ORLANDO, Fla. (January 26, 2017) - Orlando City SC trades midfielder Kevin Molino and goalkeeper Patrick McLain to Minnesota United FC in exchange for $450,000 in General Allocation Money and $200,000 in Targeted Allocation Money, totaling $650,000.
Molino was the Club’s first MLS signing and is City’s all-time leader in goals (42) and assists (31) and is second all-time in appearances (140) and minutes (10,751).
McLain was selected by Orlando City in Stage One of the 2016 MLS Re-Entry Draft.
“It was a difficult decision for us to trade Kevin after many years with the Club and to let go of Patrick, who has a bright future ahead,” Lions General Manager Niki Budalic said. “When Kevin expressed his desire to leave the Club, we made the best decision for the team and we are pleased with the outcome. We wish both players success with their new club.”
Molino played a full 90 minutes in the Club’s first MLS game in 2015 and earned one assist in seven starts before tearing his ACL on May 2. After a 10-month recovery, Molino was back in the starting XI for the Lions’ thrilling 2-2 draw on Opening Day 2016. Molino scored his first MLS goal on a penalty kick in City’s 4-1 win over Portland on April 3 and finished second on the team in both goals (11) and assists (8), earning him recognition as a MLS Comeback Player of the Year finalist.
Originally signed from his native Trinidad & Tobago in March 2011 at 20 years old, Molino led City to great success in United Soccer League (USL) Pro in its first year in existence. Molino chipped in two goals and his four assists led the team to the USL Pro regular and postseason championships. In 2012, Molino earned USL Pro Most Valuable Player honors as he helped the Lions repeat as USL Pro Regular Season champions with two goals and six assists.
After helping secure the Lions their second postseason championship in three years in 2013 with two goals and three assists, Molino registered a record-breaking 2014 to earn his second USL Pro MVP award. Molino’s then-league record 20 goals and league-high nine assists led the Lions to the 2014 USL Pro regular season championship.
Orlando will retain a percentage of any future transfer fee if Molino is transferred outside of MLS by Minnesota United FC.
