MLS Rookie of the Year Cyle Larin buzzing after record-breaking 2015
Orlando City forward Cyle Larin is feeling on top of the world.
Larin was named the 2015 MLS Rookie of the Year on Tuesday, the capstone on a blistering first season for the Canadian forward. His 17 goals in 2015 were also good for a new MLS goal record for rookies.
It was a record Larin chased hungrily throughout the season, inspired by his teammate Brek Shea just seven games in.
"That goal only came up because Brek told me it was something I could reach," Larin told reporters. "My initial goals for the season were just to work hard and get into the lineup. Then, when I scored my first few goals, I started thinking about making my target to score 10 for the season, and things just developed from there, setting new goals all the time."
Related - VIDEO: Orlando City's Cyle Larin nets hat trick to break MLS rookie scoring record
Larin is the second Canadian to win the MLS Rookie of the Year award, with FC Dallas winger Tesho Akindele also claiming that title in 2014. Larin isn't content with his first-year haul - the Toronto-born striker is ambitious and hungry for more.
"There are always more goals to reach," Larin said. "I want to follow up what I did this year by winning something with my team and getting a championship. The next thing is to be the top goal-scorer in the league itself and, if I keep doing the things I did this year and working hard in the offseason, I think that's something I can achieve."
He might be hungry for more, but club head coach Adrian Heath has urged him to stay with the Lions in 2016, rather than biting off more than he can chew with a potential European move. Heath hasn't been shy in praising Larin's contributions this season, saying the Canadian is "already well on the way to a great career. ... If he avoids injury, the sky's the limit."
That backing has Larin buzzing for the future.
"I certainly have a lot of confidence from this season," Larin said. "My coaches and teammates have really instilled that in me. It feels like I have come a long way and, while it has been a long year for me, it has been a very good one. Hopefully next year can be even better."