IMAGE, MATT KREMKAU FOR EMPIRE OF SOCCER

by DAVE MARTINEZ

Apparently the best way to keep Red Bull players healthy is by keeping them as far away from the centerback position as possible.

The latest centerback casualty is Kemar Lawrence. The Jamaican international, filling in at centerback from his traditional fullback position, fell to injury in the Red Bulls 1-0 loss at Gillette Stadium.

“Kemar felt his knee pop a little bit,” head coach Jesse Marsch said after the match. “We hope he is OK but we are not sure.”

Lawrence was a surprise starter against the Revolution on Friday evening, pairing with Karl Ouimette in the middle and joined by Connor Lade at left fullback. The speedy defender was questionable after returning from international duty with an apparent injury. However, Marsch labeled the initial injury as a “whack” to the ankle which failed to prohibit Lawrence from training once he returned.

The injury sustained against New England is not believed to be related to that knock. Lawrence was seen clutching his right knee just before the Revolution scored their game winning goal.

“We are hopeful it’s not too bad,” said Marsch.

Lawrence becomes the third centerback to fall to injury for the Red Bulls, following fellow starters Damien Perrinelle, Gideon Baah and Ronald Zubar.