Atlanta United may get the first look at the next big duo in MLS when its hosts Orlando City, featuring forwards Cyle Larin and new acquisition Dom Dwyer, on Saturday.
Though in a rut with only one goal in his past 11 games, Larin is still considered one of the better strikers in the league because of his size (6-foot-2, 190 pounds), age (22) and mark of 39 goals in 77 games.
Now, the Lions have traded as much as $1.6 million in allocation money for Dwyer, who also is considered one of the league’s better forwards. The 26-year-old has scored 57 goals in 128 appearances. Though not 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 onto 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 onto Larin?”
Peterson played with Dwyer at Sporting KC. He has first-hand knowledge of what the Englishman-turned-U.S. citizen will bring to Saturday’s game and to 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 knockout games.
“He’s clinical in and around the box,” Guzan said. “He adds a new element to their team.”
It will be interesting to see how he and Larin will play together.
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 playing 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.
It also will be interesting to see 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 one-year option.
They will have at least nine games together to improve an offense that has scored the third-fewest goals (22) in MLS and get the Lions into the playoffs for the first time in its three seasons.
“I hope and I believe I bring a lot to the team to improve it,” Dwyer said in his news conference Wednesday, according to the Orlando Sentinel. “The team’s put a lot of faith in me, and their hard work I will repay.”
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