Kemar Lawrence

Lawrence is the son of former goalkeeper Orville 'Tutus' Edwards,{{cite news|last1=Burnett|first1=Ian|title=Destined for great things|url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Destined-for-great-things_16831259|access-date=16 June 2014|work=The Jamaica Observer|date=9 June 2014|archive-date=28 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151228011007/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Destined-for-great-things_16831259|url-status=dead}} rated among the best goalkeepers in the Caribbean during his career,{{cite news|title=Orville Edwards Football Tomorrow|url=http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110424/sports/sports5.html|access-date=16 June 2014|work=Jamaica Gleaner|date=24 April 2011}} who played for Santos FC and the Jamaica national team during the 1970s, and who died in 2005 at 53 years of age from kidney failure.

In 2003, Lawrence began his career in the youth ranks of Rae Town football club.{{Cite web|url=https://sportmagazine.knack.be/sport/voetbal-nationaal/kemar-lawrence-het-verhaal-achter-de-jamaicaanse-glimlach-van-anderlecht/article-normal-1707375.html?cookie_check=1620574499|trans-title=Kemar Lawrence, the story behind Anderlecht's Jamaican smile|date=3 March 2021|title=Kemar Lawrence, het verhaal achter de Jamaicaanse glimlach van Anderlecht|language=Dutch|first=Mariano|last=Spitzer|work=Sport/Voetbalmagazine}}

In 2007, he signed for Harbour View,{{cite news|title=Woozencroft, Lawrence for MLS Combine|url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Woozencroft--Lawrence-for-MLS-Combine-_15540247|access-date=22 May 2014|newspaper=Jamaica Observer|date=29 November 2013|archive-date=22 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522195916/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Woozencroft--Lawrence-for-MLS-Combine-_15540247|url-status=dead}} and was part of their National Premier League-winning teams in the 2009–2010.{{cite news|last=Raynor|first=Kayon|title=Palmer's strike hands H'View $250,000 bounty|url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Hview-wins-DPL-Rd-2-final_7336241|access-date=22 May 2014|newspaper=Jamaica Observer|date=19 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926033942/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Hview-wins-DPL-Rd-2-final_7336241|archive-date=26 September 2015}} In 2009 Lawrence was briefly part of the residency program of the Canadian club Vancouver Whitecaps, then of the American USL First Division.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/kemar-lawrence/|title=Kemar Lawrence MLS profile|work=Major League Soccer}}{{cite web|url=https://theathletic.com/1174298/2019/08/30/the-perseverance-of-kemar-lawrence/|title=The perseverance of Kemar Lawrence|date=30 August 2019|work=The Athletic|first=Sam|last=Stejskal}} After primarily playing for Harbour View's U20 team, he broke into the first team in 2011, making a total of 50 appearances.

In 2012, he briefly moved to Arnett Gardens F.C., before returning to Harbour View in September.{{cite web|url=https://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20120901/sports/sports44.html|title=NPL teams ready to rumble|date=1 September 2012|work=Jamaica Gleaner}} He was part of Harbour View's championship squad in 2012–2013{{cite news|last=Walker|first=Howard|title=All over – Lynch's brace gives Harbour View victory in RSPL|url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/All-over_14125553|access-date=22 May 2014|newspaper=Jamaica Observer|date=22 April 2013|archive-date=22 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522195658/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/All-over_14125553|url-status=dead}} seasons.

In 2014 he was selected for the inaugural MLS Caribbean Combine. In July 2014, Lawrence went to the United States for a two-week trial with MLS club D.C. United{{cite news|last1=Bailey|first1=Robert|title=Lawrence at DC United For Trial|url=http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20140717/sports/sports5.html|access-date=22 July 2014|work=Jamaica Gleaner|date=17 July 2014}} but was not offered a contract.{{cite news|last1=Goff|first1=Steven|title=D.C. United defender Jeff Parke sidelined by migraine headaches|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/soccer-insider/wp/2014/07/28/d-c-united-defender-jeff-parke-sidelined-by-migraine-headaches/|access-date=29 July 2014|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=28 July 2014}}

File:CINvNY 2019-05-25 - Kemar Lawrence (47963252857) (cropped).jpg

On 16 March 2015 it was announced that Lawrence had signed with New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer after impressing during a preseason trial.{{cite news|title=Red Bulls sign Kemar Lawrence|url=http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/news/2015/03/red-bulls-sign-kemar-lawrence|access-date=16 March 2015 |work= newyorkredbulls.com}} On 22 March 2015, Lawrence made his debut for New York playing the full 90 in a 2–0 victory over rival D.C. United at Red Bull Arena.{{cite news|title=RBNY blank conference rivals in home opener|url=http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/news/2015/03/match-recap-red-bulls-2-dc-united-0|access-date= 22 March 2015 |work= newyorkredbulls.com}} After strong performances at left-back, Lawrence beat out long time defender Roy Miller for the starting spot. On 18 October 2015, Lawrence scored his first goal for New York in a 4–1 victory over Philadelphia Union, helping the club clinch the Eastern Conference regular season title.{{cite news|title=FULL TIME: Four star Red Bulls down Union, clinch Eastern Conference regular season title

|url=http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/post/2015/10/18/match-recap-new-york-red-bulls-4-philadelphia-union-1

|access-date= 18 October 2015 |work= newyorkredbulls.com}}

On 29 April 2017 Lawrence scored the game-winning goal in New York's 2–1 victory over Chicago Fire.{{cite news|title=Game Notes: Lawrence Powers Red Bulls Past Fire|url=https://www.newyorkredbulls.com/post/2017/04/29/game-notes-lawrence-powers-red-bulls-past-fire|access-date= 29 April 2017 |work= newyorkredbulls.com}} On 23 June 2018 Lawrence scored his first goal of the season in a 3–0 victory over FC Dallas.{{cite news|title= New York Red Bulls 3, FC Dallas 0|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/06/23/new-york-red-bulls-3-fc-dallas-0-2018-mls-match-recap|access-date= 23 June 2018 |work= newyorkredbulls.com}} A week later, on 1 July, Lawrence scored the lone goal in New York's 1–0 victory over Toronto FC.{{cite news|title= Lawrence, Robles, Inspire RBNY|url=https://www.newyorkredbulls.com/post/2018/07/01/match-recap-pres-provident-bank-lawrence-robles-inspire-rbny|access-date= 1 July 2018 |work= newyorkredbulls.com}}

On 31 January 2020, Lawrence moved to Anderlecht for fee of 1.25 million euros.{{cite web|url=https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sports/-i-have-put-in-the-hard-work-lawrence-says-his-move-to-belgian-club-anderlecht-was-well-deserved_187701?profile=1511|title='I have put in the hard work!'|date=23 February 2020|first=Sean|last=Williams|work=Jamaica Observer|access-date=9 May 2021|archive-date=9 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509200853/https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sports/-i-have-put-in-the-hard-work-lawrence-says-his-move-to-belgian-club-anderlecht-was-well-deserved_187701?profile=1511|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|date=31 January 2020|url=https://www.newyorkredbulls.com/post/2020/01/31/new-york-red-bulls-transfer-kemar-lawrence-rsc-anderlecht|title=New York Red Bulls Transfer Kemar Lawrence to R.S.C. Anderlecht|work=New York Red Bulls}} He made his debut on 7 March, as a substitute, in a 7–0 win against Zulte Waregem.{{Cite web|url=https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/sports/20201018/lawrence-resurfaces-anderlecht|title=Lawrence resurfaces for Anderlecht|date=18 October 2020|work=Jamaica Gleaner|first=Livingston|last=Scott}} On 28 February 2021, he scored his first goal for Anderlecht, scoring the second goal in a 3–1 victory over Standard Liège.{{Cite web|url=http://jamaica-star.com/article/sports/20210303/lawrence-scores-first-goal-new-club|title=Lawrence scores first goal for new club|date=3 March 2021|work=Jamaica Star|first=Daniel|last=Wheeler}}

On 7 May 2021, he returned to Major League Soccer, joining Toronto FC.{{cite web|url=https://www.torontofc.ca/post/2021/05/07/toronto-fc-sign-defender-kemar-lawrence|title=Toronto FC sign defender Kemar Lawrence|date=7 May 2021|work=Toronto FC}} On 12 May, he made his debut, coming on as a substitute in a 2–0 victory over the Columbus Crew.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/mls/mls-canadian-roundup-may-12-1.6024541|date=May 12, 2021|title=Toronto FC blanks defending champion Columbus Crew for 1st win of season|work=CBC|first=Neil|last=Davidson}} On 7 July, Lawrence scored his first goal for Toronto against the New England Revolution, netting the second Toronto goal in an eventual 3–2 victory.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/mls/mls-roundup-recap-july-7-1.6094034|date=July 8, 2021|title=Toronto FC halts New England's comeback attempt, snap 6-game losing streak|work=CBC}} Ahead of the 2022 season, he did not join the club for pre-season, as the club worked on a move for him.{{cite news|url=https://torontosun.com/sports/soccer/mls/toronto-fc/toronto-fc-coach-bob-bradley-reveals-all-auro-lawrence-pozuelo-altidore-jimenez|title=Toronto FC coach Bob Bradley reveals all: Auro, Lawrence, Pozuelo, Altidore, Jimenez...|date=February 8, 2022|first=Steve|last=Buffery|newspaper=Toronto Sun}}

On March 17, 2022, he was traded to Minnesota United FC in exchange for the MLS rights to Sean O'Hearn and a conditional $50,000 in General Allocation Money.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/tfc/2022/03/17/toronto-fc-trades-jamaican-defender-kemar-lawrence-to-minnesota-united.html|title=Toronto FC trades Jamaican defender Kemar Lawrence to Minnesota United|work=Toronto Star|first=Neil|last=Davidson|date=March 17, 2022}} In August 2023, he agreed to mutually terminate his contract with the club.{{cite web|url=https://www.mnufc.com/news/minnesota-united-and-defender-kemar-lawrence-mutually-agree-to-part-ways|title=Minnesota United and Defender Kemar Lawrence Mutually Agree to Part Ways|date=August 3, 2023|work=Minnesota United FC}}

In April 2024, he signed a short-term deal with Romanian Liga I club UTA Arad, with a one-year extension option.{{cite web |title=Bun venit, Kemar Lawrence! |url=https://www.uta-arad.ro/stiri/bun-venit-kemar-lawrence|trans-title=Welcome, Kemar Lawrence! |publisher=UTA Arad |access-date=11 April 2024 |language=ro |date=8 April 2024}}

Lawrence was announced as the first-ever signing for USL League One expansion club Westchester SC on 12 December 2024.{{cite web |title=Kemar Lawrence returns to New York, becomes Westchester SC's inaugural signing |url=https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/1326094 |website=USLLeagueOne.com |publisher=USL League One |access-date=12 December 2024}}

At the international level, Lawrence has represented the Jamaica under-17 team, the Jamaica under-20, and the national team of Jamaica, the Reggae Boyz.

Lawrence competed in the 2011 CONCACAF U-20 Championship in Guatemala, taking part in Jamaica's two first-round defeats, and receiving a yellow card in the second match against Honduras.{{cite news|last=Williams|first=Sean|title=Coach takes heart despite loss|url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Coach-takes-heart-despite-loss_8616564|newspaper=Jamaica Observer|access-date=22 May 2014|date=2 April 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926023840/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Coach-takes-heart-despite-loss_8616564|archive-date=26 September 2015}}

After being part of national team training camps in 2013,{{cite news|last=Stamp|first=Marc|title='Tuffy' Anderson, Marlon King in 27-Man Reggae Boyz Training Squad|url=http://jamaica-gleaner.com/latest/article.php?id=47690|access-date=22 May 2014|newspaper=Jamaica Gleaner|date=2 September 2013}} Lawrence was first selected for the Reggae Boyz for the CONCACAF fourth round qualifying match against Panama in Panama City in September 2013.{{cite news|last=Boyd|first=Audley|title=Boyz Break Four-Match Losing Streak in Panama|url=http://jamaica-gleaner.com/latest/article.php?id=47809|access-date=22 May 2014|newspaper=Jamaica Gleaner|date=7 September 2013}} Lawrence received his first cap in a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago at the Montego Bay Sports Complex in Montego Bay in November 2013.{{cite news|last=Reid|first=Paul A.|title=Schafer happy with Boyz secondhalf against Warriors, but...|url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Schafer-happy-with-Boyz-secondhalf-against-Warriors--but---_15449334|newspaper=Jamaica Observer|access-date=22 May 2014|date=17 November 2013|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304110119/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Schafer-happy-with-Boyz-secondhalf-against-Warriors--but---_15449334|url-status=dead}}

Lawrence appeared in all four matches of the Jamaica national team's international tour in the summer of 2014, which saw them play 2014 FIFA World Cup-bound France and Switzerland, along with Serbia and Egypt.

In September 2014, Lawrence scored his first goal for Jamaica in a 3–1 friendly defeat against Canada.{{cite news|last1=Williams|first1=Gordon|title=Canada Stop Reggae Boyz|url=http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20140910/sports/sports12.html|access-date=10 September 2014|work=Jamaica Gleaner|date=10 September 2014|ref=Williams2014}} Later that year, in November, he scored Jamaica's first goal against Antigua and Barbuda, which came in the final group stage match of their 2014 Caribbean Cup-winning campaign.{{cite news|last1=Lawrence|first1=Hubert|title=It's When You Win That Counts|url=http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20141120/sports/sports2.html|access-date=25 November 2014|work=Jamaica Gleaner|date=20 November 2014}}

Lawrence played at the 2015 Copa América and, despite Jamaica losing all three matches 1–0, Lawrence was deemed the best left-back in the tournament by Rio-based football writer and broadcaster Tim Vickery.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}

On 23 July 2017, Lawrence scored on a left-footed freekick from just outside of the box to eliminate tournament favorites Mexico and send Jamaica to a second straight Gold Cup Final.{{cite web|title=Jamaica stun Mexico, set up USA final|publisher=FIFA|date=24 July 2017|url=https://www.fifa.com/news/jamaica-stun-mexico-set-up-usa-final-2901887|access-date=31 January 2020}}{{cite news|title=Mexico blocks out drama before Gold Cup semifinal vs. Jamaica|work=USA Today|agency=Associated Press|date=22 July 2017|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2017/07/22/mexico-blocks-out-drama-before-gold-cup-semifinal-vs-jamaica/103926630/|access-date=31 January 2020}}

Lawrence plays most often on the left side of defence, specialising in the role of a wing-back. Ian Burnett, writing for The Jamaica Observer, described Lawrence as "a feisty wide defender who is solid in defence and on offence", while Winfried Schäfer, former manager of the Jamaica national team, said that Lawrence is a player with good pace and intelligence on the field, while stating his belief that he is a player with "a chance to play in Europe". Leicester City captain and Jamaica teammate Wes Morgan noted Lawrence's defensive abilities in dealing with Switzerland and Bayern Munich winger Xherdan Shaqiri, and he was also praised for his technical quality and attitude by Jamaica teammate and Crystal Palace defender Adrian Mariappa.

{{updated|match played 28 April 2024}}

{{updated|match played 29 June 2023}}{{cite web|url=http://www.national-football-teams.com/player/54085/Kemar_Lawrence.html|title=Lawrence, Kemar|website=National Football Teams|access-date=9 March 2017}}

:Scores and results list Jamaica's goal tally first.

Harbour View

• Jamaica Premier League: 2012–13

New York Red Bulls

• Supporters' Shield: 2015, 2018
• U.S. Open Cup runner-up: 2017

Jamaica

• CONCACAF Gold Cup runner-up: 2015, 2017
• Caribbean Cup: 2014

Individual

• MLS Best XI: 2018{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/11/11/2018-mls-best-xi|title=2018 MLS Best XI|publisher=MLS Soccer|date=11 November 2018}}
• CONCACAF Gold Cup Best XI: 2017{{cite web|url=http://www.goldcup.org/en/best-xi|title=TSG reveals Gold Cup Best XI|website=goldcup.org|access-date=8 July 2019|archive-date=25 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025193231/https://www.goldcup.org/en/best-xi|url-status=dead}}
• MLS All-Star: 2019{{cite web |title=2019 MLS All-Star Roster |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/all-star/2019/rosters/mls-all-star-team |website=Major League Soccer |access-date=14 July 2019 |archive-date=15 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715014938/https://www.mlssoccer.com/all-star/2019/rosters/mls-all-star-team |url-status=dead }}
• IFFHS CONCACAF Team of the Decade: 2011–2020{{cite web |date=29 January 2021 |title=IFFHS MAN TEAM - CONCACAF - OF THE DECADE 2011-2020 |url=https://www.iffhs.com/posts/928 |work=IFFHS}}

{{reflist}}

• {{Soccerway|kemar-michael-lawrence/158726}}
• [http://hvfc.net/players/senior-team/ Harbour View FC Senior Team List] at hvfc.net
• {{NFT|54085}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20150222181428/http://jamaicanfootballers.com/kemar-lawrence/ Profile] on jamaicanfootballers.com (archived 22 February 2015)

{{Westchester SC squad}}

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Category:1992 births

Category:Living people

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Category:21st-century Jamaican sportsmen

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