Larin misses out on Lions’ home finale
One big name was missing from Orlando City’s gameday roster Sunday: Cyle Larin.
The Canadian striker leads the Lions in goals this year with 12 and has not missed a game this year when available for selection. The four matches he did miss were due to suspension and international duty with Canada.
Larin trained all week after returning from a friendly match with Canada.
His exclusion from the roster was initially called a “coach’s decision” and a spokesman for the club said he did not have an injury, but after the game coach Jason Kreis said Larin did, in fact, suffer an injury.
“He had a hip flexor issue that popped up two days ago, which was Friday, and then he struggled through training,” Kreis said. “We were told he would be questionable for the match and then he came in early today to do some physical testing and ultimately failed, so he was out of the 18 for injury.”
Larin enters a contract option year in 2018 and has made clear he hopes to play in Europe in the near future. Rumors already are swirling that he will be sold sooner rather than later.
Orlando City’s front office and coaching staff has said in the past that whenever Larin is transferred it must be a deal that is, “good for him and good for the club.”
Larin attended the game and was seen before the match with other teammates not part of the 18-man roster. Johnson returns to pitch
Midfielder Will Johnson entered the match in the 58th minute, marking his return to competition following a fivegame suspension during a domestic violence investigation.
Johnson was arrested Sept. 6 after Orange County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call at his house following an argument between Johnson and his wife. The investigation concluded last week with the state dropping charges if Johnson entered a year-long diversion program.
Johnson subbed on for left back Donny Toia to a mix of boos and cheers from the crowd. Lions hand out donations
During a pregame ceremony, Orlando City donated a portion of the $100,000 it received from winning ESPN’s Stuart Scott ENSPIRE award to three organizations working with families affected by the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting.
The club donated $25,000 checks to the onePulse Foundation, the Contigo Fund and the Better Together Fund on the pitch before the match. The last $25,000 will go toward building a mini pitch at a location to be determined.
The award celebrates those taking a risk and using an “innovative approach to help the disadvantaged through the power of sports,” according to a statement released by ESPN.
The Orlando City alumni association also took the field at halftime to give back to the club, donating $25,500 to the Orlando City Foundation.
The alumni association is made up of former club players, with Orlando City B assistant coach Rob Valentino and club broadcaster Miguel Gallardo taking the pitch with the other alums to present the check.