre-back on a free transfer.

"Steven Taylor gives us a proven piece that can step into our backline and perform immediately," Caleb Porter, the Timbers' head coach, said. "His experience and leadership will be very important to our team down the stretch.

Taylor, who will occupy an international slot on the Timbers' roster, spent 13 seasons with Newcastle after joining the Magpies as a teenager. He tallied 268 appearances for the club, last taking the pitch in its 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

Unfortunately for Taylor, his last season at St. James' Park was marred by a hamstring injury that kept him on the sidelines for five months and limited him to only 10 Premier League appearances. Ailments have plagued his career and were likely a large reason why Newcastle didn't offer him a new contract.