Joe Tait

English defender Joe Tait signed with the Union on September 13, 2011 from USL Professional Division club Dayton Dutch Lions after spending three weeks on trial.

While on trial with the Union, Tait appeared in two MLS Reserve League matches, a 1-0 loss to the Columbus Crew and a 2-0 victory over the New England Revolution in which Tait registered an assist. The Englishman also scored in a 5-3 win over the Harrisburg City Islanders in an exhibition match.

Tait turned pro in 2006 with English League One side Hartlepool United and later debuted for the first team in a 1-1 draw against Falkirk in 2007. Prior to his debut, the Middlesbrough native captained the youth team to the League Cup final in 2007. The defender then moved to lead the reserves to the Division One East title of the Central League, currently known as The Totesport.com League.

Tait moved to the United States in 2010 when he signed with the Baton Rouge Capitals of the USL Premier Development League. In his first season, the defender was named 2010 PDL Defender of the Year while leading his side to a third place finish.

2011: Tait signed a three year contract with the Dayton Dutch Lions in March… Played in 17 matches with the squad logging 1,391 minutes scoring once and assisting once… Tait spent three weeks on trial with Philadelphia Union before signing with the club on September 13…  Although he didn’t see any first team action, he played in three Reserve League matches where he had one assist and was cautioned once… He was also featured in the friendly match against Harrisburg City Islanders, scoring the fifth goal in the Union’s 5-3 victory.

2010: Moved to the United States and signed with Baton Rouge Capitals of the USL Premier Development League. In his first season Tait played 12 games logging 1,029 minutes and scoring six goals leading his team to a third place finish… Scored the club’s only hat-trick of the season in a 5-1 win vs. Atlanta Blackhawks, netting three goals in the first half… Named the 2010 PDL Defender of the Year and was also named to the 2010 PDL All-League Team.

2008/2009: Tait signed his first professional contract with Hartlepool United in the summer of 2008 after coming through the ranks at the club… He originally played in the midfield, but was converted to a center back… Although he didn’t see any first team action, he was a main stay in the Pools’ reserve team when they won the Division One East title.

2005-2007: During the three year span Tait made a total of 71 appearances for the Hartlepool youth team scoring three goals in the process… Tait also received playing time for the reserves in all three years, seeing and increased role during the 2007/2008 season where he played in 23 games, 21 of which he started.