Many up-and-coming players have been impressive this season for Orlando City B. Some players have earned minutes in MLS this season, while others continue to work to get their first taste of MLS action.
Here’s a list of five Orlando City B players to keep your eye on:
Hadji Barry - Forward
MLS appearances: 11 (3 in 2017)
The 24-year-old Guinea native leads OCB with eight goals in the USL this season. Barry’s movement and ability on the ball makes him difficult to mark, and his awareness in and around the penalty box is top-class. Barry was selected by Orlando City SC with the 13th pick of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. A standout in college at UCF, Barry’s unique skillset has translated into growing success at the professional level. The sky's the limit for this talented young forward.
Earl Edwards Jr. - Goalkeeper
MLS appearances: 0
Edwards Jr. was recently called up to the Club’s first team to backup the Lions starter, Joe Bendik. Drafted in 2015, the goalkeeper has featured in preseason friendlies and U.S. Open Cup play for Orlando City, but has yet to register his first MLS appearance.
Earl Edwards Jr. has been one of the best keepers in the USL this year. The Landlord has made 74 saves in USL play this season, including eight magnificent saves in his last USL outing against Charlotte.
Richie Laryea - Midfielder
MLS appearances: 7
A Toronto native, Richie Laryea joined MLS in 2016 as part of Generation adidas. Laryea has experience in the U-18 Canadian national team and, prior to attending the University of Akron in 2014, was a product of Sigma FC -- the same youth club that produced Orlando City striker Cyle Larin
The lightning-quick 22-year-old plays with both skill and aggression in midfield. Laryea’s energy and quality on the ball have been showcased in his seven MLS appearances in 2017, as he has become somewhat of a regular on Jason Kreis’ 18-man match day roster.
Pierre Da Silva - Midfielder/Forward
MLS appearances: 1
Pierre Da Silva is a special young talent. Age 19, the Port Chester, NY native still has to develop as a pro but has shown great promise this season for OCB. His smooth creative style of play puts the defense on its heels, giving Da Silva time and space to pick out a key pass or go at his defender 1v1.
Da Silva leads OCB with seven assists in the USL this season. He is capable of playing on either wing - cutting in from the right or beating his defender down the left - and equally as effective in the number 10 role. Da Silva made his first senior team appearance this during the team’s opening match against NYCFC.
Albert Dikwa - Forward
MLS appearances: 0
Albert Dikwa’s ability to press high and cause turnovers in the attacking third puts opposing defenses under immense pressure. He is also a highly technical player who is capable of combining in and around the box to create goal scoring chances.
At age 19, the Cameroon international is a product of SIMA (Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy) where he played alongside fellow OCB player, Youmeni Jules.
