ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City Soccer Club forward Cyle Larin has been named the 2015 AT&T Rookie of the Year, the team and Major League Soccer announced Tuesday.
Larin becomes only the second player in league history to win Rookie of the Year honors with an expansion team. Maruice Edu was the first in 2007.
Larin broke the league single-season scoring record for a rookie in 2015, surpassing former Chicago Fire striker Damani Ralph's mark by six goals, with 17 finishes in the regular season.
"We're delighted for Cyle to win Rookie of the Year after his incredible first season in MLS," Orlando City SC head coach Adrian Heath said. "Since he's come on board, Cyle has really made an effort to learn and grow as a professional each day, and it's certainly showed in his play on the field. His future is very bright if he continues to progress at this rate."
"I would like to thank the fans, who have been there for us all season. I wouldn't have this award if it wasn't for them," Larin said. "Secondly, I'd like to thank all of my teammates who have been behind me throughout the entire season and provided the assists for my goals. I'd also like to thank the entire technical staff. I don't think I'd be in this position without them giving me the opportunity and believing in me. Lastly, I'd like to thank everyone throughout the league who voted for me. This award truly means a lot to me."
After being selected No. 1 overall by Orlando City in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, Larin defied expectations in the team's historic inaugural campaign with his 17 goals, which tied him for fifth best in MLS among the league's top goal scorers, including Sebastian Giovinco, Kei Kamara, Robbie Keane, David Villa and Bradley Wright-Phillips.