Originally published June 3, 2014
Few observers of the NWSL knew much about Jodie Taylor before she signed for the Washington Spirit.
The English striker has made an immediate impact for her club, giving fans of the NWSL a reason to remember the name. Taylor has scored five goals through 10 games and is currently tied for third highest goal scorer in the league with teammate and Canadian international Diana Matheson and Jessica McDonald of Portland Thorns FC.
This isn’t Taylor’s first stint in America. She was a standout for the Oregon State Beavers in college and is still the team’s all time leading goal scorer.
Taylor’s interest in attending college in America was sparked by a club teammate in England, goalkeeper Joe Fletcher, who played for OSU for two years. Fletcher spoke highly of her time in Oregon, and from there, Taylor got in touch with the coach and went to the US for a visit. For Taylor, attending university in the US was a perfect opportunity.
“At the time with the set up in England, you weren’t training every day it was two times a week, three if you were lucky,” explained Taylor. “So it was a really great opportunity, plus a free education, and opportunity for travel.”
After Taylor graduated in 2007 she went on to be an assistant coach at Fresno State, but she missed playing immensely and only stayed for a year. Her return to soccer started with Pali Blues in 2009. Interestingly enough, she played briefly alongside current Washington Spirit teammate Ashlyn Harris during her stint with the Blues.
After playing briefly in the US, Taylor globetrotted arund the world playing in the FA WSL in England, the Damallsvenskan in Sweden, and the W-League in Australia. In every league she appeared, Taylor has established herself as top scoring forward
In 2010 Taylor planned to return to play in England, but the domestic league in England switched its season schedule from August through September to a Summer schedule. Consequently, Taylor began reaching out to clubs in Australia since the W-league runs during the Australian summer. Taylor signed and played for the Melbourne Victory, playing in 21 games and scoring 12 goals.
When the WSL season finally arrived, Taylor signed with Birmingham City. “I had a really good season with Birmingham and almost caught up with Arsenal for the league. We won the FA Cup,” said Taylor. “We had a really good set up and I improved.”
The FA WSL was, and still is, a semi professional league and not all teams train on a full time basis. To continue her development in a fully professional environment, Taylor sought a move to Sweden and played for Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC. Taylor achieved a goal per game average, scoring 10 goals in 10 games. During her time in Sweden, Taylor played with future Spirit teammate Yael Averbuch.
Taylor returned once again to the W-league for the 2013-2014 season. However, she returned to play for Sydney FC rather than the Melbourne Victory. Taylor continued her upward trajectory and became both the top scorer for her club and the top scorer in the league, earning golden boot honors. Taylor scored 12 goals in 12 games alongside standout teammates like Caitlin Foord and Samantha Kerr.
Despite being one of the most prolific English forwards at the club level, Taylor hasn’t been able to break into the England senior squad. As with several other notable talented players, Taylor was continually passed over by former England manager Hope Powell.
“I went back for England for a year and did everything I could to make that squad and unfortunately it didn’t happen under Hope Powell,” explained Taylor. “There is stuff you just can’t control, regardless of your ability or how you are performing. So I thought I am not making that mistake again. I’ll play where I want to play and hopefully I will get a chance.”
Mark Sampson’s appointment to lead the England program may be the change needed for Taylor to finally breakthrough. He included her in his initial 30-player roster for England’s upcoming World Cup Qualifying matches. However, she did not make the cut when he culled down that list to 23 this morning. Washington Spirit head coach Mark Parsons will undoubtedly be somewhat relieved that Taylor won’t be missing any matches, but disappointed her excellent form in the NWSL wasn’t enough to warrant a call up.
Taylor was realistic, but encouraged by being named to the 30-player preliminary roster:
“It’s nice to be named. I think it is a long list at the moment. Nothing is official and they are picking the squad out of that. It’s nice to still be in the frame for it. The last few times I haven’t had the look in after not being able go when I was in Sydney. Again, nothing has really changed on my end, on my part. I am focused on club and enjoying my football and doing everything I can. That is just a bonus.”
Taylor certainly seems to be enjoying her football with the Spirit and has already made a considerable impact on the club. Though she may not be a scoring leader, her movement, pace, and pressure in the attack has enabled the Spirit to score more goals in their first eight games than they scored in 22 games last year.
Taylor has brought an element of composure and play-making ability that was previously lacking. Parsons expressed similar sentiments regarding Taylor’s importance to his club, “I think the one thing that she brings, which we needed is intelligence in the final third,” he added. “I think she brings a lot of intelligence and creativity in a unique way. There are not many number nines in the league right now that have what she has: movement, understanding.”
When asked if she feels pressure being a forward on a team that only managed to score 16 goals last season–including four penalty kicks–Taylor responded, “I think I kind of thrive on that to be honest,” she continued. “ I think most teams I have played for that has been my role. I pride myself on that. Whether that is me scoring or creating opportunities or attacking chances.”
Scoring goals and creating opportunities isn’t the only thing Taylor brings to the Spirit. “I think she is a real example of what we want at this club,” said Parsons.” She has come in and she is a really hard worker every single session, practice, game. It means the world to her. We’ve been really happy and we are fortunate to have her.”
Jodie Taylor may have entered the league relatively unknown, but there is no doubt she has made an indelible mark on both the NWSL and the Washington Spirit through her high level of play, relentless work ethic, and winning mentality.
But the accolades and possible national team call ups aren’t what Taylor focuses on, and maybe that is the key to her success. Taylor’s travels across the world and playing experiences across leagues have taught her the importance of being happy each day. “To enjoy what I am doing everyday is what is the most important thing to me.”