Canada steals Orlando City’s leading scorer away before first clash with Atlanta United

Have we mentioned how much we like Canada lately? Our friendly Northern neighbors have come in clutch ahead of Atlanta United’s first-ever visit to Disney World on Friday. Ahead of the CONCACAF Gold Cup knockout rounds, Canada have called in Orlando City’s leading scorer, Cyle Larin, for their quarterfinal match-up against Jamaica on Thursday.

Larin will miss the much-anticipated clash between the expected rivals. The 22-year-old has had an up-and-down season that has included a suspension for a DUI, but he currently leads the Lions with eight goals, double the total of Carlos Rivas, the second leading scorer.

The international call-ups for the Gold Cup have been very kind to Atlanta United. Not only has it stolen their next opponent’s top scorer away, it’s seen Bruce Arena inexplicably ignore Greg Garza, arguably the best natural left back in the national team pool. Arena was also kind enough to send Brad Guzan back to Atlanta after the group stage of the competition to let him settle in with his new club ahead of said Orlando match.

Things are looking good for the Five Stripes as we inch closer to the resumption of the season. While these developments don’t ensure victory on Friday, it gives them a boost for sure.