The 2015 season for Orlando City saw the emergence of some budding MLS stars. Who is ready to have a breakout season in 2016? We take a look at just a few of the potential candidates below.
Cyle Larin
It may be crazy to say that Larin will have a breakout season in 2016 considering he a took home the Rookie of the Year award in 2015. However, that may have just been scratching the surface of his potential. The young Canadian was able to score 17 goals, which was fifth best in the league even though he didn’t start until the 6
th
game at Portland. Larin was able to find the back of the net with consistency despite two major obstacles. He was playing with an entirely new team in his first professional season. With a whole offseason to jell with players like Kaká and Kevin Molino and a year of experience under his belt, Larin could very well compete with the likes of Sebastian Giovinco and Kei Kamara for the 2016 Golden Boot.
Earl Edwards Jr.
Orlando City has one of the most capable young goalkeepers in MLS today. Many soccer pundits believe that Edwards has the potential to be the next Tim Howard for the United States, and has proven his ability when seeing the pitch in 2015. Edwards played extremely well during friendlies and U.S. Open Cup matches this past season, and will look to continue his progression during training camp and preseason play. If Edwards continues his development and the upwards track he has been on since his college days at UCLA, he will have the opportunity to provide a huge impact for the Lions in the future.
Rafael Ramos
Rafael Ramos showed flashes of being one of the better right backs in the league during the 2015 season. His quickness and flash on the pitch combined with his ability to get forward and contribute to the attack fits perfectly in Coach Adrian Heath’s system. The Lions coach utilizes the right and left backs heavily as an integral part of his 4-2-3-1 system. However, what separates Ramos from many other right backs is not necessarily his ability to get forward, but his ability to get back. If the Lions get caught on a counter-attack, Ramos is able to get back and defend until reinforcements arrive. If Ramos can mature his game a little further, he can become a true MLS star.
Kevin Molino
After tearing his ACL in a friendly against Ponte Preta at the beginning of the season, Molino never had the opportunity to show his potential. With a great right foot, and ability to finish, Molino is a candidate to have a break out season for the Lions in 2016. It was evident early in the 2015 season that Molino and Kaká had a fantastic chemistry on and of the pitch and they'll hope to continue that next season. With Molino’s fitness improving daily, he is on his way to being able to prove that he is one of the best midfielders in MLS.
Brek Shea
Lion’s utility player, Brek Shea is destined for a strong season in 2016. The American international has technical ability far superior to most players in the league, and if he can stay fit could also be one of the best in the league this coming season. No matter if Shea lines up at left back, or left midfielder, his ability on the pitch will make him vitally important to the team. Shea battled through injuries last season and was still a force to be reckoned with on the pitch. Coming into 2016 fully fit, he will have every opportunity to be a regular goal scorer, assist machine, or potentially both.
