Richie Laryea offered TFC much more than just intensity this year
Laryea's tenacity has become his trademark. But he also possesses a high football IQ that doesn't get talked about enough.
A second half goal against the Columbus Crew towards the tail end of the MLS season showed off Richie Laryea’s very best qualities.
Down 1-0 after only 16 minutes, Toronto FC eventually drew level following some patient build up play out from the back. The ball eventually found its way to captain Jonathan Osorio, and he delivered a perfect slide-rule pass for Laryea as he burst into the box before firing an angled shot underneath goalkeeper Patrick Schulte.
It was Laryea’s first MLS goal for the Reds since July 20, 2024, and owed as much to his impeccable timing and an ability to read how the play was unfolding in real time, as it did to his speed and acceleration.
The expression on Laryea’s face in celebrating the goal – as seen in the photo at the top of his page – perfectly captured the intensity with which the Canadian international carried himself during a difficult 2025 campaign for TFC. But there's so much more to his game.
