Aaron Lawrence (footballer)

Aaron Lawrence (born 11 August 1970) in Jamaica was a professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper, making over 60 appearances for Jamaica.^[3] In some sources, his birth date is 10 October 1968.^[4][5][6]

Club career

Aaron played almost whole of his career in his homeland, playing initially for Violet Kickers F.C., having a brief spell at Long Island Rough Riders^[7] at the United States and then returning to Jamaica to play for Reno F.C.. He was on the verge of joining Birmingham City after obtaining a work permit, but the move fell through after he has broken his leg.^[8]

International career

Lawrence had been a member of the Jamaica national football team for a little more than a decade. His role was primarily as backup to team captain Warren Barrett, until one memorable performance in 1998 at the World Cup finals in France. Starting in Jamaica’s third and final game against Japan, Lawrence shut out the relentless Japanese attackers until late in the game when one sneaked by him. He nevertheless protected Jamaica’s slim lead and led them to their first World Cup Finals win, a 2-1 result.

He attempted to secure an overseas contract with a European Club but it proved futile, but the player had emerged as Jamaica’s first-choice keeper^[3] and had hoped to lead the Jamaica national football team to another World Cup appearance. However, with the emergence of Donovan Ricketts, the under twenty-three goalkeeper at the time, Lawrence never managed to fight his way back to the starter’s position.

The 'Wild Boy' was a tall, athletic and fleet-footed professional. Although there was perhaps room for improvement in his positioning and handling of balls crossed into the six-yard box, in his defence he was known for pulling off spectacular and timely saves when it mattered most. His vast experience proved useful time and time again for the Jamaican national football team in those tough away games. He scored a penalty for Jamaica against India in a friendly match on August 2002.^[9]

Coaching career

Lawrence coached Reno FC and also served as a goalkeeping coach for the national team,^[10] as well as the director of the Real Madrid Academy in Jamaica^[11] and manager of second tier Sandals Whitehouse.^[12] He is currently coach of the under-15 Jamaican national team^[13] and Rusea's High School football team.^[14][15]

Personal life

Aaron's son, Ruel, is an attacking midfielder playing for Portmore United.^[16]

References

External links

• Aaron Lawrence – FIFA competition record
• Aaron Lawrence career statistics at Soccerbase

Jamaica squad – 1998 FIFA World Cup 1 Barrett (c) 2 Malcolm 3 Dawes 4 Dixon 5 Goodison 6 Simpson 7 Cargill 8 Gayle 9 Williams 10 Boyd 11 Whitmore 12 Sewell 13 Lawrence 14 Ricketts 15 Gardner 16 Earle 17 Lowe 18 Burton 19 Sinclair 20 Powell 21 Brown 22 Hall Coach: Simões

Jamaica squad – 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup 1 Barrett 2 Johnson 3 Dawes 5 Goodison 6 Wright 7 Griffiths 8 Gayle 9 Williams 10 Fuller 11 Whitmore 13 Lawrence 15 Gardner 18 Burton 19 Sinclair 21 McDonald 22 Hall 24 Powell 25 Green Coach: Simões

Jamaica squad – 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup 3 Stewart 6 Johnson 8 J. Lawrence 9 Williams 10 Byfield 11 Whitmore 13 A. Lawrence 14 Marshall 15 Gardner 16 Neil 17 McDonald 18 Langley 19 Taylor 20 Daley 22 Ziadie 25 Davis 30 Ricketts 31 Lowe Coach: Brown