From the Jamaica Observer: FRESH on the heels of Sunday's impressive debut with the Harbour View Under-21s where he netted four of 10 goals against Wadadah, 21-year-old American Lawrence Smith could soon feature in the Wray & Nephew National Premier League (NPL). ... Lawrence, who earned a deal with the 'stars of the east' following a successful two-week trial from American "A" League side Charleston Battery, etched his name on the scoresheet with four outstanding strikes within the first hour as the JFF Under-21 league leaders thrashed Wadadah 10-0 at the mini stadium. Full article: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/spor...MITH_IMPRESSES_FOR_H_VIEW_WITH_FOUR_GOALS.asp Smith is a 1985 from South Carolina who played for Georgia Southern and, in summer 2006, the Charleston Battery.
Smith appeared in 3 matches totalling 44 minutes for Charleston at forward, with no other results to show for it.
Martin, honest question: has there ever been a yank abroad that isn't on the youth national team to whom you actually give the benefit of the doubt?
It's information, nothing more. Foolishly I thought that people might not be familiar with how he fit into the A League system. Really, I can't believe anyone has any higher agenda at this point with this guy.
Dave M-N posted current info on this guy; Martin added fairly recent historical info. What's the problem? What "benefit of the doubt" is there to give? If he demonstrates potential, then there will be attention paid.
You know -- why haven't more college players gone to Jamaica (or other places in the Carribbean) to play? I'm sure it's not much money, but how great would it be to hang out in Jamaica for the summer and get paid to play soccer?
I knew there was going to be a Trevor Berbick joke in here somewhere. But seriously - regarding the question of why not go to Jamaica and play? I couldn't agree more. Even if you only get paid enough to live and eat - why not? You're in your early 20s, just out of college, no commitments - (assuming you didn't get married right after college) - what could be better? Head down for one season, soak up the sun and the experience, and then move on with whatever else you want to do.
Jamaica needs its league, which I believe is largely part-time, to provide playing time for its own players in order to support its national team. I think its unlikely that those clubs are out scouring the region for players who are likely right around the same level as they can find in the Caribbean. Consider Smith. That he can make a USL-1 roster -- taking into account his limited playing time this past season -- means he's probably a pretty solid player, but Jamaica (to say nothing of other Island nations) probably has plenty of guys who are around the same level. I'd love to know how Smith ended up there.
while Smith going to Jamaica is news to me, his move could have something to do with The Battery having two Jamaican international on the team Omar Daley and Shawn Crawford. The Battery also played Village United in an exhibiton match. Plus Ed Khoury, who is mentined in the article, is fixture in the soccer scene in Charleston. Smith play was limited this season but to be honest he was going up against some tough competetion for the starting role. The Battery played a 4-5-1 most season and Gavin Glinton had a firm grasp on the solo striker postion. His spot on the team was one of development and I dont' think he was expected to get many minutes. Smith is a local boy and had supported the Battery in his youth and went to Battery Camps. There was a good article on him in one of the Battery game day programs that talked about how he was a big fish in High school and how while he wasn't there yet he wanted to be a big fish in the pros too. He has a great work rate and good size. I dont think you'll ever see him on the USMNT but Im sure you'll hear about him again in the future
Mikey pretty much hit it. Smith's coach for much of his youth club days was Ed Khoury, a Jamaican and also the Battery's (former) asst. coach for years. During their youth days, Khoury took his youth teams to Jamaica during the offseason for training, so, playing in Jamaica isn't new to Smth. Plus, the Battery has always had strong ties to the Caribbean and particularly, Jamaica.....2 Jamaican internationals this year, Omar Daley & Shane Crawford. Former Jamaican national team captain Rudi Dixon, Greg Simmonds, Dean Sewell, Paul Young back in the dark ages, those are just a few I remember off the top of my head.
Another YA way up north... Thanks to Jon Burklo for the find. Smith now plays for KPV which I believe is in Finland's second division. Player page on roster site (no real info there): http://www.kpv.fi/edustus/index.php?p=joukkue&pelaaja=71
Just to toss in some information. KPV plays in the Finnish Ykkonen (first division) but is the second division behind the Veikkausliga. KPV is considered one of the favorites to go up as well as my new team RoPS, but it will be a hard year for everyone. From what I have see of the teams so far everyone is about on par with each other and no one really seems to be absolutely destined for promotion. I know I'm biased here, but of all the teams I have seen I would put my team RoPS and KuPS (relegated from top division) as the favorites. We play some very very attractive football, and as for movement, creativity, and possession we are probably top. But we are young and perhaps a little small in a league that is generally quite physical. All in all, it will probably be a tight year definitely one to enjoy for me personally. I see my dad has already chimed in the thread about me, I'll let him update you guys as the season goes. Just thought I'd pass on some info. Jon
good find. we try to keep track of the local boys here in Charleston. keep us updated on how he is doing if you can! mikey
Smith still in Finland's 2nd tier, now at Gamlakarleby Bollklubb with fellow YAs Chris Corcoran and Luciano Delbono- http://www.gbk.fi/joukkueet/2030/joukkue http://fi.linkedin.com/pub/lawrence-smith/15/805/839 @bungadiri - Lawrence Smith at GBK?
Lawrence scored two goals in GBK’s 6-0 win over PK-37 on Wednesday. Here are some highlights with his goals coming at the 1:02 and 1:35 marks.
FYP, old school @Martin Fischer style. (Are you kidding me? 2006...) Smith has now been up north a good while. He married a local gal and started a family up there. You never know where life, or soccer, will take you...
If he married a local girl he probably figures his current club is a good place to Finnish his career.