MLS: Toronto FC acquire Jamaican defender Kemar Lawrence

Toronto FC added experience to their defensive squad on Friday by acquiring Jamaican defender Kemar Lawrence, who played for Royal Sporting Club in Anderlecht, Belgium.

The 28-year-old Lawrence played under Ali Curtis and Chris Armas, general manager and head coach of Toronto FC respectively, during their stint with the New York Red Bulls.

Lawrence has signed a contract that binds him to Toronto FC until the end of 2024.

Before spending the last two seasons with Anderlecht, Lawrence played for five seasons with the Red Bulls. He played in 146 games in all competitions and had five goals and 12 assists.

Lawrence won the Supporters’ Shield, the emblem of the 2018 MLS regular season championship, with Armas as head coach. Lawrence had been named to the MLS « All Star XI » group.

In a press release, Curtis described him as a daring and experienced competitor, whose arrival will make Toronto FC immediately better.

« I think Kemar will be very comfortable with us and that he will complement our training well, » noted Armas.

“It adds experience, intensity and a fierce defensive presence. « 

Toronto FC (0-1-1), who suffered elimination in the CONCACAF Champions League quarter-finals last Tuesday against Cruz Azul, will visit the Red Bulls on Saturday afternoon in New Jersey.