Taylor Kemp

Taylor Eric Kemp (born July 23, 1990) is an American former professional soccer player who played as a left-back.

Career

College and amateur Kemp played college soccer at the University of Maryland between 2009 and 2012.

Professional Kemp was drafted 17th overall by D.C. United in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. Upon a trial with United, Kemp was offered a contract. Due to team depth and the unlikeliness of many first team minutes, Kemp was loaned to United's USL Pro-affiliated, Richmond Kickers of the third tier. On April 6, 2013, in a match between Richmond and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Kemp started and played 90 minutes. Ahead of the April 27 fixture against Columbus, D.C. United recalled Kemp from loan.

The beginning of the 2014 MLS season saw Kemp primarily making appearances from the United bench and in Richmond, until August, when he was inserted into the United starting lineup at left back due to an injury to Chris Korb. From August on, Kemp locked down a starting position in the United lineup, creating two assists against the Colorado Rapids on August 7 and scoring a goal against the Houston Dynamo on October 12.

In the 2015 season, Kemp started 25 of United's 34 regular season matches. He contributed 6 assists as well as 1 goal, a long-range volley that won the MLS Goal of the Week award for Week 22.

During the 2018 season, Kemp struggled with injuries and didn't appear in any games.

On November 7, 2018, Kemp announced his retirement from playing professional soccer.

International On January 6, 2017, for the first time Kemp was called for the United States national team by coach Bruce Arena.

Honors D.C. United Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup: 2013