Orlando Magic Daily
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2017 Central Florida 85 Nos. 1-17: The Best of the Best

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - AUGUST 31: UCF mascot Knightro takes the field before the football game between the visiting FIU Panthers and the UCF Knights on August 31, 2017 at Spectrum Stadium in Orlando FL. (Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - AUGUST 31: UCF mascot Knightro takes the field before the football game between the visiting FIU Panthers and the UCF Knights on August 31, 2017 at Spectrum Stadium in Orlando FL. (Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Cyle Larin, Orlando City
ORLANDO, FL – MAY 21: Cyle Larin #9 of Orlando City SC tries to keep the ball in play during a MLS soccer match between New York City FC and the Orlando City SC at Orlando City Stadium on May 21, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /

3. Cyle Larin, Orlando City

It seems like only a matter of time before Cyle Larin will move on to bigger and better things. MLS, after all, is a good league but not a great one. And its best players are either European stars on their last legs or young players. Eventually, some of them have to try their wares in Europe in higher profile leagues.

It appears the 22-year-old striker is about ready to take that big leap.

And who could blame him after three brilliant seasons with Orlando City. He has totaled 41 goals in his three MLS seasons. That is simply a dominant scoring presence for the team. it sometimes feels like Larin is the only player who can score for Orlando City, adding to his importance.

Watching this young player blossom and grow his game has been astounding. As a striker, he has to do his best to take advantage of opportunities when they come. And he has largely done that. But he has also improved his ability to control the pace of the game, distribute to teammates as they get into the attacking third and deliver the ball.

For this season, he has 10 goals and two assists. He is still on track to follow his stellar previous two seasons. But like so much with this struggling Orlando City team, Larin has suffered from the team’s poor midfield delivery. And now he is adjusting to playing with Dom Dwyer alongside him after spending most of his young career alone at striker. That will test his playmaking and passing.

Orlando City has perhaps over-relied on Larin. He is the lone scorer for Orlando City — he has scored 10 of the team’s 27 goals. And those 27 goals are the second worst in the Eastern Conference. The Lions have reached a goal drought.

It is unclear how much longer Larin will stay in MLS. It seems like this may be his last full year with the team. Then again, he has struggled enough this year, he may need another season to prove himself all over again.

His success is ultimately a sign of Orlando City’s success. And right now, neither he nor his team is feeling much of that.