Cyle Larin, Ashley Lawrence named Canada Soccer players of the month

Cyle Larin and Ashley Lawrence have been named Canada Soccer’s players of the month for January after helping their clubs move up the standings in Turkey and France, respectively.

Larin scored seven goals and added two assists in eight matches across all competitions with Besiktas in January. The 25-year-old from Brampton, Ont., scored six of his goals in Super Lig play, including a four-goal performance on Jan. 6 against Caykur Rizespor.

The Black Eagles went 5-1-1 and finished the month in second spot in the standings, one point back of Istanbul rival Fenerbahce. Larin also scored in a 1-0 win over Caykur Rizespor in round-of-16 play in the Turkish Cup.

Lawrence featured in every minute of Paris Saint-Germain’s three wins in January — two in league action and one in the Coupe de France. 

The 25-year-old from East Caledon, Ont., now in her fifth pro season in France, made her 100th appearance for league-leading PSG in a Jan. 23 victory over EA Guingamp. One week later, she helped PSG to a 2-0 win over FC Fleury 91 in the round of 32 of the Coupe de France.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 3, 2021

The Canadian Press