Gordon Williams | Jamaica Gleaner
LAUDERHILL, Florida, USA:
One of the most hotly debated players during Jamaica’s failed 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign never even played a minute for the Reggae Boyz.
Yet, André ‘L.A.’ Lewis, the former St George’s College star and 2011 Under-17 World Cup goal-scorer, stirred passionate discussion by his continued presence in several senior national squads. Few doubted the talent of the skilful attacking midfielder, but many struggled to justify the stunning surprise selection of a schoolboy who hardly shone in local club football. When pressed, the national coaching staff was adamant Lewis deserved his place as one being groomed for the future.
That future appears to be now. Lewis, 19, is one of more than 60 players competing at the Major League Soccer (MLS) Combine here. He admitted hearing the doubting whispers, but believes he earned his spot among the Boyz.
“Yes, I do, I think I do,” said Lewis last Friday, before playing for the Nitro Charge team in the first trial match.
Faith in Lewis
Former Jamaica head coach Theodore ‘Tappa’ Whitmore showed faith in Lewis. The player is sure he made the right choice.
“I think I did great work in schoolboy football,” said Lewis, who helped St George’s win Manning Cup and Olivier Shield titles.
“I think ‘Tappa’ saw the talent and he commended me to move ahead in the team … . I think I did great enough to be in the squad.”
Lewis credited the Under-17 World Cup in Mexico, where he scored a classy goal against France, plus the senior Boyz experience, with lifting his confidence and bolstering his game.
“I just thank God, and I thank the players and the coaches that teach me the good stuff in training,” he said.
“It benefited me to play against these tall guys, like six feet high. It gives me the passion to play patient, composed, not panic just because they’re big.”
On Friday, Lewis, probably the youngest at the combine, showed glimpses of why New York Cosmos, a North American Soccer League club, offered him a trial stint last year, then took him on a brief tour of Spain.
After attending meetings, completing various medical and physical tests, plus interviews by MLS club representatives, Lewis played roughly 70 minutes before limping off injured. He looked comfortable on the ball, and his technical ability allowed him to shed markers. Most of his passes were simple, with a couple creating direct scoring opportunities. But his endurance looked suspect and, as he admitted earlier, he will have to “work on my speed”.
But the January 10-14 combine provides a chance to prove his quality, finally silence the doubters and stake a claim at the pro level.
“I want to show my best, show what everyone see in Jamaica and believe in me in Jamaica,” said Lewis. ” … and let the world know who is Andre Lewis. Hopefully, I could be in the MLS.”
He will know on January 16, when 19 MLS clubs make their selections in the MLS SuperDraft.