MLS Draft 2016: Orlando City Selects MF Richie Laryea from Akron Seventh Overall

With the seventh overall pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, Orlando City selected 21-year-old Richie Laryea, a midfielder from the University of Akron. With a wealth of options sitting there at No. 7, the Lions went with an area of need in the attacking midfield.

While he will take up an international slot, Laryea won't count against the salary cap, being a Generation Adidas player.

MLSSoccer.com did a profile on Laryea recently with 10 things about the midfielder, including all the important information you need, such as the fact he's a fan of Drake.

The Mane Land also selected Laryea in the SB Nation Mock Draft just a few days ago. This is what our Wade Williams had to say about the prolific Canadian:

Laryea has spent the last two years dominating midfields across the Mid-American Conference for the University of Akron. More of a holding midfielder his freshman year, Laryea flew up draft boards after excelling in a more attacking role for the Zips this season. Finishing with 11 goals and seven assists in 22 games, the Toronto native can be a plug-and-play depth piece all over the midfield, providing much-needed depth in the attack.

Laryea is a Generation Adidas player, meaning he would not count against the club's senior roster and will likely earn a much higher salary than the league minimum. Generation Adidas players are guaranteed scholarships to continue their college education should their careers in soccer not pan out.

"This is amazing. Orlando's the team that I really wanted to go to, so I'm very happy that I get to go there," said Laryea in a club release. "Cyle (Larin) has been my best friend ever since I've been nine years old so it's going to be great. I know Orlando has a great fan base and it's a great city to live in so I can't wait to get started."

Just days ago, Larin tweeted that he hoped his countryman would be joining him in Orlando and that has come to pass, much to the Rookie of the Year's delight.

Though small in size, Laryea can play with some power, as evidenced here:

Orlando City has one more pick today barring any trades, with the 32^nd overall selection the 12^th pick in Round 2, which was acquired from the LA Galaxy in exchange for goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts in the summer transfer window.

Stay tuned for more on that pick later.

For now, just enjoy a little Dab from the new guy: