Laryea is excelling after stern words from Kreis

^About two months ago,

got a stern talking to from Orlando City coach about what he needed to do if he wanted to play Major League Soccer.

“About how he really needed to treat these OCB performances the right way, because they are real for us,” Kreis said of the conversation. “He took that message on full board, has performed extremely well with OCB in the matches that he’s played there and then he earned his opportunity. And when he got his opportunity, he showed us that it really meant a lot to him.

“I think he's working in a really positive direction right now.”

Casual fans probably don’t know much about Laryea, 22.

Orlando City selected him seventh overall in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, signing him straight out of the University of Akron after he helped the Zips to the semifinals of the 2015 NCAA Tournament. He’s since worked mostly on loan with Orlando City B of the second-tier United Soccer League.

“The first year was a lot about learning for me,” Laryea said. “I think that was good for me to get games on the B team and go through certain situations. I think it’s made me who I am right now.

“I’m just showing what I can do when I get on the field, really, and earning trust from my teammates COMMENTARY and coaches on the first team anytime I get a chance.”

Laryea is one of three players with three goals for OCB. His 40 MLS minutes this season came across the Lions’ last three matches. He can play as an attacking midfielder or forward and displayed high energy and speed in his limited minutes on the MLS pitch.

“He’s giving us everything he has, he brings a spark,” Kreis said. “When you do that, that’s how you get more and more minutes, and then that’s when you get an opportunity to start. That’s the progression that should be there, and I think that’s the progression that I think he’s taking advantage of now.”

He’s also serving as an example to other young players under MLS contracts but spending most of their time loaned down, such as and among others. Kreis said all players on loan better take their OCB minutes seriously or they “won’t be here long term.” “He’s a hard worker,” Da Silva said of Laryea. “If you work hard with the B team you’re going to achieve your goals.”

Donovan said one good game won’t earn a call-up, it takes consistency and he thinks Laryea is “a great example for us because that’s what happens when you get to a higher level, too. You’ve got to be consistent or someone else is going to take your job.”

Laryea said he sometimes can feel like Orlando City’s “other” Canadian forward. His Toronto roots and quiet demeanor mirror the Lions’ leading scorer who was named MLS Rookie of the Year in 2015.

“Another quiet Canadian, that’s about exactly right,” Kreis said laughing. “But he’s a young player, so you don’t know what it could be like. With some confidence and with some rhythm his personality may develop.”

In the meantime, he’s focused on the development of his game and getting as many chances as possible with the first team. He said he felt ready for the speed and physicality of MLS when he entered the last three matches.

“It was just about getting a chance, getting out there and doing what you have to do,” Laryea said. “Building on that, getting more appearances, building toward a start and going from there.”