[MLS] Following a three-week trial that included appearances in Reserve League matches, English defender Joe Tait has been signed by the Philadelphia Union. Tait, 21, was acquired from Dayton of the USL Professional Division. Terms were not disclosed officially though reports have pegged his salary at the league minimum ($42,000).

He played centerback for the Union in Reserve League matches against Columbus and New England, recording an assist in the latter match, and also scored against Harrisburg City Islanders in an exhibition

The native of Middlesbrough started his pro career in 2007 with Hartlepool United, for which he played in the youth team and reserve team. Tait (6-foot-1, 181 pounds) moved to the United States in 2010 to sign with Baton Rouge of the USL Premier Development League (PDL), and was named PDL Defender of the Year.

The Union hosts Columbus Saturday. It sits four points behind the Crew, which is tied with Sporting Kansas City atop the Eastern Conference.