ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando City SC announced Friday that Midfielder Kevin Molino will mark the club’s first-ever Major League Soccer (MLS) signing for the inaugural 2015 season. Molino is guaranteed a spot on Orlando’s 2015 MLS squad, and will also play in the final USL PRO season under Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath in 2014.
“Kevin was out of contract with us and was being courted heavily in Europe and the States. He’s turned down deals from several MLS teams to stay with us in Orlando. That says a lot about his love for this club,” said Heath. “He will be a great asset for us again in ’14 and moving forward into MLS.”
Molino has been a top-performer for the Lions since the club began operations three years ago. The winger was USL-PRO’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2012. In total, Molino has played over 4,200 regular-season minutes for Orlando, notching 13 assists from 2011-2013. That mark is tied for a franchise-record alongside Midfielder Jamie Watson.
The midfielder has proved himself a vital contributor to Heath’s playing system over the past three years, especially in the final third. The creative-minded Molino has caused headaches for opposing defences throughout his career in the USL PRO, and will be a key component for the Lions in 2014 and 2015.
The 23- year-old Molino began his professional career in his native Trinidad and Tobago. One of a few Lions who’s carried the flag of his country, Molino has represented Trinidad and Tobago in national team play over 20 times, including the Gold Cup and Pan-American Games. During that international span, the winger has notched 10 goals.
Molino will be the club’s first-ever MLS signing for the inaugural 2015 season, as his multi-year contract guarantees him a spot on Orlando’s 2015 MLS squad.
Transaction: Orlando City SC signs Kevin Molino to USL PRO (2014), MLS (2015)
Name: Kevin Molino
Position: Midfield
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 145 lbs
DOB: June 17, 1990
Last Club: Orlando City (USL PRO)
