Reggae Boy defender Kemar Lawrence has moved back to Major League Soccer, having signed with Toronto FC from Belgium First-Division side RSC Anderlecht. The Jamaican defender, popularly known as ‘Taxi’, signed a deal that takes him through to the 2024 season.

Lawrence, 28, spent the past two seasons with Anderlecht after five seasons and 146 appearances for the New York Red Bulls (NYRB).

“I believe that we are a really good fit for Kemar and that he complements our roster well,” said Coach Chris Armas, who coached Lawrence when he was head coach at NYRB.

“He adds experience, intensity and a defensive presence that is fierce. I am excited to start working with him again.”

Meanwhile, TFC General Manager Ali Curtis said he was excited to have Lawrence back in the MLS.

“We are very excited about Kemar joining the club. He’s a fearless competitor, he has experience, and he immediately makes our team better. Kemar is a lockdown wingback, and we are excited to get him going. Looking forward to he and his family planting roots in Orlando, and then Toronto. Very excited for Kemar to join is an understatement,” Curtis said.

FIRST SIGNED JOINED MLS WITH RED BULLS

Lawrence’s first foray in the MLS began when he signed with the Red Bulls from Harbour View FC in March, 2015. He made his debut a week later in a 2-0 victory over D.C. United and was a part of the team that won the 2015 Supporters’ Shield and, under Armas, he won the Supporters’ Shield in 2018, and was named to the MLS Best XI the same year.

Prior to joining MLS, Lawrence signed with Harbor View F.C. of the Red Stripe Premier League in 2007, where he made 50 appearances over four seasons. In 2013, he won the Jamaican National Premier League.

He began his youth career with Rae Town F.C. in the Jamaican second division.

Lawrence has earned 60 caps for the Reggae Boyz and scored three goals and registered assists.

He got his first call into the senior national team in September 2013 for a CONCACAF encounter against Panama but earned his first cap in November of the same year in a friendly match against Trinidad & Tobago.

He was a part of the teams that earned second place in the 2015 and 2017 Concacaf Gold Cup.