With time running out, Orlando City midfielder Kevin Molino broke the hearts of New York City FC fans everywhere with a stoppage time equalizer, denying NYCFC a win before the stunned home crowd at Yankee Stadium.
Molino, looking back, expected nothing less of himself.
“In the last five to ten minutes we had a spell. After Júlio [Baptista] scored, I say [sic]… ‘Whatever opportunity I get, I just want to pounce on it.’ All I was looking for was to score a goal for my team.”
Molino did just that, securing a point for his squad going into the Copa América break. That point was their fifth in a span of three games that were played in just eight days, a remarkable feat for a team that is battle tested and bruised. Molino acknowledged that the break would do some good for injured players, allowing them much-needed recovery time.
“[Adrian] Winter has come back, [Cristian] Higuita has come back in shape. Most of the players have come back pretty well.”
Highlight Reel: Kevin Molino
But he stressed that this wasn’t time for players to sit around for the sake of recovery. It was time they could all use to get fit and conditioned.
“We need to get back in shape and put in some work, you know, some fitness, and get back into the mood.””[This week] is just for us to keep building and going forward as a team.”
Molino’s success so far this year has been incredible to watch, especially after he tore his ACL last year and missed the majority of the 2015 season. “Going back to last year, only playing seven games and coming back off a major injury” was hard, he said. But he added that it made this year all-the-more rewarding for him.
Look out for Molino to continue his success when Orlando City returns to the pitch in U.S. Open Cup play on June 15 against Jacksonville Armada FC and to MLS play June 18 against the San Jose Earthquakes.
