Aaron Lawrence

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

Aaron Lawrence
Personal information
Date of birth (1970-08-11) 11 August 1970
Place of birth Lucea, Jamaica
Height 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Youth career
1985–1989 Rusea's High School
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1989–1995 Violet Kickers
1996 Long Island Rough Riders 10 (0)
1996–2006 Reno (1[1])
International career
1997–2005 Jamaica 72[2] (1)
Managerial career
2006–2009 Reno F.C.
2014– Jamaica U15
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

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 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 Jamaica national team in those tough away games. He scored a penalty for Jamaica against India in a friendly match in August 2002.[9]

International goals
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
129 August 2002Vicarage Road, Watford, England India2–03–0Friendly

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 Jamaican national Under-15 team[13] and Rusea's High School football team.[14][15]

Personal life

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

References
  1. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. "Aaron Lawrence - International Appearances". Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  3. Jamaica International Matches Details 1998-2010
  4. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 7 May 2018. Retrieved 1 September 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  5. Lodes, Kirk J. (2008). The American Soccer Guide. Kirk Lodes. ISBN 9781930852099.
  6. "Aaron Lawrence the Reggae Boyz, Jamaica Football".
  7. "FORMER RIDER IN SPOTLIGHT? Goalkeeper Lawrence may play vs. U.S." Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
  8. "Jamaica Observer Limited". Archived from the original on 7 May 2018. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
  9. Jamaica win India clash
  10. "Digicel hot shots intend to impress :: Cayman Compass". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
  11. "Aaron lawrence - Coaches Across Continents -".
  12. "Champions Sandals Whitehouse seek to regain lead in Western Confed - Regional - Jamaica Observer Mobile". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
  13. http://www.jamaicafootballfederation.com/v1/?p=11398. Retrieved 1 September 2015. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  14. "Lawrence: Rusea's ready to deliver special 2015". 21 August 2015.
  15. "Jamaica Observer Limited". Archived from the original on 7 May 2018. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
  16. "Jamaica Gleaner Online".
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