Yanks Got A 'Gem' In Taylor!

Last updated : 09 August 2016 By Footy Mad - Editor

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No matter how much experience you've got, debuts are always nerve-wrecking affairs.

When playing your first match for a new club - particularly in a new country - all you want to do is get through it without any dramas. That's no doubt how Newcastle stalwart Steven Taylor was hoping his first appearance for MLS side Portland Timbers would pan out.

The 30-year-old, who joined the Timbers after his Magpies contract expired in the summer, turned out for the second string in their match against Los Angeles Galaxy II.

His first major contribution: scoring an own goal after just NINE minutes.

That would be bad enough to ruin a debut, but it got worse.

A dreadful first half from the Timbers meant they were 3-0 down by half-time. Taylor was then substituted after an hour… only for his side to come back and win 4-3.

So, when he was on, they conceded three. As soon as he went off, they scored four.

Still, at least it's not the WORST debut of all time. In fact, it's not even the worst debut by a one-time Newcastle defender.

That crown still belongs to Jonathan Woodgate, for his Real Madrid bow against Athletic Bilbao back in 2005. Like Taylor, he scored an own goal… before getting sent off.