Westchester Soccer Club (WSC) has announced a landmark signing to kickstart their journey in professional soccer, welcoming Jamaican international and Major League Soccer veteran Kemar "Taxi" Lawrence as their first-ever player. Lawrence, renowned for his high-energy defending and leadership on and off the pitch, will play a pivotal role as WSC prepares for its inaugural season, which kicks off in April at Memorial Field in Mount Vernon, New York.

Lawrence, 31, brings an impressive resume to WSC. The dynamic left wing back has over 185 MLS appearances and 77 caps for the Jamaican senior men’s national team. His career highlights include being named to the MLS Best XI in 2018, the Concacaf Gold Cup Best XI in 2017, and earning a spot as an MLS All-Star in 2019. The signing, pending league and federation approval, signals WSC's ambitions to establish itself as a competitive and community-driven franchise.

For Lawrence, the move to WSC is both a professional and personal milestone. "It is an honor to be coming back to the New York area, and to be a part of history with Westchester SC," Lawrence said. "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."

Lawrence is no stranger to New York, having spent five successful seasons with the New York Red Bulls, where he established himself as one of the premier left backs in the league. His return to the region offers fans a chance to reconnect with a familiar face and a proven leader.

WSC majority owner Mitch Baruchowitz emphasized the significance of Lawrence’s signing for the fledgling club. "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," Baruchowitz stated. "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."

Sporting Director Simon Baines echoed these sentiments, highlighting Lawrence's blend of technical skill and leadership qualities. "From a technical and leadership standpoint, I could not think of anyone who epitomizes what we are building here more than Kemar. His knowledge of the game and his willingness to lead by example are critical for our club as we add players around him. This signing sends a clear message about what we’re all about."

Lawrence’s career began at Harbor View FC in the Jamaica Premier League before he earned his first senior cap for the Reggae Boyz in 2013. His standout performances for Jamaica led to a move to the New York Red Bulls in 2015, where he quickly became the starting left back and a cornerstone of the team.

Following his successful stint in MLS, Lawrence moved to Europe in 2020, signing with RSC Anderlecht in Belgium, where he had the unique opportunity to play under the guidance of former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany. The COVID-19 pandemic eventually brought Lawrence back to North America, where he continued his career with Toronto FC and Minnesota United FC, maintaining his status as one of the league’s most reliable defenders.

On the international stage, Lawrence has been a consistent presence for Jamaica, representing the Reggae Boyz in Gold Cup tournaments, Copa América, and World Cup qualifiers, cementing his reputation as one of the Caribbean's finest footballers.