D. Taylor Minnesota United FC Defender #27 – Key Player Profile and Season Highlights
If you’re a Minnesota United FC fan, you’ve probably picked up on the steady, no-nonsense presence of D.J. Taylor, the defender rocking #27. Taylor brings that consistency at the back, but he’s also got this burst of energy down the right side—he’s a big reason the Loons stay solid.
He locks down wingers, then suddenly pops up in the attack. That versatility? It jumps out at you every week.
Taylor came to Minnesota after a stint with North Carolina FC, and since then, he’s earned his stripes with sharp defending and smart runs. You’ll spot his fingerprints all over most matches—not just with tackles, but with the way he supports the offense too.
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Let’s check out D.J. Taylor’s recent stats:
| Season | Appearances | Starts | Assists | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 26 | 23 | 3 | 0 |
| 2023 | 30 | — | — | — |
Want more? Here’s Taylor’s player profile on the club’s website.
Contents
Player Profile and Background
D.J. Taylor suits up as a reliable defender for Minnesota United FC, wearing number 27. He’s built a reputation for consistency and a steady climb through the American soccer ranks.
Early Life and Youth Career
Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, back in August 1997, Taylor jumped into competitive soccer early. Folks in Raleigh started noticing his speed and defensive instincts right away.
He grew up in those local youth leagues, and that foundation set him up for bigger things.
Taylor’s path took off when he joined North Carolina FC. That club’s got a knack for developing talent, and Taylor made the most of it. By 2018, he was starting regularly.
He snagged the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2019. That time with North Carolina FC gave him the experience he needed for the MLS jump. You can dig deeper into his background on this player history page.
Physical Attributes
Taylor’s 5’8” and weighs in at about 163 pounds. He’s not the biggest guy out there, so he leans on agility instead of size when he’s tracking wingers.
As a right-back, he loves an overlapping run. His marking is tight, and he just doesn’t give attackers much room.
He’s kept himself fit enough to rack up over 30 appearances for Minnesota United FC in recent seasons.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 8 in |
| Weight | 163 lb |
| Primary Position | Right-Back |
| Club Appearances (2023) | 30 |
| Birth Year | 1997 |
Taylor stays sharp all season, anchoring a solid defensive line. His job demands quick feet, good instincts, and a lot of stamina.
Personal Life
Taylor doesn’t share much about his life off the field. He’s Raleigh-born and keeps those hometown ties strong.
You might catch him at community events or supporting youth soccer around North Carolina. He’s not big on social media, but people around the club describe him as disciplined and steady.
He keeps working on his game and always tries to represent his roots.
Minnesota United FC Career
D.J. Taylor has carved out a spot as a dynamic defender for Minnesota United FC. His journey with the Loons has been all about steady improvement and bigger moments, especially as a fullback.
Joining the Loons
Taylor joined Minnesota United FC in 2021, coming straight from North Carolina FC. The club wanted his work rate and spark.
He brought experience from both the U.S. and Spain, where he played for CF Torre Levante before coming back stateside. The Loons initially saw him as a depth piece, but Taylor quickly showed he was ready for more.
He impressed in training and soon found himself in the matchday squad. That first season, he adapted fast to MLS, taking on new roles and earning trust from the locker room.
Progression and Key Milestones
You can really track Taylor’s growth by looking at his match numbers. After a learning year, he ramped up his minutes and became a regular.
In 2022, he started 23 games and chipped in with three assists. The coaching staff leaned on him, especially when injuries forced squad changes.
By 2023, Taylor played in 30 matches. His impact grew—not just in minutes, but in how he balanced defense and attack. The club showed their faith by offering a new contract.
D.J. Taylor – Key Season Stats with MNUFC
| Season | Matches Played | Starts | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 7 | 5 | 0 |
| 2022 | 26 | 23 | 3 |
| 2023 | 30 | 28 | 1 |
See more detailed stats for D.J. Taylor
Role as Defender and Fullback
Taylor’s strengths as a fullback really show up on the right side. He does more than just defend—he pushes up with overlapping runs, stretching the field and opening up chances.
Whether he starts or comes off the bench, his speed and discipline shape how the Loons use the flanks. He recovers quickly, tracks wingers, and breaks up passes, always backing up the defense.
On the attack, Taylor whips in crosses and helps keep possession moving out of the back. He can fill in at left back too, if needed.
His versatility and steady play have made him a fixture in the lineup. Taylor adapts to tactical changes and brings a bit of dynamism to the Loons every game. For more, check D.J. Taylor’s full profile and stats.
Performance Statistics
D.J. Taylor has locked down the backline for Minnesota United FC, always focused and committed in that #27 jersey. His defensive numbers tell the story for anyone following his impact.
Appearances and Minutes Played
Taylor’s appearances scream reliability. He’s in the lineup for a ton of league matches each season, showing that the coaches trust him.
In 2023, he racked up over 30 MLS appearances, starting most and logging more than 2,500 minutes. You keep seeing his name in the starting XI, usually going the full 90 unless subbed late.
This kind of reliability, well, it’s gold for a team grinding through a long season.
| Season | Appearances | Starts | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 31 | 29 | 2,678 |
| 2022 | 27 | 25 | 2,220 |
His work rate and stamina stand out. Taylor’s almost always available, which gives Minnesota United some real defensive stability. You can get the full breakdown at Taylor’s Minnesota United stats page.
Goals and Assists
You don’t expect a defender to rack up goals, but Taylor chips in when it counts. In 2023, he scored 2 goals—both in big moments, usually sneaking up during set pieces.
He added 1 assist that season, typically from a sharp pass into the box after one of those right-side runs. He keeps his focus on defense, but he’s always ready to help the attack when there’s an opening.
If you want to go deeper, his MLS stats profile breaks down all his attacking numbers.
Cards and Discipline
Taylor plays hard, but he keeps it clean. In 2023, he picked up 5 yellow cards—most for tough tackles or tactical fouls in midfield.
He didn’t get any red cards, showing he knows how to walk that line between aggressive and reckless. Tactical fouls come with the territory, but Taylor avoids costly suspensions.
You can check out his full discipline record on his Sofascore statistical page.
Notable Achievements
D. Taylor’s time with Minnesota United FC has been full of personal milestones and big team moments. His highlights stand out, both for the club and in the league.
Major Matches and Highlights
Taylor’s made a real impact as a defender since coming to Minnesota United FC. By 2024, he hit his 100th appearance across all competitions—a huge milestone—during a 4-1 win over St. Louis CITY SC.
That kind of consistency is rare and says a lot about his value to the squad. Taylor’s versatility and reliability have made him a first-choice starter.
In 2024, he played 24 times and started 17 matches, collecting two assists. Here’s a quick look at those numbers:
| Season | Appearances | Starts | Assists | Key Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 24 | 17 | 2 | 100th game vs STL |
Earlier, he had some big moments in the USL Championship with North Carolina FC. Those games sharpened his tactical sense and helped him prep for MLS.
Accolades and Recognitions
Taylor’s journey has earned him plenty of recognition. He came through the North Carolina FC youth academy, then played in Spain with CF Torre Levante before making his mark back in the USL.
His rise to MLS shows a drive to keep improving. Reaching 100 matches for Minnesota United FC? That’s a rare feat in club history.
Coaches and fans praise his work rate and dependability. You can keep up with his profile and achievements on the club’s official site.
Taylor’s milestones show years of hard work at every level, making him a respected figure among Minnesota’s defenders.
Playing Style and Strengths
D.J. Taylor’s made a name for himself as a reliable fullback for Minnesota United FC. His game is all about sharp defensive instincts and a willingness to push forward, mixing discipline with a ton of energy every time he steps on the pitch.
Defensive Abilities
You want steady? Taylor brings it to the back line, no question. He reads the game with real sharpness, stepping in to cut out passes and block attacks before they even get dangerous.
Most of the time, Taylor’s positioning looks spot-on. He covers his area well and helps organize the defense, barking out instructions when he has to.
Physicality? Taylor’s got that, too. He times his tackles nicely and almost never dives in without thinking, so wingers have a tough time getting by him.
If someone does beat him, Taylor hustles back—his work rate is just relentless. That extra effort gives your defense some real peace of mind.
When it’s one-on-one out wide, Taylor doesn’t blink. He uses his body to shield the ball, keeps the pressure on, and makes life tough for speedy, tricky wingers.
| Season | Games Played | Tackles | Clearances | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 24 | 47 | 62 | 28 |
Offensive Contributions
Taylor doesn’t wait around when there’s a chance to get forward. As a fullback, he loves to overlap on the right, whipping in crosses that actually find their targets.
That extra width he gives the attack? It opens up space for the rest of the squad, and you can just see the difference when he’s on the move.
He’s already notched a couple of assists in 2024, finding teammates in the right spots. Taylor’s ball control and passing hold up even when defenders close him down.
Scoring isn’t his main job, but Taylor gets up for set pieces and isn’t afraid to join the attack. His energy on the flank keeps the pressure on opponents, and honestly, it’s fun to watch him go end-to-end.
Taylor’s consistency going forward makes him a real asset in transition. He connects the back line to the attack, and that’s huge for a team looking to move the ball fast.
If you want more in-depth stats, check out the Minnesota United FC website.
Market Value and Future Prospects
D. Taylor’s steady play for Minnesota United FC shapes both his market value and his outlook with the club. If you’re looking at his future, you have to check out the details.
Current Market Value
Right now, D. Taylor sits at about €800,000 as of July 2025. That number reflects his reliable performances at right-back and all the minutes he’s logged since 2021.
His value has moved around a little in recent seasons. Back in 2023, people estimated him between €723,000 and €750,000. With his skill set, consistency, and being 27 years old, it’s no surprise he holds steady in that range.
For a defender in Major League Soccer, that’s a solid number. It suggests Taylor will keep drawing interest from teams in similar leagues.
Here’s a quick look at his recent market value:
| Year | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| 2023 | €723,000–€750,000 |
| 2025 | €800,000 |
You can always find more detailed valuation info for Taylor at Transfermarkt.
Contract Information
Taylor’s current contract with Minnesota United FC runs until December 31, 2025.
He signed with the club back in early 2021, coming over from North Carolina FC in the USL Championship.
Honestly, contracts like Taylor’s give both the club and the player some peace of mind. Now, with only about half a year left on his deal, you’ve got to wonder—will Minnesota United try to lock him down with an extension, especially if he keeps putting in solid performances?
If nobody signs off on an extension, Taylor can hit free agency after this season. That opens the door for him to check out offers inside or outside MLS.
He’s definitely a name to keep an eye on in the upcoming transfer windows. For more on Taylor’s contract details, check out Flashscore.
