Orlando City forward Cyle Larin was named the 10th best MLS prospect younger than 24 years old on MLS’s 24 Under 24 list.
Cyle Larin has had a record-setting year for Orlando City.
Not so much record setting because Orlando City is a blank slate and everything the organization does this year is record setting. It is more MLS record setting.
Larin has 11 goals in 23 games, tying the MLS rookie record. And he did that before August, going scoreless in eight games named to the roster since. That includes a brush with breaking the record when he forced an own goal by his presence in the box.
The top overall selection of last year’s SuperDraft is making good on that selection for sure. And it is why he is very clearly a member of MLS’s annual Top 24 Under 24 list.
The 24 Under 24 list is comprised of the best young players in the league as voted on a panel of media who regularly cover the MLS. The panel includes writers from ESPN and Sports Illustrated and their stellar soccer coverage.
MLS has had to somewhat style itself as a development league and it has a lot of really promising young players shining on a big stage. Larin can certainly be considered among them. The 19-year-old striker likely played his way onto Canada’s national team for friendlies this summer and probably the World Cup before because of his strong form this summer.
Larin figures to be a big part of that.
And he figures to be a big part of Orlando City’s future. He has been a big part of the offensive attack even as a rookie, often entrusted as the only forward. Larin has been Orlando City’s best goal scorer this year.
Just missing the list was 21-year-old midfield Christian Higuita. Higuita has been solid as a defensive midfielder with some bouts of inconsistency, as any young player would.
One thing is certain, Orlando City is feeling very comfortable about its youth and coming depth. There are a lot of things for the Lions to be excited about moving forward as these nominations show.
