A technical and dynamic wingback, Richie Laryea joined Whitecaps FC in August 2023 on loan from English Premier League side Nottingham Forest FC.
Laryea is on loan with Whitecaps FC through December 31, 2023.
WHITECAPS FC
'23: After arriving in August, Laryea went on to start all 14 of his appearances for Whitecaps FC across all competitions, tallying a goal as well as three assists. The Canadian international made his first start/appearance for the club on August 20 against San Jose Earthquakes and scored his first ‘Caps goal in the 3-0 home victory over St. Louis CITY SC on October 4, which also happened to mark his 100th MLS start (including playoffs and MLS is Back Knockout Round). Prior to joining the ‘Caps, Laryea recorded two goals and four assists in 19 starts for Toronto FC during the first half of the season. In addition, Laryea's 116 fouls suffered during the 2023 regular season set an MLS single-season record, surpassing the previous record of 112 held by former Houston Dynamo FC striker Alejandro Moreno in 2006.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST FC
'22-'23: Laryea joined his parent club Nottingham Forest in January 2022 and made five appearances as the side earned promotion to the English Premier League. Laryea then joined Toronto FC on an 11-month loan.
TORONTO FC
'19-'23: Laryea played three seasons with Toronto FC after signing with the club as a free agent in 2019. The Canadian international started 69 of his 83 appearances across all competitions for the Reds, recording nine goals as well as 12 assists and helping the side secure the 2019 Eastern Conference Championship. The wingback also went on an 11-month loan with Toronto FC in 2022 and 2023, starting all 29 of his appearances, scoring two goals and adding seven assists.
ORLANDO CITY SC
'16-'18: Prior to joining Toronto, Laryea spent time with Orlando City SC and Orlando City B. Orlando originally selected him in the first round (7th overall) in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft from the University of Akron. In three seasons, he made 21 appearances with one assist in MLS. Laryea also spent time on loan with Orlando City B in USL, where he made 35 appearances with three goals and two assists.
COLLEGE
'15-'16: In 2015, Laryea made 22 starts for the University of Akron, playing a crucial role in the team’s impressive 18-3-3 regular season record as they advanced to the semi-finals of the NCAA tournament, finishing just shy of a College Cup appearance. In his sophomore season with the Zips, the speedy and skillful midfielder recorded 11 goals and logged seven assists to finish second on the team in points (29). As a freshman in 2014, Laryea was named to the All-Mid-American Conference team.
INTERNATIONAL
Laryea is a regular member of Canada’s men’s senior national team. Three of his appearances with the team came at the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar, starting matches against Belgium and Croatia. Laryea has also played in FIFA Men’s World Cup Qualifying, Concacaf Gold Cup, Concacaf Nations League, and international friendly matches for his country. In addition, Laryea has previously represented Canada at the U-23 level.
