Porter attended Indiana University where he played on the men's soccer team from 1994 to 1997. He graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor's degree in sports management. In February 1998, the San Jose Clash selected Porter with the 3rd round (27th overall) in the 1998 MLS College Draft. He did not join the Clash until 1999 but his tenure there was short - he made just four appearances and, in his one start, was ejected in the 32nd minute. Following that performance, the Clash sent him on loan to the Sacramento Geckos of the A-League before waiving him in June. He quickly returned to MLS after being signed by the Tampa Bay Mutiny in July. He suffered from several knee injuries and had arthroscopic surgery on both knees during the off-season before retiring on June 30, 2000. In 1997, Porter was a member of the U.S. soccer team which took the bronze medal at the 1997 World University Games.