Richmond Laryea – An Amazing Star To Watch
Richmond "Richie" Laryea is a Canadian soccer player who currently plays as a midfielder or defender for Toronto FC in Major League Soccer and the Canada national team.
- College and amateur
Prior to his college career, Laryea played for Sigma FC Academy and Dante Alighieri Academy in Toronto. Laryea played college soccer at the University of Akron for two seasons, reaching the College Cup semi-finals in 2015.
Laryea was named to the All-Mid-American Conference Second Team in 2014 and was named to the All-Mid-American Conference First Team in 2015.
He played for League1 Ontario club Sigma FC in 2015, where he was named a League All-Star.
Following his sophomore season, Laryea signed a contract with Generation Adidas.
- Orlando City
Laryea was drafted in the first round (7th overall) of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft by Orlando City. He was loaned to Orlando City B in March 2016.
After spending the first half of his second season once again on loan to OCB playing as both an attacking and defensive midfielder, Laryea made his MLS debut on 25 June 2017, subbing on for Kaká in a 4–0 defeat to Chicago Fire.
Laryea got his first MLS to assist on September 27, 2017, assisting on Yoshimar Yotún's goal against New England Revolution. He made his first career MLS start on the final day of the season away to Philadelphia Union.
On November 27, 2018, the club announced they had declined his contract option.
- Toronto FC
On March 21, 2019, Laryea signed for MLS side Toronto FC. Laryea scored his first goal for Toronto on May 26, 2019, in a 1–2 home defeat to the San Jose Earthquakes.
It was also his first MLS goal. Laryea would have his option for the 2020 season exercised by Toronto, keeping him with the club for 2020.
- International
In May 2016, Laryea was called to Canada's U23 national team for a pair of friendlies against Guyana and Grenada. Laryea scored in the opening match against Guyana.
Laryea received his first call up to the senior team on August 26, 2019, for two CONCACAF Nations League matches against Cuba. He made his debut in the first match on September 7.