Orlando City forward Cyle Larin named MLS Rookie of the Year
Cyle Larin has won Major League Soccer's Rookie of the Year award with 97 per cent of the vote after a storming debut season with Orlando City.
(Courtesy: @MLS)
The 20-year-old's 17 goals - six more than the rookie record held by former Chicago Fire striker and Jamaica international Damani Ralph since 2003 - almost fired Orlando to the postseason in the franchise's debut MLS campaign.
Some rate his impact this season as the greatest since the league began in 1996, and his talents have turned heads in England and mainland Europe, specifically reigning Belgium champion Gent.
Related: Orlando City coach urges Larin to stay with Lions
After moving from Sigma FC in his native Ontario, Canada for the 2015 campaign, the physical frontman saw his route into the first eleven relatively untroubled, and took full advantage of the opportunity.
He won the prestigious award over many other talented youngsters in the league, including midfielder Fatai Alashe of the San Jose Earthquakes and Chicago Fire's Matt Polster.