January 9, 2016 League 1 Ontario--Two 2015 League1 Players Sign Contracts (from League 1 Ontario website)

Two 2015 League1 Players Sign Contracts
01/09/2016, 10:15am EST
By lo admin

Two 2015 League1 Ontario players signed contracts this week, with Toronto FC forward Malik Johnson 
going from the club's academy system to the USL side in an undisclosed deal, and Sigma FC midfielder 
Richmond Laryea agreeing to a Generation Adidas contract that makes him eligible for next week's 
MLS SuperDraft.

Seventeen year-old Malik Johnson impressed during seven call-ups to the TFC II side in 2015, making 
five starts following his July 8 debut versus Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

"We are pleased to sign another player from our Academy program," said Toronto FC II Head Coach 
Jason Bent. "When called upon last year, Malik showed qualities both on and off the pitch that 
we are looking for in a footballer. We have no doubt Malik will be a welcomed addition to the team."

Twenty year-old Sigma FC and University of Akron midfielder Richmond Laryea agreed to a Generation Adidas 
contract on Tuesday, which allows the sophomore to enter next week's MLS SuperDraft. Generation Adidas 
contracts allow select underclassmen eligibility to turn professional without counting against 
an MLS club's salary budget. Generation Adidas also provides financial support for the player 
to continue their education.

Laryea is the second Sigma FC product to sign a Generation Adidas contract in as many years, with 
fellow teammate Cyle Larin signing Generation Adidas in 2014, and signing to Orlando City. Larin was 
recognized as MLS Rookie of the Year in his first season in the league. 

Laryea enters the Thursday January 14 draft after a sensational 2015 NCAA season, scoring 11 goals 
and tallying seven assists in 22 matches. In his first season, Laryea had one goal and two assists 
over the season. University of Akron went to the semi-final of the 2015 College Cup, before losing 
8-7 to eventual champions Stanford University in penalty kicks.

League1 Ontario would like to congratulate both Laryea and Johnson on their achievements, as well 
as both Sigma FC and Toronto FC technical staff for their exceptional development of these 
elite athletes. 

back to 2016 League 1 Ontario Men's index

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