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Drafted as a mere 20-year-old defender, Damion Lowe needed to first get healthy and then second get playing time. In 2015 that playing time was with S2. In 2016 he advanced a level, playing with Minnesota United of the NASL. There he started 25 times, subbed in three more games earning 2,241 minutes (good for 20th among NASL defenders). Still just 23 the Jamaican was the United rep for the NASL Young Player of the Year and earned a call to the full Jamaican National Team. He may be a Sounder in 2016, though he will no longer be part of the Generation adidas program.
Nate Siems from SB Nation’s newly launched E Pluribus Loonum answered Three Questions about Damion Lowe
SaH: How important was Damion Lowe to United's defense in 2016?
EPL: Damion Lowe was not only the most consistent back for the Loons, I am willing to say that he was arguably the most consistent player the Loons had this year. The 23-year-old had 22 starts and was a stalwart CB for an otherwise questionable back line. There was a reason that he was nominated for NASL Young Player of the Year, and it was his 143 duels won, 53 clearances, and 12 blocks. Those stats, along with his two goals, went a long way during a less-than-stellar season for MNUFC.
SaH: What quality of MLS player (bench, rotational, starter, all star) do you think he can be in 2017?
EPL: Let me preface this by saying that I really like Lowe as both a player and a Twitter follow, but I do believe that Lowe has the potential to be a solid MLS starter. I think that in 2017, that may be a bit of a stretch as he is still raw potential. To me, his 2017 outlook is that of a rotational player on a team like the Sounders. I do not know what the outlook of the Sounders defense is right now, so I can not say for sure. On most MLS rosters, however, Lowe is probably a rotational player right now.
SaH: Do you hope that Minnesota acquires him for their expansion year?
EPL: YES. If the opportunity arises, Minnesota United would be very smart in getting him back. I believe that defense is truly what wins in this league - Colorado, being a perfect example - and Lowe was one of the best defenders in the NASL last year. I think that Lowe would be a great piece to have as the Loons try and get a foothold in the league.