Blake, Lawrence, Taylor make Gold Cup 11
Three Jamaicans have made the CONCACAF Gold Cup All-star team, it was announced by the confederation’s Technical Study Group.
They are Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Andre Blake, defenders Jermaine Taylor of Minnesota United and Kemar Lawrence of New York Red Bulls.
Blake, who was outstanding for Jamaica between the sticks, was given the Golden Glove Award for his heroics that helped Jamaica to the final where they lost 1-2 to the USA in Santa Clara, California, on Wednesday night.
In the final, Blake, 26, was substituted in the 23rd minute when he suffered an injury to his right hand after attempting a daredevil double save. He received seven stitches on the touchline, but suffered no broken bones.
Twenty-four-year-old Lawrence, playing in his favourite left-back position, gave consistently inspirational performances throughout the tournament, capping it off with a majestic 89th-minute free kick for the only goal that sent Mexico crashing out of the semi-finals.
Veteran Taylor, now 32, offered mature leadership in a Jamaica defence that was resolute and defiant and completed by right-back Alvas Powell of Portland Timbers and central defender Damion Lowe, who plies his craft at US Soccer League franchise Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Other members of the Gold Cup 11 are the USA’s Graham Zusi (defender), Omar Gonzales (defender), Michael Bradley (midfielder), Darlington Nagbe (midfielder) and strikers Jozy Altidore and Jordan Morris. It is completed by Mexico’s Jesus Duenas (midfielder) and Canada’s Alphonso Davies (midfielder).
Bradley won the Golden Ball Award, Davies the Golden Boot and Young Player Awards, while the USA walked away with the Fairplay Award.
Full team: Andre Blake (goal); defenders Zusi (USA), Gonzalez (USA), Taylor (Jamaica), Lawrence (Jamaica); midfielders Nagbe (USA), Duenas (Mexico), Bradley (USA), Alphonso Davies (Canada); strikers Altidore (USA) and Morris (USA).
— Sean Williams