ORLANDO, Fla.- Jason Kreis had a simple explanation for the growing influence that Cyle Larin is having on the Orlando City SC attack following their 2-1 home win over Philadelphia Union â fitness.
The big Canadian made it three goals in two games â and six points â for the Lions in a commanding performance that saw him torment the Philly defense alongside new strike partner Carlos Rivas.
Cityâs leading scorer could easily have had a hat-trick as he and Rivas repeatedly found holes to exploit, but head coach Kreis insisted it was all about Larinâs offseason work.
âI think first and foremost itâs about the work-rate and commitment Cyle has put in to take himself to a new fitness level,â he said. âHe is able to play in a little bit different way to last year and, as Iâve always said, I enjoy seeing people who work hard get some success, and itâs really pleasing to see Cyle get a couple of goals.â
Kreis also highlighted how the enhanced fitness is showing in greater versatility, that Larin is able to do more than just score goals â and keep it going for the full 90 minutes.
âI think a lot of that has to do with his movement,â Kreis said. âIf I was to look at Cyle as an opposing coach, I would say he is a box forward, someone who always wants to be around the penalty box and maybe doesnât do quite enough other than that.
âBut tonight he showed an ability to make runs into the corners, an ability to turn on the ball and go at defenders 1-v-1 and also he played some very nice passes and combinations with the players around him. And thatâs what we want â we want him to become a more versatile striker, not to just be a box striker.â
Larin agreed, pointing out that he is growing into a more mature role under the all-around demands of his coach.
âEvery time I score I get more confident and I just think my fitness level helps me both on the ball and off the ball," Larin said. "And, late in the game, Iâm able to help my team out defensively, and thatâs what we need.â
