Report: Philadelphia Union Sign Defender Joe Tait

The Philadelphia Union have signed Joe Tait, formerly a defender for the Dayton Dutch Lions of the United Soccer Leagues (USL) PRO division.

Tait is listed as part of the Union's salary cap as of 9/1/2011, according to the Major League Soccer Players Union. Seen as a prospect at center back, the former 2010 USL Premier Development League (PDL) Defender of the Year will make the minimum MLS salary, a prorated $42,000 this season,

The 21-year-old’s status with the Union has been up in the air since Tait tweeted about being disappointed that his paperwork had not gone through in time to play the Columbus Crew on the road. His coach, Stuart Hayers, later sent out a confirmatory tweet about Tait joining the Union, saying that he was up late doing the paperwork necessary to release Tait from his Dayton contract.

On trial with the Union in late August, Tait played multiple times in friendlies and reserve league games with Philadelphia. Tait scored a goal against the Harrisburg City Islanders in a friendly, then later set up striker Jack McInerney with another header, this time in a reserve game.