Mount Vernon, N.Y., December 12, 2024- Westchester Soccer Club today announced the historic signing of their first ever player, bringing Major League Soccer and Jamaican International wing back Kemar Lawrence to the club. Lawrence, who has had an expansive career spanning over 185 MLS games and 77 Jamaican senior men’s national games, will be a key piece both on the pitch and in the community in the club’s inaugural season, which begins in April at Memorial Field in Mount Vernon. Lawrence was in the MLS Best XI in 2018 and Concacaf Gold Cup Best XI in 2017 and was an MLS all-star in 2019.
‘Kemar Lawrence has been a leader on and off the pitch everywhere he has played, and it is an honor to have him be the first player to join us as we head towards our franchise launch in April,’ said Mitch Baruchowitz, majority owner of WSC. ‘His presence sets a very strong tone both in the soccer community and in the business world as to the type of athlete we will be bringing here; someone who understands winning and professionalism and what playing in the New York area means.’
‘It is an honor to be coming back to the New York area, and to be a part of history with Westchester SC,’ Lawrence added. ‘While I had numerous opportunities for the next stage of my career, the ability to play in front of a vibrant fan base that knows and has followed me, along with what this club is building for the future, made this the best and easiest choice.’
‘From a technical and leadership standpoint I could not think of anyone who epitomizes what we are building here more than Kemar,’ added Simon Baines, Sporting Director of WSC. ‘His knowledge of the game and his willingness to lead by example are critical for our club as we add players around him. This is a signing that we believe will send a clear message to all as to what we are going to be all about from a soccer perspective, and gets us off to a great start as we build the club.’
Lawrence is a Jamaican international left wing back whose energetic style of play and aggressive defending along the left side of the pitch has given him the nickname, “Taxi.” Kemar began his professional career at Harbor View FC in the Jamaica Premier League, before earning a debut with the Jamaica senior men’s national team in November 2013. After a series of consecutive starts and key standout performances for the senior Reggae Boyz, Kemar went on to sign with the New York Red Bulls in the MLS in 2015, where he immediately assumed the starting left back role.
Kemar maintained his starting role for the Red Bulls over the subsequent five seasons, after which a deal was reached for him to transfer to RSC Anderlecht in Belgium. At Anderlecht, Kemar had the unique opportunity to play alongside and be coached by Vincent Kompany as he was starting out in his managerial career.
With the COVID-19 pandemic looming, Kemar transferred back to the US to be closer to his family and loved ones. He re-signed to the MLS, where he again played a pivotal role at left back for both Toronto FC and Minnesota United FC over the next three seasons. During his time playing in the MLS and Jupiler Pro League, Kemar continued to be the starting left back for the Reggae Boyz, playing in major tournaments such as the Gold Cup, Copa América, and World Cup Qualifications.
The club will be announcing several more signings in the coming weeks, as they ready for their initial season this coming April.
