Inter Miami signs Jamaican Reggae Boyz defender Damion Lowe; training camp opens Monday

South Florida’s large Caribbean community has an extra reason to follow Inter Miami this season. The club announced on Sunday the signing of Jamaican national team defender Damion Lowe, a longtime member of the Reggae Boyz.

His contract runs through 2023 with an option for 2024.

“Damion is a capable center back who has proven himself at the international level for Jamaica and we’re happy to welcome him at Inter Miami,” said chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson. “I’ve known Damion for a long time, and I’m sure he’ll welcome this challenge to break into MLS while helping us achieve our objectives. We’re looking forward to continuing to solidify our back line with this signing.”

Lowe, 28, has made 41 appearances for the Reggae Boyz, served as captain and is no stranger to big games. He played in World Cup qualifiers, CONCACAF Gold Cup, CONCACAF Nations League, and the Caribbean Cup. He helped Jamaica reach the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup final, playing every minute in four matches.

He played at the University of Hartford and began his MLS career in 2014 with the Seattle Sounders, where he got to know Henderson, who came to Miami from the Sounders last winter. He spent 2016 on loan with Minnesota United, played in Norway for IK Start from 2017 to 2020 and spent last season with Egyptian club Al Attihad.

“I’m excited for this new challenge. I got drafted back in 2014 with the Seattle Sounders and I wasn’t able to make an impact due to injuries and being a young player having to challenge for a spot. I feel like I have unfinished business in the MLS,” Lowe told the Jamaica Observer. “I’ve done well over the years with CONCACAF and playing in Europe and Africa. I believe that I can help the Miami franchise be successful and hopefully win a lot of games.”

Lowe is part of an Inter Miami roster overhaul for the 2022 season, which kicks off Monday with the opening of training camp. Ten new players have joined the squad, and the club is finalizing paperwork with Ecuadorean national team forward Leonardo Campana and Colombian winger Emerson Rodriguez. Campana was on loan with Swiss club Grasshopper from English Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers and Rodriguez played in Colombia for Millonarios. Both are 21 years old.

The season opener is at home Feb. 26 against the Chicago Fire. Individual match tickets for the 17 home games are available through ticketmaster.com. Fans can also call 305-428-0611 for more information.