ORLANDO – January 15, 2015 – Orlando City Soccer Club today selected Canadian National Team member and University of Connecticut Forward Cyle Larin with the number one overall pick in the 2015 Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft. Per Club and league policy, additional terms were not disclosed.
"We believe that we've picked the best player in the draft," said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. "Cyle has incredible potential, and we're looking forward to working with him."
The former Huskie is no stranger on the international stage – making his senior team debut for Canada against Bulgaria last May and earning three caps for the first team thus far – most recently against Colombia. Larin is currently with the U-20 Canadian side for the 2015 CONCACAF U-20 Championship in Jamaica. He has appeared in both of Canada's Championship matches against Mexico and Haiti. The competitive tournament is scheduled to conclude on January 24.
In 2014, Larin finished first in goals (9) for the University of Connecticut – notching 21 points in 16 fixtures. Additionally, the forward was named Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year after ending the season first in game-winning goals (3), goals per game (0.56), and points per game (1.31).
Larin's freshman year in 2013 was the striker's most successful period with the Huskies. In 23 fixtures, the Canadian led the team in goals with 14 and was named American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year. Larin's 14 goals were the sixth highest for any player in the NCAA in 2013, earning Conference All-Rookie honors.
Transaction:Orlando City Selects Cyle Larin First Overall in MLS SuperDraft
Name: Cyle Larin (Kyle La-rin)
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 190 lbs.
Birthplace: Brampton, Ontario
Citizenship: Canada
Twitter: @CyleLarin
