Lawrence, key player for Jamaica at Gold Cup

Defender Kemar Lawrence has helped top ut Jamaica in a good position to reach semifinals of CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Football Association) Gold Cup 2015.

In an interview published in Gold Cup' s website, Lawrence said his main goal on Saturday during the quarter finals is to avoid any goals against Jamaica and to beat Haiti.

The first and last time Jamaica reached Gold Cup semifinals was in 1993.

Lawrence, 22, plays in United States' New York Bulls club, and he is the last player from that team that continues in the regional competition.

Three more defenders from New York Bulls participated in the tournament in the same Group B, including Canadian Karl W. Ouimette and Costa Rican Roy Miller. Canada was eliminated and Costa Rica, current champion, will play quarterfinals against Mexico on Sunday.

"We both wish good luck to each other and pray for the rest," said Lawrence after a training session held last Friday. "The thing is about who is going back home and I definitely do not want Jamaica to be the one back."

"I hope Roy (Miller) or me to reach finals," he said.

This has been a historic tournament. For the first time, the four Caribbean squads - Cuba, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica - reached quarterfinals. At least one Caribbean team will play semifinals.

Lawrence is proud of the achievements of the Caribbean teams. He said the success is due to strong work ethics and winning mentality.

"Everybody wants to help his country. Everybody wants to be the best and be in the first places," he said. Endi