2024 MLS Draft: Orlando City Selects Midfielder Riyon Tori at No. 83 Overall

Orlando City closed its 2024 MLS SuperDraft by selecting Charlotte midfielder Riyon Tori with the 25th pick in the third round (83rd overall). Tori is the third midfielder taken by the Lions today and the second Japanese player.

Tori began his collegiate career at St. John’s University, playing sparingly over two seasons with the Red Storm. He only made eight appearances and five starts for a total of 505 minutes. He didn’t score any goals or record any assists, but took four shots in those two seasons. However, all four attempts were off target.

The Osaka, Japan native transferred to Charlotte for more playing time, playing the 2023 season in the American Athletic Conference. In his final collegiate season, Tori played and started 18 games, recording 1,328 minutes. The junior scored one goal and added two assists for four points and put one of his two shots on target.

The only Charlotte player to start all 18 games for the team, Tori was named United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-East Region and first-team all-conference. The possession-minded midfielder played at least 60 minutes in each game, helping his team to a conference championship.

Prior to arriving in the United States, Tori captained Cerezo Osaka’s U-18 team and played for the club’s U-23 J. League team. Considered one of the top U-18 players in Japan, he toured England in 2019 with the Nike Next Hero project.

What It Means for Orlando City

MLS teams are looking for a diamond in the rough when they draft a player in the third round. Many of these players don’t end up signing professional contracts, but the club is looking for someone who might be a successful long-term project. The last two third-round picks by Orlando City — Nicholas O’Callaghan and Nick Taylor — spent time with OCB after being drafted.

Charlotte Head Coach Kevin Langan describes Tori as “a very technical playmaking midfielder who is excellent in possession. He is very sharp in one-v-one duels with and without the ball.” If the club decides to sign Tori to a contract, it will likely be to an MLS NEXT Pro contract with an eye on helping the first team some time in the future.