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Comparatively speaking, this year has been a much better campaign for the six foot two Kenyan defender than last year was. Despite there being just a 32 minute increase in playing time for the 27 year old a lot has changed. With Daneil Cyrus and Shavar Thomas now out of the club Lawrence has become the undisputed third string center back, ahead of Cyprian Hedrick.
Probably the highlight of his season so far was his subbed-on appearance against New England in Sporting KC's 3-0 thrashing of the 10 man Revolution side. He looked sharp and won a lot of balls in the air, something that we saw had been repeated just a few weeks earlier in Sporting KC's win over Rockhurst University, wherein Lawrence received a rare start.
To go with Lawrence's decent form this season have been cries from fans in Kenya inquiring for a call up to the Kenyan national team(also known as Hamarbee Stars). However, news broke a couple of days ago that Olum would be omitted from the upcoming 2013 AFCON and 2014 World Cup qualifying matches. It certainly must have been a blow to Lawrence, who told me about a month ago that he was eager to play with Kenya and was just "waiting for the call".
Keep reading for more Lawrence Olum News
But that wasn't the only surprising omission, in fact, not a single foreign based player was included in a Kenyan squad that is dominated by Kenyan Premier League footballers. This mostly comes down to money problems and corruption in Kenya's FA, something I personally have done extensive research into.
So with Kenya out of the equation, at least for now, Lawrence has his eyes set on the highest prize in MLS - the MLS Cup. Olum says that winning the title is certainly within Sporting KC's grasps.
Of course, Lawrence already knows what it's like to win silverware, he and Orlando City won the USL Pro last season.
Olum Questionable For May 5th Game
Some more news that broke the other day was that Olum was nursing a groin injury. Most likely being the reason he failed to appear in the loss against Portland. The injury also leaves him doubtful for the May 5th game against the Montreal Impact.