Toronto FC’s Richie Laryea# 22: The Surprising Thing He Does Off the Pitch That Has Fans Losing Their Minds

When Toronto FC lines up, #22 just pops off the screen. Richie Laryea brings this mix of energy, composure, and real versatility to the back line. He shapes games with his ability to both defend and push forward.

You see a player who’s become one of Toronto FC’s most reliable defenders, and honestly, he carries the pride of his hometown every time he steps on the field.

His path wasn’t exactly smooth. He played college soccer at the University of Akron, helped the Zips reach the NCAA tournament semifinals, then worked his way through Orlando City before finally coming home to Toronto.

His journey shows persistence, adaptability, and a commitment that’s made him a key piece for both club and country.

What really makes his story stand out is how he mixes international experience with a deep connection to Toronto.

From his loan spells to coming back from Nottingham Forest, you get the feeling his career has come full circle. That mix of local roots and global experience really helps explain why he matters so much to Toronto FC and Canadian soccer as a whole.

Richie Laryea’s Role at Toronto FC

Richie Laryea gives Toronto FC a steady presence on the right side of the field.

His return from Nottingham Forest added both defensive stability and attacking support, so he’s become a reliable option in MLS play.

Defensive Responsibilities and Playing Style

Laryea feels most at home as a right-back, but you’ll often catch him drifting into midfield.

He closes down space fast, using speed and anticipation to break up attacks before they get going.

His defensive positioning keeps wingers from finding room, and his tackling is usually clean and measured.

He brings pressing ability too.

Toronto FC likes to push up the field, and Laryea helps force turnovers near the halfway line.

After he surges forward, you’ll notice he tracks back right away, making sure he doesn’t leave gaps behind.

He doesn’t just hang back like some defenders.

He times his forward runs to overlap with wingers, giving Toronto another way to break in transition.

That balance between defending and attacking? It’s a big reason he’s so valuable in MLS.

Squad Number and Positioning

Laryea wears the #22 jersey, a number he’s stuck with through different stages of his career.

For Toronto FC, #22 is tied to his role as a wide defender who can also drop into midfield if needed.

You’ll usually spot him on the right side of a back four, but he’ll shift into a wing-back role if the formation changes.

His versatility lets John Herdman tweak tactics without needing to sub anyone out.

At 5’9” and about 150 pounds, Laryea isn’t the most physical defender in MLS, but his quickness and agility more than make up for it.

He leans on positioning and timing, not brute strength, and that fits Toronto’s style of building from the back under pressure.

Key Contributions Since Return

Since coming back to Toronto FC from Nottingham Forest, Laryea has offered steady production.

During the 2023 season, including both MLS regular season and playoffs, he scored 1 goal and 3 assists while on loan with Vancouver before returning to Toronto.

Back with TFC, he added 2 goals and 7 assists in 29 appearances.

Here’s a quick look at his recent club output:

Season	Club	Competitions	Goals	Assists	Appearances
2023	Vancouver Whitecaps	MLS + Playoffs	1	3	14
2022-23	Toronto FC	MLS + Playoffs	2	7	29

He consistently creates chances from wide areas.

His ability to stretch defenses and deliver accurate passes into the box has given Toronto a real attacking threat from the back.

Laryea’s return also brought him back under head coach John Herdman, who really values his work rate and leadership.

That familiarity has made him a trusted starter and a big influence on younger players breaking into MLS.

He still represents the Canada Men’s National Team, bringing international experience that only strengthens his club role.

His background at the University of Akron shaped his early development, and you can still see that technical foundation in how he reads the game.

Career Journey and Club History

You watch Richie Laryea’s career unfold across college soccer, MLS, and a move to England before heading home again.

His path shows steady growth, adjustments to new roles, and the ability to adapt to different levels of competition.

Early Career and MLS SuperDraft

Laryea sharpened his game at the University of Akron, becoming a key part of one of the top NCAA soccer programs.

In 2015, he started 22 matches and helped Akron reach the NCAA tournament semifinals.

His performances there made him a strong candidate for the professional game.

In January 2016, Orlando City SC picked him with the 7th overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft.

That moment kicked off his Major League Soccer career.

At Akron, Laryea mostly played as an attacking midfielder.

His technical ability, pace, and vision stood out, but scouts figured his versatility would help him more at the pro level.

Turns out, they were right.

College Stats at Akron (2014–2015):

Season	Matches	Goals	Assists
2014	20	4	2
2015	22	11	2

Orlando City SC and Initial MLS Experience

Laryea’s pro career in Orlando started off slow.

Between 2016 and 2018, he made 21 league appearances for Orlando City SC.

Most of those were off the bench, and he didn’t score in MLS play during that stretch.

He also logged time with Orlando City B in the USL, getting regular minutes and refining his game.

That period was less about stats, more about learning how to handle MLS’s physical pace.

At the end of 2018, Orlando let his contract option expire.

For some, that could be a setback. For Laryea, it turned into a chance to reset his career and look for a better fit.

Nottingham Forest FC and English Premier League Move

In January 2022, Laryea signed with Nottingham Forest FC, a club chasing promotion from the English Championship.

He made his debut in April 2022 against West Bromwich Albion.

He featured in five matches as Forest clinched promotion to the Premier League.

Even though his minutes were limited, being part of that promotion run gave him some valuable experience at a high level.

His move to England showed he wanted to test himself abroad.

But with heavy competition for spots and not much playing time, Laryea headed back to Toronto FC in 2022, where he quickly re-established himself as a regular starter.

Nottingham Forest Stats (2022):

Competition	Matches	Goals	Assists
Championship	5	0	0
FA Cup	0	0	0
Total	5	0	0

Return to Toronto and Recent Performances

Richie Laryea’s career arc is really about his steady return to Toronto FC, his short but useful loan to Vancouver, and his earlier role in a deep playoff run.

His journey highlights consistency, adaptability, and a strong connection to his hometown club.

2022-2023 Seasons with Toronto FC

During 2022 and 2023, Laryea gave Toronto FC both stability and attacking width from the right.

After coming back from Nottingham Forest, he slotted into the lineup with ease, using his speed and timing to create chances.

Over those two seasons, he made 29 appearances, scoring two goals and adding seven assists.

His ability to push forward while still covering defensively made him a reliable option for John Herdman and a trusted teammate for veterans like Jonathan Osorio.

Here’s a quick look at his production during that stretch:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2022	14	1	3
2023	15	1	4

You could count on him to deliver steady minutes, whether Toronto needed to chase a game or protect a lead.

Loan Spell at Vancouver Whitecaps

In 2023, Laryea went on a short loan with the Vancouver Whitecaps.

It wasn’t a long stint, but it gave him valuable playing time and kept him sharp while Toronto sorted out a permanent deal.

He played in 14 matches across all competitions, scored once, and added three assists.

His contributions helped Vancouver push for playoff positioning, bringing speed and creativity to their attack.

That spell also reminded everyone how versatile he is.

He played as a right back, wingback, and even pushed higher up the pitch when needed.

For Vancouver, that flexibility was a real asset in a tight Western Conference race.

Impact in the Eastern Conference Championship

You can’t talk about Laryea’s Toronto career without mentioning the 2019 Eastern Conference Championship.

Coming out of Akron, he’d already shown promise, but that playoff run really cemented his place in the squad.

He played a key role in helping Toronto FC reach the MLS Cup Final.

His ability to stretch defenses, recover quickly, and contribute in transition gave the Reds an edge against tough opponents.

That playoff run set the tone for his reputation.

You saw a player who wasn’t just filling a spot—he was actually influencing matches at the highest level of MLS.

It became the standard you expected from him every season after.

International Career with Canada

Richie Laryea’s international path is all about steady growth, big tournament appearances, and being a reliable Canadian defender.

His time with Canada shows consistency, adaptability, and contributions in high-stakes matches at both regional and global levels.

Debut and Key International Matches

You first catch Laryea playing for Canada in 2016 with the U23 team, where he scored in a friendly against Guyana.

That early impact gave him a platform to step into the senior squad.

His senior debut came in September 2019 against Cuba in a CONCACAF Nations League match.

By then, he’d already developed his game at Akron and through MLS stints with Orlando City and Toronto FC.

One of his most memorable early moments was during World Cup qualifying in March 2021.

He scored in a 5–1 win against Bermuda, showing he could push forward from the back line.

Since then, he’s become a regular in Canada’s defense, trusted in both right-back and midfield roles.

His versatility keeps him in the lineup across multiple competitions.

Key early highlights:

• 2016 U23 debut, goal vs. Guyana
• 2019 senior debut vs. Cuba
• 2021 first senior goal vs. Bermuda

Role as a Canadian International Defender

Laryea’s role stands out because he can play both right-back and in midfield. That kind of flexibility lets Canada switch up formations without sacrificing defensive stability.

As a defender, he counts on his pace and positional sense. He’ll jump into the attack, overlapping on the right, but he hustles back fast to cover ground. Coaches trust him in both defensive and attacking phases, so he’s always valuable, especially in tournaments.

He’s racked up a steady number of caps. By mid‑2025, he had 65 senior appearances, which says a lot about the faith different managers have in him.

International stats (as of June 29, 2025):

Team	Years Active	Caps	Goals
Canada U23	2016	2	1
Canada	2019–2025	65	1

World Cup and Concacaf Nations League Appearances

You probably remember when Laryea made it to the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Canada. He played in Qatar, part of the first Canadian squad at the tournament since 1986. His defensive work and knack for joining the attack gave Canada more ways to challenge top teams.

In regional competitions, he’s been a regular in the CONCACAF Nations League. Canada finished second in 2023, and Laryea started in some of the most important matches. He also played a big role in the Gold Cup squads in both 2021 and 2023.

By 2024, he got the call for Canada’s Copa América roster. That gave him a chance to test himself against South American teams, which only helped him grow as a defender.

You can track his appearances across major tournaments:

• 2021 Gold Cup – Final squad member
• 2022 FIFA World Cup – Featured in group stage
• 2023 Nations League Finals – Runner‑up finish
• 2023 Gold Cup – 23‑man squad
• 2024 Copa América – Full call‑up

Influence and Leadership

Richie Laryea brings a lot more than just his on-field skills at right-back. His relationships with decision-makers, his work with the Canadian national team staff, and his presence in Toronto FC’s locker room all show why he matters, both on and off the field.

Relationship with Jason Hernandez

If you look at Laryea’s place at Toronto FC, you’ll notice his connection with general manager Jason Hernandez. Hernandez, who played in MLS too, appreciates players who mix tactical smarts with professionalism. Laryea fits right in and has earned that trust since coming back from Nottingham Forest.

Hernandez counts on veterans like Laryea to bridge the gap between the front office and the squad. When you see Laryea on the pitch, you’re really seeing Hernandez’s vision for a disciplined, tough team.

The stats tell the story:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
2023	21	1	2	1,540
2024	18	0	3	1,320
2025*	3	0	0	65

*2025 limited by hamstring injury

Even when injuries slow him down, Hernandez still sees him as a cornerstone for the rebuild. He values Laryea’s leadership just as much as his play on the field.

Collaboration with John Herdman

If you follow Laryea’s international career, it’s obvious how important he is to John Herdman’s Canada squad. Herdman loves versatility, and Laryea gives him that by playing both right-back and midfield. That flexibility opens up more lineup options.

Herdman also leans on Laryea’s experience in big matches. Not many Canadian players have logged as many minutes in both MLS and Europe. That experience helps steady younger teammates when the pressure’s on.

Herdman has praised how quickly Laryea adapts. Whether he’s shifting into a back three or pushing up in attack, you can see why he’s always in the mix for Canada. He’s not flashy, but Herdman values his reliability.

Mentorship and Locker Room Presence

Inside Toronto FC’s locker room, Laryea’s impact is hard to miss. Younger players often talk about how he sets the tone in training. People mention his intensity, his drive to hold others accountable, and how he keeps standards high even when things get tough.

His time at the University of Akron, where he helped the Zips reach the NCAA tournament semifinals, shaped his competitive edge. Now, he uses that drive to mentor rookies and homegrown players trying to find their way in MLS.

Teammates say he’s approachable but expects a lot. He mixes encouragement with high standards, which really helps younger defenders. When you watch Toronto FC, you notice more than just Laryea’s tackles or runs—you see someone who’s shaping the team’s culture.

Personal Background and Connection to Toronto

Richie Laryea grew up in Toronto, Ontario, just minutes from the training ground where he now plays for Toronto FC. His journey from local fields to the pro stage shows both his growth as a player and his deep roots in the city that raised him.

Early Life in Ontario

Laryea’s story starts in Toronto, where he was born on January 7, 1995. He grew up in a soccer-loving family and honed his skills in local clubs before moving up to tougher competition.

He went to the University of Akron and played two standout seasons. In 2015, he started 22 matches, scored 11 goals, and added 7 assists, helping Akron reach the NCAA tournament semifinals.

College Stats at Akron (2014–2015):

Season	Matches	Goals	Assists
2014	20	4	2
2015	22	11	7

Those performances made him a first-round pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft by Orlando City SC. But coming back to Toronto in 2019 meant more, considering his strong bond with the city where he first learned the game.

Community Involvement

If you follow Laryea’s career, you’ll notice how often he talks about Toronto as more than just a place to play. He’s shown up at youth soccer clinics and community events, using his platform to connect with young players who grew up on the same fields he did.

His presence brings visibility to Canadian soccer. By showing up at local programs, he gives young athletes a real-life example of a path from neighborhood pitches to Major League Soccer.

Laryea’s involvement goes beyond just appearances. He often talks about the importance of mentorship, sharing advice on discipline, training, and balancing school with sport. For kids in Toronto, his accessibility makes him more than just another pro athlete.

Legacy as a Hometown Player

You know there’s something special about a player suiting up for his hometown club. For Toronto FC, Laryea’s impact goes beyond tackles and assists—he means a lot to the fans, too.

He grew up in Downsview, just a few minutes from the club’s facilities. Now, when he pulls on that number 22 shirt, he’s not just playing; he’s building a real connection with supporters.

Fans look at him and see one of their own. He gets the city’s vibe and knows what people expect from him.

That kind of bond makes every match feel more important. When you catch Laryea on the field, you’re watching someone who stands for both Toronto FC and the whole soccer scene in Ontario.

His career keeps showing just how much homegrown talent can matter in Major League Soccer.