Cyle Larin | Forward | Orlando City | Age: 20
Last Year in 24 Under 24: n/a
2015 Stats: Matches played: 23 - Goals: 11 - Assists: 0
All we really want is goals. And that's what Cyle Larin brings.
Larin is a classic No. 9, a behemoth of a forward who uses both his size and surprisingly soft feet to beat defenders and defenses determined to stop him. Most of his goals have come from just in front of net, as he gets to the near post to turn home service from wide and has the timing to run onto through balls when a teammate cracks open the opposition.
Larin has 1-v-1 skills when faced up as well, but next on his list is improving his hold-up play and creativity with his back to goal. There's no reason he can't do for Orlando City and Canada for the next decade what Brian McBride did for Columbus, Fulham, Chicago and the USMNT in the 1990s and 2000s.
What the technical staffers say: "I really really enjoy Cyle, but oddly, as good as he is on the field, his No. 1 quality in terms of his future in soccer is his humility. He’s a really good kid, and that’s the characteristic that drives the improvement and ability to compete the way he does.
"He’s always been trying to prove the next thing. Scores one, wants two. Scores two, wants three. Doesn’t talk about where he’s been; he's focused on where he’s going. And his support cast off the field is probably better than any young player’s I know."
What Opta Sports says: Cyle Larin leads all 24 Under 24-eligible players with 11 goals scored in MLS this season. He has tied the rookie goalscoring record in MLS history. He is also tied for the Orlando lead with three 'big chances' created -- one more than Kaká.
Find your colors. Shop mlsstore.com for Cyle Larin jerseys and Orlando City SC gear - including hats, scarves, and jackets.
- READ: Larin makes historic run into the record books
- WATCH: All 11 of Larin's goals with Orlando City
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