Orlando City rookie sensation Cyle Larin knows how to score goals. The Canadian international broke the MLS rookie goal scoring record earlier this season, and currently has 15 goals in his rookie campaign. The University of Connecticut product has proven his goal scoring abilities, and possesses technical skill that is superb for a player in their first professional year.
Larin has connected on 15 goals on just 56 shots so far this season. That is a 26.8% scoring percentage, which is higher than all six players ahead of him in the Golden Boot race. Larin has also played in the fewest amount of games compared to those six players. Essentially, when Larin takes a shot, he scores more often than most players in the league.
“I try to make sure I finish every shot I take,” asserted Larin. “In a game, you do not get a lot of chances. You may only get one chance. If you don’t finish, it could cost you a game.”
Larin’s confidence and soccer IQ have been fundamental in the young sensation’s success and his accomplishments to this point are far beyond what was expected of him at the beginning of the season. “We thought he would contribute at some stage during the year, but certainly not to have been the main striker all season, which he has been,” admitted Lions’ Head Coach, Adrian Heath.
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“He has been very consistent, and his level has been very good. He has created not only chances for himself, but he has been in the right spots all the way through the year. It doesn’t surprise me that he has gotten the goals he has scored.”
Larin will have two more opportunities to add to his goal tally. The Lions take on NYCFC a week from Friday (Oct. 16), and then travel to Philadelphia the following Sunday (Oct. 25) to finish off the regular season.