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The New York Red Bulls’ 3-1 victory over Eastern Conference leader Atlanta United was tempered Sunday night by a scary injury in the 73rd minute.
Red Bulls defender Kemar Lawrence laid motionless on the pitch for several minutes after the ball struck him in the chest as he fell awkwardly to the ground. Lawrence had his neck immobilized, was placed on a stretcher and taken to a nearby hospital.
After the match, the Red Bulls gave an update on Lawrence via social media, saying “Kemar is conscious, fully responsive and in good spirits. He will be held at the hospital overnight for observation.”
The announced crowd of more than 45,000 fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium gave Lawrence a round of applause when he was taken off the pitch. Fox Sports analyst Stu Holden tweeted that Lawrence raised his hand to shake with Red Bulls coach Jesse Marsch before being taken away.
The Red Bulls’ latest update on Lawrence is below, along with tweets describing the injury and offering support.
Update on @kemarkemar24:
Kemar is conscious, fully responsive and in good spirits. He will be held at the hospital overnight for observation.#RBNY pic.twitter.com/0ycip1jNHi
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) May 21, 2018
Big time performance in ATL last night from the whole team. Great to wake up this morning with a W. Most importantly happy to hear my guy @kemarkemar24 is feeling better 🚕🚕🚕
— Ryan Meara (@Rmeara18) May 21, 2018
We're all with you, @kemarkemar24. pic.twitter.com/Cp92ElRCjy
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) May 21, 2018
Kemar Lawrence being carted off the field now. Unsure what exactly happened. Prayers up.
— Mitchell Northam (@primetimeMitch) May 21, 2018
Something is wrong with Kemar Lawrence, who is laid out on the field. Went down awkwardly on the field and stopped moving. Scary scene in Atlanta.
— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) May 21, 2018
Kemar Lawrence is having his neck immobilized as he is placed on a stretcher. Looking more like a neck/back issue for him as they prepare to take Lawrence off the field. Round of applause from Atlanta fans as Lawrence is placed on the stretcher. Classy gesture.
— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) May 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/stuholden/status/998368478452056064
https://twitter.com/tutulismyname/status/998373774906003457
Kemar Lawrence injury is terrifying to watch. A joyous night for the Red Bull’s bought crashing down by the intrusion of real life. Three points is suddenly secondary. We wish him and everyone in @NewYorkRedBulls only health and love
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) May 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/JogaBonito_USA/status/998366275767332864
https://twitter.com/ThirdRailSC/status/998367395629715457
#RBNY head coach @jessemarsch on Kemar Lawrence injury: "We’re getting word that we’re hopeful that everything’s going to be alright. I think it’s precautionary.” #ATLvRBNY
— Hayes Creech (@HayesCreech) May 21, 2018
My prayers and thoughts are with Kemar Lawrence of @NewYorkRedBulls 🙏🏽
— Charlie Davies (@CharlieDavies9) May 21, 2018
Jesse Marsch runs over to Kemar Lawrence before they take him away to check on him and give him a hug. I approve 100x over #ATLUTD #RBNY #ATLvNY pic.twitter.com/8uTz9gUhGd
— GolazoJuice (@GolazoJuice) May 21, 2018
Pro Soccer USA contributor Mitchell Northam contributed to this report.