Reggae Boy Taylor surging towards MLS pinnacle

Gordon Williams, Gleaner Writer

A roller-coaster rookie ride appears to be ending on a high for one Reggae Boy playing in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Despite winding down his first season in a substitute role for the Houston Dynamo, Jamaican Jermaine Taylor could emerge in glory when the club tackles Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS Cup final on November 20.

And while the odds appear stacked against Taylor's club - Galaxy will play at home armed with a high-priced line-up and the best MLS regular season record - he believes the Dynamo are primed for the battle to crown North America's professional football kings. It's about which team bosses the big dance.

"It boils down to how you can make it your day," said Taylor, who kicked off the 2011 MLS campaign as a starter, lost his place through injury and a team reshuffle, before reviving his chances to play for the MLS Cup with a solid performance in the recent Western Conference final.

"Record doesn't matter. I like the matchup. Everyone makes LA the favourite; but it all boils down to who goes out and plays. You have to play for respect."

His personal journey to a possible showdown against David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane has been a road to respect as well.

Adjustment

Years ago, a fallout with Harbour View cost Taylor playing time in the local Premier League and threatened his international career. But the Portland native bounced back via hometown club St Georges Sports Club and has been a regular in Jamaica's team.

Yet, when the Dynamo signed Taylor this year nothing was guaranteed, despite the 26-year-old's resumé, which includes well over 50 appearances combined for Jamaica at varying age-group levels. His long delayed dream to play overseas had come true, but the life of a pro footballer required adjustment - even for a veteran of the Digicel Caribbean Cup, World Cup qualifiers and the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

There was no question the 5'10", 180-pound Taylor would adapt to the vaunted physical nature of MLS. Off the field was another matter. It wasn't long before he settled in.

"It was my first time living away from home," explained Taylor. "But that wasn't a big task to get comfortable."

He used the social network to keep in touch with friends and family. Having national teammates Lovel Palmer and Je-Vaughn Watson, also a rookie, at Houston helped. Taylor dismissed the teething pains normally reserved for MLS newcomers.

"To my mind, I wasn't a rookie," he said. "I didn't make (lack of MLS experience) a big deal."

The Dynamo also helped him fit in.

"I don't think they treated me like a rookie," added Taylor. "The team treats us like everybody is equal."

MLS is an upgrade from Jamaica's Premier League, but Taylor wasn't troubled. He was familiar with the Dynamo's regular 4-4-2 formation. Football instincts took care of the rest.

"Not much to adjust to on the field," he said. "Tactically there is no difference."

Taylor was also unfazed when the Dynamo traded Palmer in mid-season to Portland Timbers.

"I wasn't surprised or shocked," he said. "Needs of teams dictate trades and it can work to players' benefit. I didn't see (the trade) as a big issue. For Lovel, I think it was good."

Fallout

Taylor started the Dynamo's first game of the MLS season in March. But shortly after he was forced to the sidelines for "six to seven weeks" when he damaged his right foot playing for Jamaica against Venezuela.

"I couldn't walk," said Taylor. "It still has not healed properly."

He returned from the injury to retake his starting spot. But the Dynamo slumped badly in mid-summer.

"June, July we weren't doing so well," Taylor explained. "We were struggling."

Coach Dominic Kinnear shuffled the team. The fallout dropped Taylor to the bench. But Houston's successful surge made the demotion acceptable.

"I wanted to play," said Taylor, who started 10 of the 13 regular season games he appeared in. "But the team was doing well, so I wouldn't argue."

Neither has he complained about playing in unfamiliar positions, choosing maturity over petulance.

"You try to play anywhere they put you," Taylor reasoned. "I've gotten accustomed (to moving around). It is not an issue."

It helped that he has considered himself versatile since his early days in the game.

"I have played almost everywhere on the field," said Taylor. "I have a feel for all positions."

So it was no shock when Kinnear, replacing the injured Brad Davis in the first half of the conference final on November 6, slotted Taylor at left back. At the time, Sporting Kansas City's speedy and skilful Kei Kamara was wreaking havoc on the Dynamo's left flank. Taylor shut him down. He also provided a key header that led to the Dynamo's opening goal in a 2-0 win to secure a spot in the final.

With Davis doubtful for Sunday, Taylor may get a starting nod. But he is cautious.

"It's up to the coach," he said just over a week before the MLS Cup final.

It will largely be Kinnear's decision if Taylor returns to the Dynamo for another season as well. Yet he has enjoyed his first full year as a pro. The Dynamo's success, support for the team and the upgrade of his own career have been satisfying.

"It's a better step than playing in Jamaica," said Taylor. "I love the season. The fans love the sport and the players."

He would like to reward them and the club with a MLS title. He gives himself a grade "C" for MLS 2011.

"I didn't play half the regular season," Taylor explained. "The 13 games I played, I did well."

Come Sunday he and the rest of the 'Orange Army' from Texas are confident they can topple Galaxy.

"We can really fight for the championship," said Taylor.

It appears the rookie's rollercoaster ride is again on the ascent.