As many Orlando City fans know, the 2015 MLS SuperDraft proved to be extremely lucrative for the club. Cyle Larin may look like he’s been playing professionally for years, but less than a year ago he was Orlando City’s first round pick in the 2015 SuperDraft. That first round pick proved to be vital to the success of Orlando City’s inaugural season as he ended up scoring 17 goals for the Club.
In round two Orlando City picked up Conor Donovan from North Carolina State. The young defender proved to be an exciting prospect for the Lions’ future. Earl Edwards Jr. was Orlando City’s third pick, and his contributions when given the chance bode very well for his future.
As we look ahead to the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, there will be a lot of exciting moves around the league, and Orlando City’s picks could be crucial to their 2016 run.
While Generation Adidas deals have yet to be offered, let’s look ahead to prospective players who could be up for selection in January.
Joshua Yaro - D - Junior - Georgetown
Considered a potential top three pick in the 2015 SuperDraft, Joshua Yaro declined a Generation Adidas contract in order to stay at Georgetown for his junior year. A whole year has passed and things have changed a lot in American soccer. Yaro will more than likely be offered another Generation Adidas contract and, if he accepts he will likely be the first overall selection in this year’s draft.
Abu Danladi - F - Sophomore - UCLA
UCLA Sophomore Abu Danladi could be another Generation Adidas signing if he can be tempted to set aside his junior year for professional soccer. The agile forward came to America from Ghana’s Right to Dream program which helps young students with educational opportunities in countries like the United States. It’s likely a prospect of this talent would go in the first few selections, but could be a massive steal if he fell to the Lions.
Brandon Vincent - D - Senior - Stanford
Stanford senior Brandon Vincent looks to be an extremely promising signing in the 2016 SuperDraft. With US Under-23 Men’s National Team experience under his belt Vincent fits the mold of the type of players that Orlando City usually targets. There is a very good chance he’ll be available when Orlando City makes their seventh overall selection.
Richie Laryea - M - Sophomore - Akron
This sophomore standout developed at Sigma FC in Ontario, where Lions forward Cyle Larin made his name. Laryea is a versatile midfielder who contributed nine goals and five assists for the Zips this season. If he is offered and accepts a Generation Adidas deal he could be a great addition to any team selecting in the middle of the first round.
