The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
United to face new challenge in Dwyer
Orlando City acquires high-scoring forward to pair with Larin.
Atlanta United may get the first look at MLS’ next big duo Saturday when they host Orlando City, featuring forwards Cyle Larin and new acquisition Dom Dwyer.
Although currently in a rut with only one goal in his past 11 games, Larin is considered one of the better strikers in the league because
of his size (6 feet 2, 190 pounds), age (22) and mark of 39 goals in 77 games.
In the meantime, the Lions on Tuesday traded as much as $1.6 million in allocation money for Dwyer, who also is considered one of the league’s better for- Orlando City Lions on Tuesday traded as much as $1.6 million in allocation money for Dom Dwyer.
wards. The 26-year-old has scored 57 goals in 128 appearances. Though not nearly as big (5-9, 180) as Larin, Dwyer probably is quicker and more relentless. He will wear No. 18 for the Lions.
“With two guys who are younger guys who are entering their prime, if they can hold on to them, it’s something they can build around for years,” Atlanta United midfielder Jacob Peterson said. “It’s how quickly can they adjust, and can they hold on to Larin?”
Peterson played with Dwyer at Sporting KC. He has firsthand knowledge of what the Englishman-turned-U.S. citizen will bring to Saturday’s game as well as future matchups between the league’s two Southeastern franchises.
“Biggest thing with Dom is there’s not really a weakness in his play,” Peterson said.
Peterson praised Dwyer’s work ethic and his ability to beat defenders physically or with his speed.
“Lot of really good pieces to Dom’s game, and no doubt that immediately he makes Orlando a better team,” Peterson said.
Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan was in the U.S. men’s national team camp with Dwyer for the group games of the Gold Cup.
Dwyer scored a goal in two games in the tournament before, like Guzan, he was released from camp by Bruce Arena for the knock- out games.
“He’s clinical in and around the box,” Guzan said. “He adds a new element to their Orlando City forward Cyle Larin (left) has 39 goals in 77 games, though he’s currently in a rut, with only one goal in his past 11 games.
team.”
It will be interesting to see how he and Larin will mesh. Dwyer played in mostly a one-forward formation in Sporting KC, while Larin has played in a two-forward system under Jason Kreis. During his introductory news conference Wednesday, Dwyer said he looks forward to play- ing in the new system.
“No doubt that Jason is going to have, and Dom and Cyle are going to have to figure out how to work off each other,” Peterson said.
Just as interesting is how long Dwyer and Larin may play together. Larin has been
the target of a transfer to a club in Europe for months. Dwyer is in the final year of his contract but has a oneyear option.
They will have at least nine games together to improve an offense that has scored the third-fewest goals (22) in MLS and attempt to get the Lions into the playoffs for the first time in their three seasons.
“I hope and I believe I bring a lot to the team to improve it,” Dwyer said in his news conference Wednesday. “The team’s put a lot of faith in me, and their hard work I will repay.”