Daryl Dike

Daryl Dike (born June 3, 2000) is a Nigerian-American soccer player who plays for Orlando City in MLS. Dike played college soccer for the University of Virginia and was selected in the first round (5th overall) of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft by Orlando City having already signed a Generation Adidas contract.[1] He is the most recent recipient of the offensive category for the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Tournament Most Outstanding Player. Dike is usually employed as a lone striker.

Daryl Dike
Personal information
Full name Daryl Dike
Date of birth (2000-06-03) June 3, 2000
Place of birth Edmond, Oklahoma, U.S.
Height 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Playing position(s) Forward
Club information
Current team
 Orlando City
Number 18
Youth career
2013–2015 OKC Energy
2015–2018 Edmond Huskies
College career
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2018–2019 Virginia Cavaliers 36 (15)
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2018 OKC Energy U23 4 (3)
2020– Orlando City 0 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of January 9, 2020

College

Ahead of the 2018 NCAA Division I men's soccer season, Dike signed a national letter of intent to play college soccer for the Virginia Cavaliers men's soccer program. Originally a reserve, Dike became a regular starter for the Cavaliers a month into the season. Dike made his college soccer debut on September 18, 2018, playing 34 minutes in a 2–0 victory against FIU. On September 21, 2018, Dike made his first start for the Cavaliers, playing 57 minutes in a 2–0 win at Syracuse. Dike scored his first collegiate goal on October 2, 2018, in a 2–1 victory against Wright State. Dike would score four more goals during the season before an injury sidelined him during the 2018 ACC Men's Soccer Tournament. Dike returned on November 18, 2018 for the 2018 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Tournament, where he recorded his first collegiate assist in a 2–0 victory against Furman.[2] Dike finished the 2018 season with 13 appearances, five goals, and an assist. Dike was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team and the ACC Academic Honor Roll.

Dike started all 23 matches for Virginia during his sophomore year. On August 30, 2019, in the opening game of the 2019 NCAA Division I men's soccer season, Dike dished out two assists in a 2–0 win against Pacific. Dike lead the Cavaliers with goals and assists during the 2019 season, netting 10 goals and providing eight assists over the course of the season.[3] Dike scored both of Virginia's two goals on December 13, 2019 in the College Cup Semifinals against Wake Forest.[4] On December 15, 2019, Dike scored the tying goal in the 2019 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship Game against Georgetown to send the game to overtime, where Virginia ultimately lost in penalty kicks. Dike was named the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Tournament Most Outstanding Offensive Player following the match, giving Dike his first national collegiate award. Additionally, Dike was named to the All-ACC Second Team.[5]

Club career

Dike played one season in USL League Two during the 2018 season between high school and college soccer, with the OKC Energy U23. He made four appearances and scored three goals.

On January 9, 2020, Dike was selected in the first round (5th overall) of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft by Orlando City having already signed a Generation Adidas contract.[6]

Personal life

Dike is the younger brother of professional footballer, Bright Dike, who has played in Major League Soccer and for the Nigerian national team.[7] His sister Courtney played for the Nigerian women's squad and made two appearances at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.

References
  1. "Virginia forward Daryl Dike signs Generation adidas contract, eligible in 2020 SuperDraft". www.mlssoccer.com.
  2. Abramenko, Tobias (November 14, 2019). "Daryl Dike looks to defy the odds and lead No. 4 Virginia to a national title". The Cavalier Daily. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  3. Willett, Preston (December 7, 2019). "Daryl Dike doing the dirty work for the Wahoos". WCAV. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  4. Northam, Mitchell (December 14, 2019). "Daryl Dike leads Virginia over Wake Forest in men's College Cup semifinals". Pro Soccer USA. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  5. "Georgetown wins NCAA title, beating Virginia on penalty kicks". WTOP. 2019-12-15. Retrieved 2019-12-27.
  6. "Virginia forward Daryl Dike signs Generation adidas contract, eligible in 2020 SuperDraft". www.mlssoccer.com.
  7. White, Jeff (November 17, 2018). "Dike Coming Up Big for 'Hoos". VirginiaSports.com. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
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