For weeks, Minnesota United head coach Adrian Heath has teased the prospect of a “huge” signing before the start of the season. Today, that has become reality as the team confirmed the report of a mammoth trade.
The Orlando Sentinel’s Alicia DelGallo broke the news this Thursday that Minnesota would send a record-breaking $650,000 in allocation money to Orlando City in exchange for the services of midfielder Kevin Molino and backup goalkeeper Patrick McLain.
Molino’s return to Orlando has been in doubt over the offseason amid rumors of his desire to part ways with the club. During the 2017 MLS SuperDraft just weeks ago, a Goal.com article claimed Orlando had rejected a high dollar bid – potentially in the neighborhood of $500,000 in allocation money – from Minnesota.
Orlando found itself in a tough position as it struggled to retain the dynamic midfielder and relieve pressure on its salary cap. While losing Molino – and to a lesser degree McLain – is not ideal for the Lions, their allocation money warchest will be an immediate fix to a desperate problem.
Molino, 26, tallied 11 goals and eight assists in 30 appearances last season with Orlando, which tied him in points with teammate and Brazilian superstar Kaka. That statistic alone speaks to the rare upper echelon of MLS players Molino should be grouped with.
This also answers the vital question as to whom would start on the wing in addition to Miguel Ibarra. Molino played on the flanks regularly with Orlando City while making runs centrally to score many of his goals.
Heath was glowing in his praise for Molino, a player he clearly tabbed as a vital acquisition target.
“Where do you start with Kevin [Molino] as a player, he has incredible touch on the ball, can score goals, can create goals, he has great balance, there’s nothing he can’t do with a football,” Heath said in a release. “In my opinion he’s the best player in his position in the country.”
Considering the coach’s words, it’s safe to say United has its franchises’ first established MLS star.
Nic Hallett contributed to this report.
