Cyle Larin Doing the Dirty Work
Cyle Larin’s three game goal streak came to an end on Sunday. The 20 year-old striker has been in fine form, netting 4 goals in 7 starts this season. Sunday wasn’t his best performance, but his hard working, physical style of play was enough to create Orlando City’s only goal.
For most of the match, the service into Larin was poor. With Orlando City’s typical precision passing game out of rhythm, they were forced into a more direct, long ball approach using Larin as a target. He was often covered by two Earthquake defenders and the results were predictable. Normally, Larin wins most one-on-one battles, especially bringing down a long ball, but with the combination of Goodson and Bernardez, it was tough for Larin to get meaningful touches on the ball. He would end up playing 80+ minutes but only recording 18 touches on the night.
Statistically you would think Larin had a poor game. 18 touches, 0 shots on goal, 15 passes. That’s a pretty anonymous night from a striker. However, it’s his willingness to grind through these moments which really sets him apart from the rest. He was constantly hacked and hammered and was even dragged down out of bounds, only to find his feet, continue the play and create a minor scoring chance.
Larin’s body style (6'2 190 lbs.) gives him an advantage in most physical battles. He also has great leaping ability to tower over defenders. There is a disadvantage to his size, however, as referees rarely give him favorable calls, so he has to bully his way through defenders without the benefit of the doubt. It just comes with the territory of being a physically imposing striker.
Fast forward to Brek Shea’s sending off and Cyle Larin looked to be the sacrificial lamb as coach Adrian Heath had to add an extra midfielder to protect defensively. He could have wilted knowing his time was almost up and it seemed destined to not be his day, but he kept working. Eventually Tally Hall sent another long ball his way and Larin found himself closing in on the San Jose goalkeeper with a defender draped all over his back. It was one of those true 50/50 balls and a collision was inevitable. Plenty of forwards would shy away from the impending contact, but not Cyle Larin. It’s one thing to stick your foot in the middle of a tough tackle. It’s another to expose your head to the incoming forearm of a keeper. In the end, Larin arrived to the ball quicker, got the crucial touch on the ball and took the clothesline hit to the head he knew was coming. The referee could not ignore the contact on this one, allowing Larin’s hard work and selfless play earn the penalty.
Sometimes the ball doesn’t bounce or roll your way, and Sunday against the San Jose Earthquakes was just one of those games. That’s when you need players to step up and grind out a result. Usually these roles are headed up by savvy veterans, but Cyle Larin is playing well beyond his years.
The soft spoken rookie might not be the vocal leader, but his tireless work ethic and willingness to do the dirty work should endear him to coaches, teammates and all supporters.
