DJ Taylor

Taylor joined the Loons in 2021 after four seasons with former USL Championship side North Carolina FC. He continued to succeed in his fullback role throughout the 2023 season, providing an explosive and dynamic option down the touchline and helping to permeate the opposition’s final third through overlapping runs. He appeared in 30 matches and made 29 starts, providing defensive consistency for the Loons.

After spending his first season with Minnesota as a depth piece, Taylor shined in 2022, making 26 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 the San Jose Earthquakes, and his first start the following weekend at the 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 División 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 his own clothing line, Venci, a luxury fashion line inspired by urban youth in America.