Photo by Kim Klement/USA Today Sports
By RYAN TOLMICH
For many rookies, breaking into an MLS lineup for two consecutive games is an impressive feat. Orlando City rookie Cyle Larin took things a few steps further.
The forward scored a goal in each of Orlando City’s games this week, finding the back of the net against D.C. United and the LA Galaxy to earn SBI MLS Rookie of the Week honors.
Larin opened the week with a finish against D.C. United, smashing a shot through defenders from the top of the box to give his side in early lead in an eventual loss. The 20-year-old repeated the feat Sunday, getting onto the end of a Kaka assist for his second goal in as many games.
With the finishes, Larin now leads all rookies with four goals on the season, the latest two of which helped him beat out Khiry Shelton and Fatai Alashe for this week’s SBI MLS Rookie of the Week honors.
What did you think of Larin’s performance? Which rookie stood out to you this past weekend?
Share your thoughts below.
To be honest, and despite the goals, I haven’t really been all that impressed by his play. His holdup play is only so-so, he’s not very good 1v1, and his decision making is not good. Now, I understand things like holdup play and decision making will improve with age and experience. However, I just don’t see the touch and ability with the feet to be a very good striker in the long-term.