Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando City announced Wednesday the re-signing of 2012 USL PRO MVP Kevin Molino, pending USSF approval. The signing comes just over a month before Orlando’s regular-season home opener on April 14th against the Rochester Rhinos, solidifying the squad as the Lions continue their 2013 preseason throughout the month of March.
“There’s no place better than home, so to speak,” said Molino. “This is the first place I played outside of Trinidad and I look forward to scoring more goals and hopefully winning MVP honors in 2013.”
Molino rejoins the Lions after an outstanding 2012 season on the field for Orlando. The Trinidad and Tobago international star claimed the USL PRO MVP honors after completing a year that saw Molino lead Orlando to a 50-goal season, an average of more than two per game. He finished the season with seven assists and three goals, but more importantly stretched opponent’s defenses to create more opportunities for the Lions frontline.
The midfielder began his career in Trinidad and Tobago, with the 22-year-old representing his national team a total of 13 times in his young career. A key figure for Orlando since the team’s beginning in 2011, Molino has totaled more than 2,000 minutes in 44 games played for City over the span of two regular seasons. Molino tested the free agency waters over the 2013 preseason, spending time in Europe with PSV Eindhoven of the Netherlands and Zulte Waregem of Belgium along with scoring a goal for Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean Cup against the Dominican Republic on December 11.
The winger will immediately add to the already strong 2013 Orlando City side that Heath has called “his best team yet” in Orlando. On top of the Molino signing, the Lions have added Jean Alexandre, Bryan Burke, Freddie Braun, Brian Fekete and Jonathan Mendoza all within the last month, bringing the roster to a total of 18. Orlando is also expecting to bring on four Sporting Kansas City (MLS) players before the 2013 season start as per an agreement between the two clubs reached earlier in the year.