ORLANDO - On October 14th, 2014, Cyle Larin, Orlando City’s first overall selection in last week’s SuperDraft, came off the bench for the Canadian Men’s National Team in a 0-1 defeat against Colombia. This was the moment that convinced Larin to sign his Generation adidas contract and leave college early to join MLS.
“After the Colombia game I played with Canada, I think I decided after that,” Larin recalled. “Just the atmosphere, that level of play and the players I saw, I think it was just time for me to go and start my professional career.”
Larin has been featured in Canada’s senior team as well as their U-20 squad. Most recently playing a major role in the U-20 team’s efforts at the ongoing 2015 CONCACAF Championship.
“I think it’s important for me to be with the U-20s and the men’s national team,” Larin added. “Just playing against different countries, just seeing how different players are in the world, being with my Canadian players and just doing something for Canada is very important to me. Just showing them that there is talent in Canada, and Canada is on the rise.”
That wealth of international experience at the age of 19, coupled with his two stellar years at the University of Connecticut, should prove to be excellent building blocks for his development at Orlando City.
“Every player has goals,” Larin maintained. “I think I want to go into preseason and this season and just start developing as a pro. Make sure I keep on track and make sure I have the right mentality going into the season.”
Before joining Orlando City’s preseason camp at the end of the week, Cyle Larin continues his play in the 2015 CONCACAF Championship when Canada squares off against Honduras - and Cyle’s new Orlando City teammate, Bryan Róchez on Thursday.
