Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum
Sports => Football => Topic started by: Tallman on June 21, 2012, 12:15:57 PM
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Molino coming into his own
uslsoccer.com
As the excitement of winning a championship last September died down, Orlando City’s Kevin Molino knew he had a big offseason ahead of him.
There was World Cup qualifying for his home country, Trinidad and Tobago, and the prospect of Olympic qualifying in the spring. And then there was also the work that would need to be put in to continue his development as one of the brightest young players in USL PRO.
Having already surpassed his points total from the 2011 season, including currently leading the league in assists, while also having notched his first two goals at international level for Trinidad and Tobago, Molino’s play has continued along the path he envisioned nine months ago.
“Since I was small I have been training and working hard,” Molino said. “I always wanted to play, and I always wanted to get better and better.”
His move to the U.S. to join the Lions has certainly helped that process along. Spotted by Orlando coach Adrian Heath when he took a trip to scout another player in the Digicel Caribbean Cup, the former U17 and U20 international was quickly snapped up before the start of the 2011 season.
“I went down to Trinidad to watch some games, I went to watch somebody else, and the first time I saw Kevin he took my eye,” Heath said. “I was fortunate enough to find out he was out of contract, and then we managed to bring him in. The kid has great talent, he’s a talented boy, and we’re pleased with his progress. He’s still got a lot to learn, but I think long-term he’s got a huge upside.”
Molino has certainly enjoyed himself since arriving in Orlando.
“It’s just a great feeling,” Molino said. “Playing away from home, playing in an atmosphere like this and with more quality, you always want to play at a high level, and I think this has made it better for me.”
That’s not to say there hasn’t been a learning process since his move to Florida. That included adapting on the field, where his game developed greater discipline than he’d been used to growing up in the Caribbean. But for a player whose ultimate goal is to continue the tradition established by fellow countrymen Dwight Yorke, Russell Latapy and Stern John, the higher level of competition, both with Orlando and with his national and Olympic team, provided a big boost in his progression as a player.
“As a player, you always want to play at a high level,” Molino said of his experience at Olympic qualifying, “and we got to play against Mexico, which is one of the top teams in the world when you look at it, and Panama and Honduras. We didn’t get the result we wanted, but we’re going to keep our heads up and keep moving on.”
While Molino has five assists already this season, and has been a strong creative force in each of the Lions’ games, the next step of his progression is to start finding the back of the net more often. Molino has scored twice, matching his regular-season total from a season ago, but Heath is expecting the 22-year-old to start finding the back of the net on a more regular basis.
The lack of goals certainly hasn’t been for a lack of effort on Molino’s part. His 15 shots are third on the Lions after Jamie Watson and Dennis Chin, and with the way he has applied himself in the past to building his game, Heath believes Molino’s progress will continue on an upward path.
“He was always a very good individual, and now he’s starting to put it into a team concept,” Heath said. “He has a beautiful feel for the final pass. His quality in the final third has to be a little bit more consistent, but when Kevin plays at his best, he’s a joy to watch. He really is a joy to watch.”
As he continues to mature as a player, and the expectations for his play continue to grown, the questions might not be whether Molino can fulfill his potential, but how far he might go when he does.
“I think more and more now, people expect things of him,” Heath said. “People know he’s talented, and I know the Trinidad people within their setup have huge hopes for him. He’s their next generation of player, from the Stern John’s, Dwight Yorke’s, Russell Latapy’s, people like him are the future of Trinidad football, and if he keeps progressing, keeps listening, keeps learning, I really believe he can play at the highest level.”
As with many players, Molino would love the opportunity to play in Europe one day. For now, though, he’s eager to continue to play, and learn, in Orlando.
“At the end of the day, you want to win,” Molino said. “But I enjoy playing nice football, which we play here in Orlando. I’m just enjoying every single moment.”
(http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/542015_10151026070099314_1731499208_n.jpg)
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Molino MVP at Orlando City.
T&T Guardian Reports.
T&T midfielder Kevin Molino was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award by Orlando City at the club’s gala end-of-season awards and dinner at Rosen Plaza, Orlando on Saturday evening.
Molino, in his second season with Orlando, helped the team capture the regular season USL Pro title and they now await their first playoff match on August 31st. The 22-year-old Carenage-born player was elated.
He beat out teammate Dennis Chin, who was the club’s topscorer with 11 goals. Molino had four goals and led the team with eight assists in the regular season.
“It’s been a dream I’ve had from a little guy, to win titles and do well in professional football, and to come to Orlando and win the MVP in my second season is a great feeling,” Molino said. “I know I was having a good season but I didn’t expect the award.
"I want to thank God, as well the head coach Adrian Heath (former Manchester City player and former Sheffield United manager) and the entire staff as well as my teammates, everyone at the club and the supporters for all their support and advice. It’s been a great two years for me at Orlando City.
“We want to achieve great things, so we are focusing on winning the playoffs again this season. I think I’ve kept on developing since I came to City, and now I want to achieve even greater things. It’s not going to come easily but I’m prepared to work hard and go at it.
That’s the key in the football out here,” he added. Molino played all of 90 minutes in T&T’s 2-0 loss to Canada last Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale.
He wasn’t too impressed by the result and could not be blamed for feeling disappointed. “I don’t like losing and it’s not any better especially when we lose to a side that I think we’re not supposed to be losing to.
I understand that we haven’t been together for long, but I thought we created some chances and did well in the first half. We passed the ball around okay and we should have taken our chances.
That would have made the game easier for us but then some of the guys started to get tired and we paid for it in the second half.
“I got my first real taste of international football in the last Digicel Caribbean Cup and once I’m available I want to play in all of our matches in this tournament and try to get us into the last phase and see if we can at least get to the final and try and win it.
It’s going to be very hard but we have to give it our best shot. We have to be looking to play in the Gold Cup next year for sure,” Molino ended.
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great stuuf, love this fella attitude
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Wish him nothing but the best. Would like to see him get trials in europe sooner rather than later
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Total class act. Very appropriate choice of words. Molino is it.
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(http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/579889_414892471902380_1761815190_n.jpg)
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Molino was born in Arima, not Caranege.
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(http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/579889_414892471902380_1761815190_n.jpg)
hmm.
*right click*
*save as...*
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Ongrats to de Kevin. Really doing well and hope he continues to do well. Best player in tnt at the moment
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USL PRO Awards Winners Announced.
uslpro.uslsoccer.com
USL PRO honored its top performers of the season today, announcing the Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Defender of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year and Coach of the Year from the 2012 season.
The winners were announced at an awards ceremony in Charleston, South Carolina, site of Saturday’s USL PRO Championship Game featuring the Charleston Battery and Wilmington Hammerheads at Blackbaud Stadium.
Voting for the awards was conducted by league coaches and managers.
Most Valuable Player – Kevin Molino, Orlando City
The Trinidad and Tobago international claimed MVP honors after a standout season that saw him act as a catalyst for an Orlando side that led USL PRO with 50 goals, an average of more than 2.5 per game. Molino himself finished second in the league with seven assists, adding three goals, but in addition his ability to stretch the field against opposing defenses made him the key figure for the Lions’ attack all season.
Rookie of the Year – Jose Cuevas, Charleston Battery
A season after starring in the PDL for the Fresno Fuego, Cuevas brought creativity and versatility to the Battery’s attack throughout the season. Playing as both a forward, and at times an attacking midfielder, Cuevas led all rookies with 18 points, scoring seven goals and adding four assists, as he helped the Battery finish third in the USL PRO regular season.
Coach of the Year – Adrian Heath, Orlando City
Named Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season, Heath’s ability to motivate and get the most out of his roster led to the Lions falling just once in the USL PRO regular season. Orlando has now gone undefeated at the Florida Citrus Bowl in the past two regular seasons, with Heath also helping fulfill the potential of the league’s leading scorer Dennis Chin in his second professional season.
Defender of the Year – Troy Roberts, Rochester Rhinos
Calm and in control at the heart of the Rhinos’ defense, Troy Roberts had another exceptional season in 2012. Named to the USL PRO All-League defense for the second consecutive season, Roberts played every minute of every game as the Rhinos conceded an average of less than a goal per game.
Goalkeeper of the Year – Kristian Nicht, Rochester Rhinos
In his first season in North America, the German standout put in a remarkable run to open the USL PRO season, recording six consecutive shutouts. Nicht continued his outstanding play throughout the remainder of the season, finishing the season with the league lead in shutouts (11), second in goals-against average (0.909) and fourth in total saves (86).
The Charleston Battery will host the Wilmington Hammerheads in the 2012 USL PRO Championship Game on Saturday night at Blackbaud Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET, with the game being aired live at USLNation.com.
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Wow! Big congratulations to the youth. Time to knock on the door of europe. If the league was aligned to a more international timing he could have been better placed in the market.
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I believe this is the first time one of our players has won this award.
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I know Yorke won Carling Player of the Year
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I know Yorke won Carling Player of the Year
Ah meant this specific MVP Award in the A-League/USL PRO. We've had many, many players in that league, but none have won the top League award.
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I know Yorke won Carling Player of the Year
Ah meant this specific MVP Award in the A-League/USL PRO. We've had many, many players in that league, but none have won the top League award.
Yeah I don't remember hearing that anyone of our players ever won it.
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Molino takes home USL Pro 'MVP' award.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).
Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Kevin Molino was named the “Most Valuable Player” for the 2012 season of the USL Pro Division, the second tier of league football in the United States.
Molino completed another outstanding season with seven assists and three goals to help his Orlando City to the regular season title.
The winners were announced at an awards ceremony in Charleston, South Carolina on Friday with Orlando coach Adrian Heath also taking away the “Coach of the Year “ award.
The 21-year-old Molino was delighted as ever. He also received the "MVP" award at Orlando recently.
“It’s a really great feeling to get this award,” he told TTFF Media.
“I wanted the club MVP award which I got a couple weeks ago but I don’t think I was really expecting to get MVP for the League. It’s a bit of a surprise but I’m happy because hard work and belief in God throughout everything paid off for me.”
Heath has spoken of his fears of losing Molino to a club in Europe and it is expected that a decision on the player’s future will be made within the next few days.
“I have always had an ambition to play in Europe but I will play wherever God wants me to. Orlando has been great to me. I have enjoyed these two seasons with them a whole lot,” Molino said.
The League’s statement on Molino read: “The Trinidad and Tobago international claimed MVP honors after a standout season that saw him act as a catalyst for an Orlando side that led USL PRO with 50 goals, an average of more than 2.5 per game.
Molino himself finished second in the league with seven assists, adding three goals, but in addition his ability to stretch the field against opposing defenses made him the key figure for the Lions’ attack all season.”
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Molino is suchhhhhhhh a good player its absolutely amazing to me that he isn't in Europe or at the very least in the MLS. Does this guy have an agent and does that agent have a clue? Toronto FC could use a player with his skill set.
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Molino is suchhhhhhhh a good player its absolutely amazing to me that he isn't in Europe or at the very least in the MLS. Does this guy have an agent and does that agent have a clue? Toronto FC could use a player with his skill set.
I admire his humility etc. But the window to break into the top leagues in Europe is tiny. Naturally they prefer to get you YOUNG. He isn't getting any younger. Both Yorke and Kenwyn were teenagers when they went to Villa/SouthHampton (or whatever club KJ first went to) etc. I hope both he and his agent are aggressive enough to not drop the ball. Time to strike while the iron is hot; while his stock is high.
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Like the german said, MILLION DOLLAR LEGS, no lie.
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He should be looking to head to the MLS next season as a minimum.
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He should be looking to head to the MLS next season as a minimum.
He was on trial last year with Real Salt Lake, but nothing came of it.
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He should be looking to head to the MLS next season as a minimum.
He was on trial last year with Real Salt Lake, but nothing came of it.
Clearly the youth have talent and I hope he fulfill his potential, but man done signing de fella to Crystal Palace and ting arready.
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is he going to crystal palace?
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is he going to crystal palace?
Lol, no.
I'm saying the man starring in a league two rungs below MLS. I hope the best for him, but men getting carried away.
Stepping stone talk.
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Orlando City Soccer Club has announced its first official signing!
Midfielder Kevin Molino will be OCSC's first-ever MLS signing for the 2015 season. Molina will have a guaranteed spot on the 2015 MLS squad and will play in the final USL Pro season this year.
"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 Adrian Heath, head coach of OCSC. "He will be a great asset for us again in '14 and moving forward into MLS."
Molino is a top performer for the club and Orlando City is fortunate to have him.
What do you think of the signing?
Brush up on Lion facts here.
http://orlando.about.com/b/2014/01/10/orlando-city-announces-first-mls-signing.htm
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Good to see Molino still in the frame - was worried when he went unattached
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Will be a great player for T&T too as an attacking play-making midfield just tucked in right behind the out and out striker and capable of being moved around anywhere in the attacking midfield. Very good work rate and hungry with tendency to score alot with very accurate shooting suggesting good technical skills. Very good ball control and thinks very fast. Protege of the great Russel Latapy. Orlando is very lucky to keep him as he was ready for the big stage. All you European and MLS scouts who surf this website, watch for him against Argentina in June
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Will be a great player for T&T too as an attacking play-making midfield just tucked in right behind the out and out striker and capable of being moved around anywhere in the attacking midfield. Very good work rate and hungry with tendency to score alot with very accurate shooting suggesting good technical skills. Very good ball control and thinks very fast. Protege of the great Russel Latapy. Orlando is very lucky to keep him as he was ready for the big stage. All you European and MLS scouts who surf this website, watch for him against Argentina in June
The way the MLS is growing I think if he went to Europe now he'd be playing in the lower division but maybe in 3 years and with the attention the MLS gets, his stock grows and he ends up in England's Champions league.
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Smart pickup.
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Don't know about the heady heights you guys are referencing, but the MLS is probably English Championship level if a little lower. Playing well in the MLS sadly doesn't attract attention of the highest level right now - hope you're right about in the next couple years. Possibly the MLS expansion will really do wonders for the competitiveness.
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Don't know about the heady heights you guys are referencing, but the MLS is probably English Championship level if a little lower. Playing well in the MLS sadly doesn't attract attention of the highest level right now - hope you're right about in the next couple years. Possibly the MLS expansion will really do wonders for the competitiveness.
Bringing in Defoe, Dempsey, and Bradley in a World Cup Year, will do wonders for the MLS.
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They definitely look like astute buys given the climate, Defoe especially. He's on stupid money tho - £60k a week rising to 90k a week depending on performance
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Congrats Kevin.
P.S. Doh hangout with Keon McDaniel you might pick up his habits.
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Congrats Kevin, do your thing man, you, Lester, Tullah, Hyland, Boucou and others have to be marshalling that midfield next few years :beermug:
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Congrats Kevin, do your thing man, you, Lester, Tullah, Hyland, Boucou and others have to be marshalling that midfield next few years :beermug:
:beermug: :beermug:
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Molino footage scoring: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqUC0h7Z7zk
Note de flag.
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Big player.
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Congrats! Still wish yuh had better luck with a Mexican club, but this is your pay-off for a fruitful association with Orlando.
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WATCH HIGHLIGHTS of Kevin Molino’s brace for Orlando City in their 3-2 win over FC Dallas Reserves.
https://www.youtube.com/v/Q-ltZQLdNNg?start=41
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Niceness. Everybody hitting form for South America in June. Good going Molino.
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Molino in cracking form
orlandocitysoccer.com
Orlando City’s first ever MLS signing Kevin Molino scored two massive goals in last night’s match against the FC Dallas Reserves, one of which proved to be the game winner when Dallas scored a second goal deep into stoppage time.
The brace boosts the Trinidadian International’s tally to three goals and two assists in five games played this season.
The productive statistical output this early in 2014 bodes well for Molino and the Lions, as the midfielder has never scored more than two goals in each of his previous three seasons with Orlando.
With MLS around the corner, Molino is focused more than ever as he continues to prepare for the inaugural top-flight campaign in 2015.
“The gaffer wants me to score at least 10-12 goals this season so I’m taking things very seriously this year,” said Molino in a phone interview with OrlandoCitySoccer.com. “Being the first MLS signing comes with a lot of responsibility, but I just want to cope with the pressure, live up to the expectations and continue delivering for my team.”
Molino and the team will now travel to face expansion side OKC Energy FC on Saturday, April 26. Former City players Jon Kempin, Christian Duke and Kevin Ellis have joined the Energy on loan from Sporting Kansas City this season, and the 2012 USL PRO MVP says the matchup against his former teammates provides extra motivation to find the back of the net once again.
“There is definitely extra motivation to go and score again this weekend, especially against Kempin,” added Molino. “All of these guys are good friends of mine. We built a relationship last year and I’m looking forward to seeing them again on Saturday.”
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LISTEN to Kevin Molino’s interview on Orlando City SoccerCast
http://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/2826557
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Molino scored a hatrick tonight as Orlando defeated Charlotte Eagles 3-1
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WATCH Kevin Molino score his first hat-trick for Orlando City in their 3-1 win over Charlotte Eagles. They were three well taken goals, especially the second one.
https://www.youtube.com/v/Cp6Y8N3wHrA
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Million dollar legs.
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Carenage!!!!
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Robinho and Kaka linked to move to Orlando City in MLS
Graham Parker - UK Guardian
- Kaka's move to Orlando closer after World Cup selection snub
- Robinho seeking to dissolve contract for move to MLS
- Milan's failure to reach Europe makes for motivated sellers
Orlando City, the expansion team who will begin play in MLS next season, may do so with not one, but two Brazilian superstars, after it has emerged that Robinho, as well as his AC Milan team mate Kaka, were targets for the club.
Reports in Italy have suggested that Robinho has asked to buy out the remainder of his contract prior to a potential summer move to MLS and Orlando. While Kaka has long been a target for Orlando, and a potential move has been the subject of heavy hints from Brazilian majority owner/backer Flavio Augusto da Silva even before Orlando’s MLS expansion was announced, the possibility of Robinho has come somewhat from leftfield.
The long MLS courtship of Kaka has been one of the league’s worst kept secrets, but little movement had been expected before the World Cup. However with neither man making the World Cup squad, and Milan failing to qualify for European competition next year, the picture has changed rapidly. Holding expensive and aging assets with a limited need for immediate squad depth, Milan are motivated sellers, while Da Silva sees the potentially lucrative Brazilian diaspora market in Miami as one of the keys to long term success.
Crucial to such a project is a credible team on the field — and while English coach Adrian Heath has moulded a strong lower division side, who won the USL Pro (the official third tier of US Soccer) title last year, the experience of previous Florida franchises, and the owner’s intimate understanding of the expectations that come with targeting Brazilian expats, means that name recognition will be a big factor when the team launches.
Former World Player of the Year Kaka and Robinho, the one-time phenom who inspired Pele to stop a training session and tell the then teenager he reminded him of himself, would certainly fit the bill, and help satisfy some of the 214,369 people who “liked” Orlando City’s Brazilian Facebook page within two months of it being set up.
Kaka in particular is a personal friend of da Silva, and has spoken of his desire to play in the USA, though at one point the presence of his younger brother Digao on the New York Red Bulls line up, and the fact Kaka owned an apartment in the city, had caused speculation he may in fact be on his way there.
Kaka has also been linked with LA Galaxy, at the time when David Beckham was confirmed as being on his way from that club — indeed his former Real Madrid team mate used one of his farewell press conferences at the Galaxy to talk up Kaka as a possible prospect for the Galaxy. Ironically, should Beckham successfully launch his Miami MLS franchise, he could find his friend playing for his new Floridian rivals.
According to a report in Italian paper La Gazetto dello Sport on Wednesday however, Robinho may in fact sign first. His representatives have reportedly met with Milan CEO Adriano Galliani to discuss a mutual dissolution of the player’s contract, to take effect before the Italian season resumes — even though Orlando do not enter MLS play until March 2015.
Meanwhile, despite the steady drip of rumors about Kaka to Orlando, and the fact that the player has a now-triggered clause in his contract allowing him to leave should Milan fail to qualify for Europe, Galliani is bullish, publicly at least, about retaining the player — claiming on Tuesday that there was a “99%” chance Kaka would be with the Rossoneri next season. There is a real question now though over how much of that season exactly will be spent in Milan with Kaka’s international prospects so diminished (even when given such a stage), and Milan losing income right at the moment their majority owner Silvio Berlusconi appears to have finally seen his broader power base eroded by scandal and legal issues.
Orlando are refusing to comment on the transfer speculation they’ve helped fan, but will be delighted that the expansion focus, so heavily tilted towards New York City FC, is for now at least firmly on their next move. Or maybe two moves.
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Molino looking like he outgrowing dis league... hmmm
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Molino looking like he outgrowing dis league... hmmm
Well he go be in de MLS next year. And if de rumors true about Kaka and Robinho joining Orlando, then it would be good for his game.
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Molino looking like he outgrowing dis league... hmmm
Well he go be in de MLS next year. And if de rumors true about Kaka and Robinho joining Orlando, then it would be good for his game.
a 4-2-3-1 with Molino Kaka Robinho operating behind the striker :notworthy: I go be on dat bandwaggon so fast
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Molino looking like he outgrowing dis league... hmmm
Well he go be in de MLS next year. And if de rumors true about Kaka and Robinho joining Orlando, then it would be good for his game.
a 4-2-3-1 with Molino Kaka Robinho operating behind the striker :notworthy: I go be on dat bandwaggon so fast
:beermug:
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I hope they actually let him play with them and not bench him behind 'bigger names'. Either way, being around them will lift his game. Seem like a determined youth.
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Molino looking like he outgrowing dis league... hmmm
Well he go be in de MLS next year. And if de rumors true about Kaka and Robinho joining Orlando, then it would be good for his game.
a 4-2-3-1 with Molino Kaka Robinho operating behind the striker :notworthy: I go be on dat bandwaggon so fast
ok.lehme go rong, and make a lil room, as i climbing on right before you..Kaka or no kaka
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good stuff "NASH"
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Kevin Molino is on fire. WATCH his brace in a U.S. Open Cup match against Tampa Bay Rowdies.
https://www.youtube.com/v/1QEht9tAbrQ
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Kevin Molino is on fire. WATCH his brace in a U.S. Open Cup match against Tampa Bay Rowdies.
https://www.youtube.com/v/1QEht9tAbrQ
Geez that second goal. Man feeling himself now, yes.
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Argentina watch out. Molino is unstoppable !!
Mark him and we go release Guerra in allyuh contry
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Kevin Molino gives Lions a little more roar
By Vince Nairn (StarNews Online)
Even when he wasn't scoring goals, Kevin Molino brought value to Orlando City SC. Putting the ball in the net at a high rate has made him the early front-runner for USL Pro MVP.
Molino leads the league with nine goals in Orlando's 12 matches, two more than he scored in three previous seasons. He scored a hat trick May 21 against Charlotte and has been a vital piece to the attack for the league-leading Lions.
"My hopes have always been from when I first set my eyes on him that he could become a top drawer player," Orlando coach Adrian Heath said. "The one thing about him was he didn't score enough goals. Kevin's always made a lot of goals, but he hasn't scored a lot of them."
That's changed this year, as Molino has been more assertive about getting in the box and taking some chances for himself, Heath said. Molino is still tied for the league lead in assists (five), but his newfound goal-scoring prowess has given the team another layer of scoring.
Orlando has won nine of its last 10 and is the only remaining undefeated team in USL Pro. With matches against the Montreal Impact Reserves and struggling Dayton and Orange County, Orlando could realistically be undefeated heading into a stretch at the end of June against LA Galaxy II, Sacramento and Wilmington (twice).
"Obviously, the first few games, it was different," Heath said of the team's 0-0-2 start. "We've been on a little bit of a roll as of late. Once you start to win games, the confidence comes back."
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Orlando City vs LA Galaxy II (June 28, 2014). 11 goals and counting.
https://www.youtube.com/v/Qe5HLmdKhC8?start=81
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What's LA Galaxy II ?
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What's LA Galaxy II ?
I assume is like Barcelona B. Second team playing in a lower league to give reserves a sweat.
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lets see if he can replicate that form in the MLS next season ....
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lets see if he can replicate that from in the MLS next season ....
Kaka to link up with Molino next season: http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28092779
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Nash has been playing as a forward this season for Orlando City and is leading the league in goals, assists and shots… Maybe Hart can try him up top and see if we get similar returns.
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WATCH Kevin Molino’s 12th and 13th goals of the season as his brace secures a playoff berth for Orlando City with a 4-1 over the Charlotte Eagles.
http://www.youtube.com/v/sEKZabwJ2CQ?start=50
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Sweet backheel pass leading to the penalty!
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Orlando coach: Molino almost the complete player.
By Shaun Fuentes (Pro Look).
Currently making waves for Orlando City in the USL League in the United States, national team midfielder Kevin Molino has been declared as the real deal by club head coach and former Manchester City player Adrian Heath.
Molino helped Orlando City become the first side to clinch a place in the 2014 USL PRO playoffs with a double in their 4-1 victory against the Charlotte Eagles on Saturday night at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. He now has 13 goals this season.
Heath recently told MLS Soccer.com about the time he spotted Molino before signing him.
“There was this little skinny kid on the right wing who kept catching my eye every time the ball went to him,” Heath said of the 5-foot-11, 145-pound Molino.
“We were fortunate that he was out of a contract and so we brought him in here, and he’s gradually gotten better by the week. Now I think he’s close to being nearly complete. He’s starting to put goals and more assists to his game.”
Molino paid tribute to Heath, who signed the player on an MLS contract ahead of the club’s first season in the top flight next year.
“He’s someone that’s helped me a lot on and off the field. He’s someone I have full respect for, and I’m just delightful to work with coaches like Adrian and (assistant coach) Ian Fuller. I’m just happy to be here and looking forward to going to Major League Soccer next year, Molino said.
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T&T’s Molino receives top ratings in US
T&T Newsday
Former Manchester City player Adrian Heath has declared Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Kevin Molino as the real deal following his weekend exploits in the United Soccer League.
Molino, who has been making waves for Orlando City in the USL League in the US, helped them clinch a playoff spot for the fourth consecutive year with a double strike, to crush the Charlotte Eagles 4-1 last Saturday. The performance earned him a place on the United Soccer league’s PRO team-of-the-Week for Week 20 of the 2014 season.
“There was this little skinny kid on the right wing who kept catching my eye every time the ball went to him,”said Heath, Orlando City’s head coach. “We were fortunate that he was out of a contract and so we brought him in here, and he’s gradually gotten better by the week”.
The 24-year–old Molino now has 13 goals this season and sits in second place for the most goals in the USL PRO. “Now I think he’s close to being nearly complete,” Heath said in an interview with MLS soccer.com. “He’s starting to put goals and more assists to his game.”
Molino and Orlando City will return to action tomorrow, when the Harrisburg City Islanders host them at the Skyline Sports Complex.
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WATCH Kevin Molino score his 14th goal of the season in Orlando City’s 3-2 loss to Harrisburg City Islanders.
https://www.youtube.com/v/GwVuAAnfP_g?start=184
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Molino gunning for Caribbean Cup opponents.
By Shaun Fuentes (TTFA).
Orlando City standout Kevin Molino has had a few days rest and is now ready to lace up his boots again for international action as he prepares to help T&T through to the Caribbean Cup Finals by way of a safe passage from the semifinal round scheduled to kick off at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on Wednesday.
Molino is in Stephen Hart’s squad for the tournament which will see T&T taking on Dominican Republic from 8.15 pm, following the St Lucia versus Antigua/Barbuda encounter from 6 pm. T&T takes on St Lucia on October 10 and Antigua on October 12 at the same venue.
Molino, recently named Most Valuable Player for the American USL 2014 season, was part of the T&T team that finished runners up to Cuba in the 2012 Caribbean Cup Finals in Antigua, the same year the hosts defeated T&T in the group phase.
“This time around we want to win every match. I think the current national team has the players and the coach to take us all the way. It will not be easy and as you gain experience as a player you realise these things but you are more prepared mentally and physically for it,” Molino said.
“We are two years wiser now since the last Caribbean Cup. We’ve progressed as a team and I think all the guys are very excited to play international football again since we played Argentina and Iran in June. And we want to qualify for the Gold Cup and also get ourselves in good shape for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.”
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"Nash", as Big Mag calls him, soundin' real cool, confident and focused. Love the vibes.
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Don't talk about it, be about it. Talk is cheap.
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Molino just assisted an assist to Kaka vs Dallas.
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Ricardo Kaka. What else can I say.
He is one of my favorite ballers. He is not as fast as he use to be in his AC Milan, and Real Madrid days because of injuries that takes a toll on every baller at some point in their career, but he is older and wiser now and just as skillful as he wants to be. He is a breathtaking kind of player to behold when in full flight. Always in perfect balance except when defenders try to pry him off the ball or out of the play. His footballing mind is operating on double time when he is on or of the ball. He has so much knowledge to impart on his new teammates, if they are willing to learn from him, it is a frightening proposition for the rest of the league. Orlando will make a lot of money from adoring fans of Orlando as well as fans of opposing teams because of Kaka's immense talent and his rock idol features. He is worth billions in that sense. I can't say enough about this baller. What an acquisition for a debuting club joining MLS soccer. Just an incredible coup on the part of the Orlando City club management, the MLS, the City of Orlando, the fans of football in Orlando, Kaka and his management team. MLS and soccer in America will be the much better for it.
Haters of the MLS. Suck this. Ah mean, suck salt.
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Kevin Molino looks like he is on another level. I wondered how the midfielder would transition from the USL PRO to MLS, but his first two steps and his speed of thought is elite against any opposition. Right now, the biggest encouragement to take away from the first three preseason games is the connection forming between Molino and Kaká. The two are interchangeable, and in fact Kaká has floated out to the left wing more often than staying central. That has actually created an unbalanced field in possession at time – Rafael Ramos is feeling lonely on the right side as he looks for the switch – but Molino will be a major beneficiary of Kaká’s presence on the field, especially because the Brazilian looks for him so often.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-city-lions/on-the-pitch/os-orlando-city-takeaways-preseason-20150209-post.html
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Molino scored in the 7' with an assist from Kaka vs BK Hacken
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Molino scored in the 7' with an assist from Kaka vs BK Hacken
Seem like a nice lil partnership forming.
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On the way to MLS 2015, the Orlando City Lions reportedly sold 40,000 tickets, on target to reach 60,000 fans, for a game that has not been played yet, in a stadium they have not played in yet, against a team they have never played against, in a league they have yet to play in, yet, they have surpassed the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League's total attendance for the entire existence of the league, the league's entire fan base over the years and the entire fan base of every single club in every single football league, from grassroots to so called pro football in 100 years of football in the country. Haters will hate. But you know what, the MLS is moving upward and forward and growing by leaps and bounds, meanwhile, people like Dexter Skeene and Tin Kee are still talking about growth and developing the game in the country with nothing to support their rhetoric. Hate if you want to but I will congratulate real progress. Fools cannot learn anything from their remarkable abilities and progress, they can only wonder, how and why.
While I am at it. Thinking back to last year when the incomparable Dexter Skeene, with his incomparable degree from where ever, held a forum with the female official of a bank, I think it was a bank, you can correct me on that, and the players of the league, he or she effectively bamboozled these players with a philosophical quote that referred them to thinking positive and positive things will happen for you. Well, how is that working out so far? Curious minds will like to know.
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Bring the money, Deese. Get your rich buddies to invest in the pro league.
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BK Hacken. One of the best teams in the Swedish football league. Zletan's country men. Drew with them in their pre season build up in preparation for their opening game against NYCFC. Meanwhile, Central FC's build up and preparation for their CCL encounter is against pro league competition. Wow. You guys must have a very high opinion about the quality of the competition in the grave yard league. But you know what, talk yuh talk, we will see when the time comes to put up or shut up what you and the grave yard league are all about. That will always be the real measure of the games growth and development at the club level in the country.
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Bring the money, Deese. Get your rich buddies to invest in the pro league.
You sound like Jack Warner.
How many times do I have to say this to people like you.
You cannot and will not get something for nothing.
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Me and my rich buddies will not invest in stupidity. Even your recently appointed Minister of Sports is telling you the same thing I have been saying for a while now but for some reason it is going in one ear and coming out of the next, like you have nothing in between your f#%king ears.
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My last time seeing him was at Caribbean Cup final where he had little impact for TnT in another final loss. Good to see him doing well for his club.
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Me and my rich buddies will not invest in stupidity. Even your recently appointed Minister of Sports is telling you the same thing I have been saying for a while now but for some reason it is going in one ear and coming out of the next, like you have nothing in between your f#%king ears.
Seeing that you have the skill and knowledge, why don't you have a talk with Dexter. I eh bullshittin. You seem to know what TT football lacking.We on this forum have been talking for ages on what TT football needs. We have seen very few positives since 2006. So Breds, bring out your plan for TT pro league. Better yet, bring out your own team and youth academy. Surpass what FS and Sancho have done with Central so far. I dead serious.
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Bring the money, Deese. Get your rich buddies to invest in the pro league.
Deeks ah does listen to you eh, but that line you keep dropping is one of the most stupidest thing to keep saying. You think money will solve most of our problems with football? Think again.
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On the way to MLS 2015, the Orlando City Lions reportedly sold 40,000 tickets, on target to reach 60,000 fans, for a game that has not been played yet, in a stadium they have not played in yet, against a team they have never played against, in a league they have yet to play in, yet, they have surpassed the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League's total attendance for the entire existence of the league, the league's entire fan base over the years and the entire fan base of every single club in every single football league, from grassroots to so called pro football in 100 years of football in the country. Haters will hate. But you know what, the MLS is moving upward and forward and growing by leaps and bounds, meanwhile, people like Dexter Skeene and Tin Kee are still talking about growth and developing the game in the country with nothing to support their rhetoric. Hate if you want to but I will congratulate real progress. Fools cannot learn anything from their remarkable abilities and progress, they can only wonder, how and why.
While I am at it. Thinking back to last year when the incomparable Dexter Skeene, with his incomparable degree from where ever, held a forum with the female official of a bank, I think it was a bank, you can correct me on that, and the players of the league, he or she effectively bamboozled these players with a philosophical quote that referred them to thinking positive and positive things will happen for you. Well, how is that working out so far? Curious minds will like to know.
Don't agree with that, and many I know and have read will also not agree with that. The current impending CBA can't potentially put the MLS back to the beginning if Garber plays hard and fast.
But your overall point is correct.
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My last time seeing him was at Caribbean Cup final where he had little impact for TnT in another final loss. Good to see him doing well for his club.
We need to ask why is this a constant in T&T football. Players shredding for their club but can't shine for our country.
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Bring the money, Deese. Get your rich buddies to invest in the pro league.
Deeks ah does listen to you eh, but that line you keep dropping is one of the most stupidest thing to keep saying. You think money will solve most of our problems with football? Think again.
Breds, while most of us are frustrated with Tim Kee, the main issue is finding people with the skill to bring resources to the TTFA. The Association needs money to take them out from debt. In addition after paying of their debt, they need money to support six teams for international competition. That is why the national teams don't play well. They aren't prepared properly. for some reason, TTFA executive are having a hard time convincing the private sector to come on board. I have my own theories. But until TTFA can get wealthy benefactors to bail them out, the situation will stay the same. Or when when a new board is elected(hopefully later this year), then maybe the newbies will convince the private sector to help.
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My last time seeing him was at Caribbean Cup final where he had little impact for TnT in another final loss. Good to see him doing well for his club.
Allyuh real good, yes.
Man play good whole tournament, then had one weak game and that's the one you choose to keep in mind. Talking bout at least he doing good for club.
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My last time seeing him was at Caribbean Cup final where he had little impact for TnT in another final loss. Good to see him doing well for his club.
Allyuh real good, yes.
Man play good whole tournament, then had one weak game and that's the one you choose to keep in mind. Talking bout at least he doing good for club.
See this is the type of shit I dont get with fans who accept mediocrity. YUH SEE THAT ONE GAME WE TALKING ABOUT WAS THE ONLY ONE GAME THAT TESTED HIM ALL TOURNAMENT.
The other games in the Caribbean Cup where he danced around the opposition did not bring the same challenge as that ONE game. If we are going to label players TnT super stars they need to show up for those important games for country.
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My last time seeing him was at Caribbean Cup final where he had little impact for TnT in another final loss. Good to see him doing well for his club.
Allyuh real good, yes.
Man play good whole tournament, then had one weak game and that's the one you choose to keep in mind. Talking bout at least he doing good for club.
See this is the type of shit I dont get with fans who accept mediocrity. YUH SEE THAT ONE GAME WE TALKING ABOUT WAS THE ONLY ONE GAME THAT TESTED HIM ALL TOURNAMENT.
The other games in the Caribbean Cup where he danced around the opposition did not bring the same challenge as that ONE game. If we are going to label players TnT super stars they need to show up for those important games for country.
like how messi showed up in the world cup finals vs gemany or better yet treseget and henry in 2006 or roben and van persie in 2010?
i see, i got it.
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WATCH Kevin Molino score the opening goal in a 2-2 draw with BK Häcken in a pre-season friendly. The assist was provided by Kaká.
https://www.youtube.com/v/hhlmgDgYj1s
Molino scored on the back post after Kaká held off a defender to get to the end line and play the ball back across the front of the goal. The Trinidad and Tobago midfielder said he spent the summer studying Kaká so that the two would have a jumpstart on the field, and that research seems to have paid off early in preseason.
“Me and him have a good relationship on the field so far, which is fantastic,” Molino said. “I hope it can continue for the rest of the season.”
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-city-lions/on-the-pitch/os-orlando-city-bk-hacken-40000-tickets-20150213-post.html
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My last time seeing him was at Caribbean Cup final where he had little impact for TnT in another final loss. Good to see him doing well for his club.
Allyuh real good, yes.
Man play good whole tournament, then had one weak game and that's the one you choose to keep in mind. Talking bout at least he doing good for club.
See this is the type of shit I dont get with fans who accept mediocrity. YUH SEE THAT ONE GAME WE TALKING ABOUT WAS THE ONLY ONE GAME THAT TESTED HIM ALL TOURNAMENT.
The other games in the Caribbean Cup where he danced around the opposition did not bring the same challenge as that ONE game. If we are going to label players TnT super stars they need to show up for those important games for country.
like how messi showed up in the world cup finals vs gemany or better yet treseget and henry in 2006 or roben and van persie in 2010?
i see, i got it.
All the players you named have showed up and made an impact in important games for their country. From World Cup qualifiers to Euro and Copa cup final. Most TnT star players tend to not show up for any important games.
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Kevin Molino
For anyone that followed Orlando City during it’s tenure in MLS, it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see Molino rise to the next level of greatness in the US soccer pyramid. Molino was one of the team’s biggest stars in USL, winning two MVP awards in four seasons, and setting the USL record for goals season in a season with 20 in 2014.
So far in training camp Molino looks like he’ll fit right in at the MLS level. Every time I’ve seen him I have nothing but good things to say. He and Kaka look like they’re on the same page as if they’ve been playing together for years, when intact they’ve only been together for a couple of weeks.
His rise on the national team level — scoring five goals for Trinidad and Tobago at the Caribbean Cup late last year — and in USL has made Molino a natural choice to become one of the most marketable stars in MLS.
Sure, he’s a soft-spoken guy, but his pants game is strong and that’s the most important thing to being a star — in the entertainment world, at least.
http://otowns11.com/2015/02/18/players-orlando-citys-next-big-star/
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My last time seeing him was at Caribbean Cup final where he had little impact for TnT in another final loss. Good to see him doing well for his club.
You know what he did before the final? Yuh have to be fair to the man.
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WATCH Kevin Molino LIVE as Orlando City take on New York City FC in the Carolina Challenge Cup. Game starts at 7:30pm EST.
https://www.youtube.com/v/1gYBqA5X9bw
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@OrlandoCitySC
32' GOOOOAAAAAL. Molino feeds @Kaka who rockets a right footer to the bottom right corner from the edge of the box. 1-0 #ORLvsNYC
Kaká and Molino have been dominant on the ball. Finding all the loose balls, moving forward, and generally behind cheeky. #ORLvsNYC
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good performance from both teams!
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Tune in tonight to see Trinidad and Tobago International, MLS newest Star Kevin Molino and his Orlando City Team take on the Charleston Battery Live online from 6 pm EST.
LiveStream (http://www.orlandocitysc.com/LIVE)
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Now that you have finished watching Arsenal step in it and drag it all over the field, tune-in in 30 minutes (6 pm EST) to supporter Molino as he spear head the Orlando City's attack.
Live Stream (http://www.orlandocitysc.com/LIVE)
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thanks elan
Real liking Molino role...A general with speed.. if god keeps him healthy, he's gonna be even more amazing
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Ok so game cancelled due to weather. Shea scored in the 10' and Charleston equalized in the 26th right after which Lighting struck and game was suspended. Rain now expected through 9 pm EST so game was called a draw (1-1) and the result stands as such. No replay.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-uoamVWkAAMJRh.png:medium)
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Meet Orlando City Player Kevin “Hot Boy” Molino.
https://www.youtube.com/v/bB_XU29HJUo
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NEWCOMER TO WATCH: Kevin Molino. The 24-year-old Trinidad and Tobago international lit up the 2014 USL season, scoring a record 20 goals in leading Orlando City to the club’s third USL regular season championship. Highly regarded as one of Heath’s favorites, his development as a player has come a long way.
After winning USL MVP in 2012 and 2014, Molino went from being a natural attacking midfielder, to a proven goalscorer, which was another reason why he was the first player to sign for Orlando City’s MLS inaugural season after turning down multiple offers from Europe.
http://www.sbisoccer.com/2015/02/season-preview-orlando.html
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Your New Favorite Player: Orlando City Midfielder Kevin Molino
By Wade Williams - TheManeLand.com
If you don't know, now you know: Kevin Molino is absolutely fantastic.
Can you feel it? The electricity in the air, the buzz in the city? We are less than one week away from the Major League Soccer debut of our Orlando City SC Lions, and the entire 407 area code is eagerly waiting their opportunity to #FillTheBowl.
The team is a pretty big mystery, very different from in years past. With new, exciting names in a new, exciting league, it's easy to get wrapped up in all things new to City. One particular USL holdover, however, is not new to this city. He's not new to the staff or the long-term fans. No, Kevin Molino needs no introduction to us.
To the rest of the world, though? Meet Kevin Molino.
https://www.youtube.com/v/9ALEJGqWTrU
Shown above working an absolutely disgusting one-two, before launching a heat seeking missile at the back of the net, Molino has been doing his thing in Orlando since 2011, being groomed by Head Coach Adrian Heath into the devastating assaulter of nets we've come to know and love.
A Trinidad and Tobago international to the tune of 12 goals in 29 appearances, the 24-year-old Molino has captured two USL Pro MVP awards -- 2011 and 2014 -- setting the league scoring record during last season's MVP performance.
Now, I know what you're thinking. "Sure, he's got a titanium boot, but you need more than that at the next level."
Ladies and gentleman, Exhibit B:
https://www.youtube.com/v/XPveGII4PL8
Showing precision and touch under pressure in the box, Molino's process is pretty simple here, "Hey, there's the back of the net. I'm going to put this ball there. That's what happens next." Stopping him does not appear to be an option here.
A member of all three Commissioner's Cup teams and both USL Pro Cup-winning squads, Molino signed a two-year extension with Orlando City on Jan. 10, 2014, becoming the team's first MLS player. A favorite of the fans and staff alike, this seemed like a no-brainer even before he went on to score 20 goals last season, breaking the previous league goal record of 15 by a fairly wide margin.
Working with Kaká from the right side is a dream come true for Molino, and one that could lead to more opportunities to make opposing keepers look completely, utterly foolish.
https://www.youtube.com/v/4WDzFqjov94
That, ladies and gentleman, is how you break hearts. Shown here approaching from the left side of the box as opposed to the right side in the previous two videos, Molino is keenly aware of the crashing netminder before reminding him that he is, in fact, Kevin effing Molino, and that he should know better than to try to stop him from scoring.
Hype is defined as "promote or publicize (a product or idea) intensively, often exaggerating its importance or benefits." Allow me to be clear; this is no exaggeration. Kevin Molino is the real deal. This Sunday, March 8, Molinomania runs wild, brother.
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Nice! Good find FF :thumbsup:
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I goin to Orlando for a few days in April. I would love to go to a game.
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During Orlando City's media day yesterday:
Both Kaká and Brek Shea said that Kevin Molino and Cristian Higuita were players that have impressed them throughout this preseason.
http://www.themaneland.com/2015/3/4/8150559/orlando-city-media-day-news-and-notes
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They're coming to Montreal at the end of this month. Think I'll check that game out.
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That's a must see game when orlando come to montreal ......... will be going to see the little man kevin molino and kaka...... tnt and brazilian magic !!
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(https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QuodK69LuxwFxd9Q42tS2MuQK_Q=/0x0:4896x3264/783x522/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45829584/usa-today-8415753.0.jpg)
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Molino and Brek Shea pictured at a community event in the build up to Orlando City's debut game in MLS this weekend.
Molino will make his MLS debut in front of a confirmed 62,000 sell out crowd at the Citrus Bowl vs New York City FC.
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Orlando City Opening Day Hype Video
(Devon Jorsling with a starring role in the opening seconds)
https://www.youtube.com/v/tc14noqfFJs
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I'm In. Dun with Impact till they play another Trini. I easy so.with all these foreign leagues
but wait.. how much team ah go follow now..this will have to be my favoritest team..I AM a Molino fan
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Orlando City Soccer player #18 Kevin Molino talks to FOX 35 before the Lions inaugural MLS match.
https://www.youtube.com/v/R5ImtpOzaxU
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Here's what I noticed about Orlando's last preseason game against the Dynamos. If their defensive midfielders play against the rest of the MLS the way they gifted the Dynamos those goals, and I mean unforced errors after unforced errors so near their own goal, that midfield is going to get run over, it's going to be a long miserable losing season for Kaka and the Lions. There are a lot of talented and world class players in this league that will punish the Lions if they make those kinds of mistakes. For the Lions fans, who are use to winning, and the players as well, this will be a rude awakening. Kaka won't be able to win by himself. Also, Molino didn't score any goals during the preseason buildup, so he will have to step his game up if Orlando is going to have any chance of winning enough games to even make the playoffs. I think making the playoffs is going to be sort of a stretch going into this their inaugural season in the MLS.
They have faced NYCFC before so they might be able to come away with a win in this opener but after that the going is going to get tougher, that's when Molino must shine like the star player that he is.
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Sport runs in the blood
By Colin Benjamin (T&T Newsday)
Historically, football and cricket, as is the case is in most Caribbean countries, are the most popular sports in Trinidad and Tobago.
Starting from their foundation days at Arima Boys RC primary school, brothers Kevin Molino and Kevon Cooper - national players in football and cricket respectively - have passionately pursued both sports before their undeniable talents forced them to make a choice between the two.
“In primary school, me and Kevon played cricket and football regularly with all the boys,” said Orlando City midfielder Molino, who took the surname of his mother.
“One of the boys was Sunil Narine, who I always thought from our younger days, would have been a cricket star. I particularly enjoyed fielding more than batting and bowling.”
Cooper, over six feet tall, not surprisingly noted that he was a striker during his football days.
“At Arima RC up until age 16 when I joined the Queen’s Park cricket club, football was my game,” Cooper said. “Arima won the school championship twice and when I joined FC Santa Rosa we also won the Milo Cup. Later when I made the Trinidad Under-19 cricket team in 2008, I fully focussed on my cricket career.”
Given the glare the modern media puts on professional athletes, the jovial brothers were quite keen to be interviewed and open about their past and ambitions.
Cooper, skillful with the bat and ball, was a crucial member of the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force that won the 2015 Nagico Super50 Tournament on home soil and was also instrumental with the now disbanded TT Twenty20 team that dominated regional cricket before the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) was introduced. Despite being an IPL regular at the peak of his game, Cooper has never feature for the West Indies but he was unfazed. “At the end of the day, selectors have their job to do (and) I have mine to do. Yes it’s a bit disappointing (not to have played for West Indies) when I was playing well, but I still have to carry on my career in IPL and other T20 leagues, keep performing and everything will take care of itself,” Cooper declared.
“Currently I’m just training hard with my club Queen’s Park, working hard on my batting and bowling with coaches because I want to be a cricketer that plays all formats of the game.”
While Cooper continues his ambition to become an even more successful cricketer, Molino is part of Soca Warriors outfit that is trying to rebuild after plummeting due to well publicised controversies since the zenith of participating in the 2006 World Cup.
One of the darkest on-field moments of this period was on November 11th, 2011, when Guyana toppled them 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier, ending the Soca Warriors dream of reaching the 2014 showpiece in Brazil.
After the 2009 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Egypt, Molino was always pencilled as a potential key national player for the future alongside teammates from that tournament such as Khaleem Hylaand, Sheldon Bateau, Daniel Cyrus and the late Akeem Adams.
Over the next two years, Molino’s ability saw him go on trials in Belgium, Slovakia and famous Dutch Eredivisie club - PSV Eindhoven. Despite not getting a European club contract , Molino is still grateful for the tough initiation period.
“Belgium, Slovakia and PSV reports (trials) were good but a few reasons prevented me from going all the way but the trials were an invaluable experience,” said Molino.
The 24-year-old, set to play alongside former AC Milan and Real Madrid star Kaka this season in the MLS, is undoubtedly making maximum use of his abilities and showed his class at the 2014 Caribbean Cup where this country lose in the final to hosts Jamaica.
“Scoring and doing well for your country is always a wonderful feeling but I couldn’t do it without the team. It was obviously disappointing not to win Caribbean Cup, but I believe the team is headed in the right direction under coach (Stephen) Hart. Once we take upcoming friendlies very serious, anything is possible with this team who really operate as family on and off the field,” he continued.
The former San Juan Jabloteh player, now sporting a blond mohawk, prefers playing in the “hole” but he credits Hart for his recent comfort playing on the flanks.
“Coach Hart told me that a lot of top international players with much skill and pace attributes like myself get more success playing on the flanks compare to midfield where more space is available,” he explained. Orlando City and Soca Warriors fans expect big things from Molino who cites ex-TT skipper Russell Latapy and Spain’s Andres Iniesta as his favourite players.
“All players aspire to move to a big club. Now that I’m at one, I’m just staying patient and humble and hope to simply improve as a player every game I play for Orlando City.”
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Molino scored in preseason. @KD
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Here's what I noticed about Orlando's last preseason game against the Dynamos. If their defensive midfielders play against the rest of the MLS the way they gifted the Dynamos those goals, and I mean unforced errors after unforced errors so near their own goal, that midfield is going to get run over, it's going to be a long miserable losing season for Kaka and the Lions. There are a lot of talented and world class players in this league that will punish the Lions if they make those kinds of mistakes. For the Lions fans, who are use to winning, and the players as well, this will be a rude awakening. Kaka won't be able to win by himself. Also, Molino didn't score any goals during the preseason buildup, so he will have to step his game up if Orlando is going to have any chance of winning enough games to even make the playoffs. I think making the playoffs is going to be sort of a stretch going into this their inaugural season in the MLS.
They have faced NYCFC before so they might be able to come away with a win in this opener but after that the going is going to get tougher, that's when Molino must shine like the star player that he is.
Come nah man, what kind of post is this? You clearly never watch a proper MLS season?? Preseason especially in the MLS counts for nothing, absolutely nothing going into the season. I think Orlando has established one of the most competitive squads in the MLS. Rochez who is leading the forward line will take time because of his age. Other than that I think Kevin is more than fine. He had a steller pre season and would start today. Additionally to confirm your whole "lions"(which was said far to repeatedly) post was wild and borderline "fightdown" lol, Kevin did score in preseason and did assist too. So next time you comment, please find out , please know :)
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Any links for tonight guys?
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http://www.stream2watch.me/sports/soccer/orlando-city-vs-new-york-city-live-stream
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Kevin Molino is trending on twitter right now. Comments are all positive. Good game so far. Orlando looks stronger to me. Really like their style of play. It's going to be hard to stay faithful to Seattle this year.
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Yea Molino's having a good game so far. Their striker Rivas, needs to settle a bit, he's a little too excited.
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Molino almost scored, keeper came up big with the save.
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game ends 1-1 kaka almost at d death
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Kevin Molino is trending on twitter right now. Comments are all positive. Good game so far. Orlando looks stronger to me. Really like their style of play. It's going to be hard to stay faithful to Seattle this year.
Play still very disjointed, but not really much of a surprise given that it's the first game and they're still trying to integrate key new players into the squad. They played nice attacking football though, Molino was bright whole game. He did take a little bit of a dive on the challenge by Brovsky, but the yellow card for simulation was harsh... as were the ones on Shea and Higuita to be honest. There are a lot of parallels between MLS and the Coca Cola Championship, not the least of which is the brute physicality and the way they're both officiated.
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Was Molino playing as Right Mid or attacking mid fielder?
I couldn't tell what formation orlando was using.
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Was Molino playing as Right Mid or attacking mid fielder?
I couldn't tell what formation orlando was using.
I did not see the game. But having seen him play a couple of time, I bet he is an attacking mid. Comes back deep to get the ball.
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Was Molino playing as Right Mid or attacking mid fielder?
I couldn't tell what formation orlando was using.
He lines up on the right side of midfield in 4-2-3-1
Kaka is in the middle. But kaka likes to roam, so Molino is given licence to drift into the middle to get in between the lines and combine with Kaka.
The right back Ramos behind Molino is only 19. So the DM Okugo usually slides right to cover Molinos drifting and the youngster. Then the left mid Neal tucks in to allow Brek Shea to overlap so on attack it is kind of a 4-3-2-1 with Kaka and Molino attack mids behind the forward.
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Kevin Molino rating vs NYCFC
M, Kevin Molino, 7.0 -- It was a tale of two halves for Molino. He may have been the best player on the pitch in the first half, but he nearly disappeared in the second. He nearly scored in first half injury time, and he regained his first half form in time to earn the free kick that led to Orlando's goal. If he can put together a full 90 minutes at the rate he played at in the first half, his first season in MLS should be a good one.
http://www.themaneland.com/2015/3/8/8172713/player-grades-orlando-city-sc-vs-new-york-city-fc
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i found he played very well for his debut in MLS. He showed good touch and skill and looked to combine very well with Kaka and Rivas. He'll score some goals for this team if they continue to play that style and system. :beermug:
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It's a bit difficult to gauge the level of play of either team. I am waiting for them to play teams like seattle, LA and new england. It's hard to say if they are a good teams when they haven't been tested against the best.
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Thought anytime he got on the ball he did something good... the kid is quality.
Would like to see him on the Left of the 4-2-3-1 because Kaka tends to drift Left and Molino can interchange and pop up centrally....the guy on the left, Neal, was very quiet...If they have a Winger in the squad who can hold the width on the right and with Rivas pace up top stretch the Defense and allow Kaka and Molino room to cause damage they will do well this season.
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Long-time Orlando City midfielder Kevin Molino impresses in MLS debut
By Mike Gramajo (sbisoccer.com)
While Orlando City’s arrival into Major League Soccer was a long time coming for the club, it also ended a prolonged wait into the major leagues for Kevin Molino, who made his MLS debut in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against New York City FC.
Molino may have not scored, but looked like a force to be reckoned after playing the full 90 minutes in his MLS debut. The Trinidad & Tobago international proved a nuisance for NYCFC defenders, using his speed and trickery on the ball to get by them on a number of occasions.
“I’ve said it several times, it’s only a matter of time until he finds his rhythm,” said Orlando City coach Adrian Heath of Molino. “I thought he played really well throughout the whole match, and linked up well with (Kaka) and (Brek) Shea.”
Despite anxiously waiting for this day after years with Orlando in USL Pro, Molino didn’t show apprehension throughout the game. Linking up heavily with Kaka in the middle, the 24-year-old Molino contributed heavily in Orlando City’s 15 taken shots on Sunday.
His moment of magic came in the 38th minute when he serviced Kaka for a scoring chance that Josh Saunders’s dove to deny the Brazilian from opening the score. Molino then almost gave Orlando City the lead in the early minutes of the second half when Carlos Rivas connected with the midfielder for a low shot that was stopped by Saunders.
“It’s still early in the season, first game but the team put in a lot of effort,” said Molino. “It was my first game. At the end of the day, you always want to be the one to score a goal or make a pass for a winning play, and that’s my job.
“I get paid to score and assist goals. Every day is a learning experience, and today even though we didn’t get the result we wanted, there’s definitely room to improve. I’m surrounded by great teammates that help elevate my game.”
Orlando City dominated much of the possession against NYCFC, but Molino led the Lions on the counter on several occasions. Orlando’s possessive style began to agitate NYCFC, which led to a foul on Molino in the 23rd minute after Lewis Neal began to build on the counter.
“He’s a player with confidence,” added Heath. “He knows what he’s capable of, and today he showed what he can do. He understands his role and how it can benefit the team if he puts full effort. There’s no reason why he shouldn’t go on to score plenty of goals and assists this season.”
After winning the USL Pro MVP award in 2014 for scoring a record 20 goals in the season, Molino still carries his goal-scoring mentality and hopes to open his MLS account soon. That may have to wait at least another week, but Molino still showed Sunday that he can be effective and dangerous in plenty of other ways.
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Is it likely this guy could end up in the premier league...thoughts please...personally I think he's a baller to be reckoned with anywhere he goes
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I am disappointed that Orlando best attacker (Molino) is only getting $60,000 a year while Kaka making over 7 mill.
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I am disappointed that Orlando best attacker (Molino) is only getting $60,000 a year while Kaka making over 7 mill.
Kaka who's won a world cup, a champions league, serie A titles and a La Liga title with close to 300 appearances in Europe with Milan and Madrid and over 100 goals also 89 caps with Brazil and 29 goals it's such a shock to you that he's on those wages?
I agree Kevin's contract should be higher but that's for his agent to sort out but the comparison is stupid.
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I glad he was able to make the transition and remain a main part of the team. This transition is normally where they bring in people to replace those who got them "promoted".
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I am disappointed that Orlando best attacker (Molino) is only getting $60,000 a year while Kaka making over 7 mill.
Kaka who's won a world cup, a champions league, serie A titles and a La Liga title with close to 300 appearances in Europe with Milan and Madrid and over 100 goals also 89 caps with Brazil and 29 goals it's such a shock to you that he's on those wages?
I agree Kevin's contract should be higher but that's for his agent to sort out but the comparison is stupid.
That's what a lot of MLS players make. Also, although that's their official salary the club will give them stuff. Not sure if they are allowed to give them money but it usually adds up to more. At least that's what I understand from it.
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I am disappointed that Orlando best attacker (Molino) is only getting $60,000 a year while Kaka making over 7 mill.
Kaka who's won a world cup, a champions league, serie A titles and a La Liga title with close to 300 appearances in Europe with Milan and Madrid and over 100 goals also 89 caps with Brazil and 29 goals it's such a shock to you that he's on those wages?
I agree Kevin's contract should be higher but that's for his agent to sort out but the comparison is stupid.
That's what a lot of MLS players make. Also, although that's their official salary the club will give them stuff. Not sure if they are allowed to give them money but it usually adds up to more. At least that's what I understand from it.
...but usually adds up to more ......
You mean they getting money under the table?
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once kevin performance on the pitch improve and combining with Kaka and scoring goals. his value with increase....
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I am disappointed that Orlando best attacker (Molino) is only getting $60,000 a year while Kaka making over 7 mill.
Kaka who's won a world cup, a champions league, serie A titles and a La Liga title with close to 300 appearances in Europe with Milan and Madrid and over 100 goals also 89 caps with Brazil and 29 goals it's such a shock to you that he's on those wages?
I agree Kevin's contract should be higher but that's for his agent to sort out but the comparison is stupid.
You is de new Deeks or wha.
Bottom line, if they could pay Kaka so much wether he deserve it or not, they could pay Molino more, he has been their best players for 3 years, he deserve it and earned it.
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You is de new Deeks or wha.
Bottom line, if they could pay Kaka so much wether he deserve it or not, they could pay Molino more, he has been their best players for 3 years, he deserve it and earned it.
Well, now your know it has someone else beside me to torment you arse. But I agree Kevin should be getting more that 60 as reported. Could be rumour. He could be getting more, but don't want people to know the exact amount. He has been performing well in the trenches for them for the past 3 years. I have never heard anything negative about his play and behavior. So, we as Trinis, think he deserves just compensation.
My only peeve about Kevin is his physical. I feel he needs some muscle. I eh talking about bulking up like Arnold the Terminator. Because in the last CFU Cup in the final against JA, he really did not get off. JA roughness and the bumpy field throw our forwards off their game. He is a skillful player, and a little more strength to complement that will do wonders for his game.
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Deeks, doh flatter yuhself, you cant torment me, ever, ah like de heat, because I could give to.
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Deeks, doh flatter yuhself, you cant torment me, ever, ah like de heat, because I could give to.
Breds, bring it on!!!!
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Orlando City Expands Lower Bowl Seating for March 21 Home Game
ORLANDO – March 10, 2015 – Orlando City Soccer Club today announced that based on demand for seats to the March 21 home game against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the Club will increase capacity to 23,000 seats. The seats are located in the corners of the lower bowl, which were initially covered.
Team officials will continue to monitor demand for upcoming home games and make additional capacity adjustments as warranted.
Attendance for Sunday’s season opener at the Orlando Citrus Bowl was the largest crowd for a soccer match ever at the historic venue, surpassing attendance for the 1994 World Cup.
“Sunday night’s attendance was simply astounding and the demand continues to be very strong for our upcoming home matches,” said Club Founder and President Phil Rawlins. “Based on that response we will continue to review capacity for upcoming matches on a case-by-case basis.”
Link: http://www.orlandocitysc.com/post/2015/03/10/orlando-city-expands-lower-bowl-seating-march-21-home-game
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Publix Super Markets Partner with Orlando City
ORLANDO – March 5, 2015 – Orlando City Soccer Club announced today Publix Super Markets becomes a Founding Partner as Official and Exclusive Grocery Store for the Lions 2015 inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) season. Per Club policy, deal terms were not disclosed.
Through this partnership, Publix will support Orlando City youth soccer camps, clinics and mobile fan zone. They will also be the presenting sponsor of the Mane Street Fan Zone presented by Publix for home games.
"Publix is a very active member of the community, and we are grateful for their support of our team and fans," said Orlando City Founder and President Phil Rawlins. "Publix has been great supporters of our youth soccer programs over the years and are furthering their commitment to the sport at the professional level."
During Orlando City's Purple Pride 5K on Thursday, March 5, Publix will provide post run recovery food and drinks to the team's supporters. The event is part of a week-long celebration leading into the first match of the season through Operation #FillTheBowl.
“We are pleased to be aligned with such a reputable and dynamic organization that support youth soccer and its growth in the community," said Publix Media and Community Relations Manager Dwaine Stevens. "We are excited for the opportunity to support the efforts of the families and their children who love to participate in this growing sport that promotes sportsmanship, exercise and a healthier lifestyle."
Link: http://www.orlandocitysc.com/post/2015/03/05/publix-super-markets-partner-orlando-city
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Walt Disney World Resort Becomes Founding Sponsor
ORLANDO – March 4, 2015 – Walt Disney World Resort and Orlando City Soccer Club have announced today a multi-year agreement making Walt Disney World Resort a founding sponsor of the Club. The announcement comes at an exciting time, just days before Orlando City Soccer Club’s 2015 Major League Soccer (MLS) debut on Sunday.
Under the agreement, Walt Disney World Resort becomes the official theme park and resort destination of Orlando City Soccer Club; Disney Cruise Line becomes the official cruise line of the Club; and Disney Vacation Club becomes the official vacation club of the team. Also, Disney will have a significant presence at Orlando City home matches at the Citrus Bowl in 2015 as well as at its future multi-purpose downtown stadium starting in 2016.
Additionally, the new agreement will help bolster Orlando’s and Walt Disney World Resort’s profile in key travel markets, such as Brazil and other Latin American countries where soccer is a national pastime.
Building on the growing sports business at Walt Disney World Resort, the Orlando City Soccer Club will collaborate with ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World Resort on a range of soccer events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The sports complex is the premier site for amateur sports in the nation and has a rich history of hosting a variety of youth and professional soccer events.
“This collaboration further strengthens the existing bond between the two Orlandos – the one known around the world as Disney theme parks and the metropolitan, vibrant growing downtown represented by Purple Pride,” said Club President and Founder Phil Rawlins. “Over 60 million tourists visited Orlando last year – with many coming from Brazil. There’s a natural synergy here to showcase all the wonder that is the City Beautiful. We also look forward to jointly hosting additional high-profile soccer events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney through this relationship to the benefit of our fans, our community and the region.”
“Orlando City Soccer Club is writing an exciting new chapter in our region’s history,” said George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “We are proud to be part of the community-wide team effort to help the Lions become Central Florida’s next great success story."
Link: http://www.orlandocitysc.com/post/2015/03/04/walt-disney-world-resort-becomes-founding-sponsor
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I am disappointed that Orlando best attacker (Molino) is only getting $60,000 a year while Kaka making over 7 mill.
Kaka who's won a world cup, a champions league, serie A titles and a La Liga title with close to 300 appearances in Europe with Milan and Madrid and over 100 goals also 89 caps with Brazil and 29 goals it's such a shock to you that he's on those wages?
I agree Kevin's contract should be higher but that's for his agent to sort out but the comparison is stupid.
You is de new Deeks or wha.
Bottom line, if they could pay Kaka so much wether he deserve it or not, they could pay Molino more, he has been their best players for 3 years, he deserve it and earned it.
once kevin performance on the pitch improve and combining with Kaka and scoring goals. his value with increase....
plus i am sure it have win bonus, goals bonus etc..
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Like David villa is also getting 60k but that's not all he is getting. I think he gets a portion of club earnings. I'm they value Kevin I am sure he is getting something else to sweeten the deal. Not They saying David villa level or anything but they are going to know Kevin will attract deals from Europe. They won't want him to leave so early in. If he is getting that alone. I will be surprised
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Stop the nonsense. Villa ain't making 60K, and neither is Molino.
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Molino looking good vs Houston. Live on UniMas
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Houston goalkeeper made a real boo-boo. Orlando 1-0. We boy Molino looking good!
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Orlando looking terrible. The midfield for Orlando cannot put 2 passes together. They looking seriously bun.
The last 6-8 passes OC made before the goal was to Houston or Houston took it off them before a pass was made. , and then that goal came on a silly play.
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Orlando won. Yes their mid field eh that convincing. I wonder why the coach took off Kaka. Kevin was lively. Made some nice one-twos with Kaka, but final pass went to Houston. We will see as the season goes.
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Elan sound like you only watch the latter part of the second half
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Kaka praise for Kevin Molino.
By Shaun Fuentes (TTFA).
T&T midfielder Kevin Molino has been on the receiving end of some very warm words from Brazilian star Kaka.
Both players have received high ratings on their partnership for Orlando City in the opening weeks of the 2015 MLS season. Molino is yet to get on the scoresheet but Kaka is impressed by his ability.
“Now we just focus on what we have been doing in training during the week. My connection [in midfield] with Kevin Molino is getting better every day,” Kaka said.
“He is a smart guy and can do a lot of things on the field, and I think we can work well and do a lot of good things together.”
Molino, who is in T&T’s squad for next Friday’s friendly against Panama at the Ato Boldon Stadium, said his connection with Kaka has been nothing but cracking so far.
“It’s just been pure joy to be working with him in training and then going onto the field and executing. We’re getting better every day. Our understanding of each other and our styles and how we play the game is getting constantly improving. There is so much he brings to the team,” Molino said. “We’re enjoying the League. The fans have been superb and we are being inspired to do great things this season.”
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Orlando City, FOX Sports Florida / FOX’s Sun Sports Announce Statewide Television Agreement
ORLANDO – March 16, 2015 – Orlando City Soccer Club today announced a multi-year agreement with FOX Sports Florida / Sun Sports providing statewide broadcast coverage of the Lions’ regionally televised matches starting with the Club’s inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) season. In addition, all matches will be available in Spanish on Fox Sports Florida or Sun Sports via the SAP function.
FOX Sports Florida / Sun Sports will become the statewide television home of the Lions beginning with Orlando City’s next home game vs. the Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m. Eighteen Orlando City games are scheduled to be televised statewide between the two networks. Orlando City games will also be made available for live streaming on phone and tablets through the FOX Sports GO app.
FOX Sports Florida will re-air all Saturday evening Orlando City matches on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m., allowing fans to re-watch all the action from the night before.
“Our fans across the state will now be able to follow their favorite team all season long thanks to this outstanding partnership,” said President and Founder Phil Rawlins. “As with our great partners at FOX 35, we look forward to working with FOX Sports Florida to deliver a first class broadcast for all our fans across the Sunshine State.”
"As the television home for Florida sports, FOX Sports Florida is proud to welcome the Orlando City Soccer Club to our programming line-up," said Tim Ivy, Director of Programming, FOX Sports Florida / Sun Sports. "Sports fans of all ages throughout Florida have shown an affinity for soccer and we look forward to bringing Major League Soccer and the Orlando City brand to viewers statewide.”
FOX Sports 1 is a league broadcast partner, televising the Sunday evening national game for MLS. Orlando City is scheduled to appear on the national FOX Sports 1 telecast five times in 2015.
A limited number of 2015 Season Tickets are still available, which provide the best seats in the house as well as additional benefits. To purchase season, group or individual tickets, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com or call 855-ORL-CITY. Also, follow the latest Orlando City news and updates via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Link to schedule : http://www.orlandocitysc.com/post/2015/03/16/orlando-city-fox-sports-florida-fox%E2%80%99s-sun-sports-announce-statewide-television
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Man, Orlando doing everything right.
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To the people who are so hypercritical about OCSC, do you realize that the starting team is completely new and has never played together except in the preseason? Molino, the first OCSC MLS signee, is the only starter from the last year's team. Many of those players did not receive contracts and are not with the club. I was at the game against NYFC and though both teams showed signs of disorganization, Orlando deserved to win and Molino and Kaka showed signs of being an excellent combination. Let's keep our powder dry and wait until about mid-season before we rant.
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To the people who are so hypercritical about OCSC, do you realize that the starting team is completely new and has never played together except in the preseason? Molino, the first OCSC MLS signee, is the only starter from the last year's team. Many of those players did not receive contracts and are not with the club. I was at the game against NYFC and though both teams showed signs of disorganization, Orlando deserved to win and Molino and Kaka showed signs of being an excellent combination. Let's keep our powder dry and wait until about mid-season before we rant.
so wait dey decimate d team dat get them where dey is ah know d system in d state cold and lil ruthless...molino was d only fella on dat team could make d cut...I find dat hard to believe
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so wait dey decimate d team dat get them where dey is ah know d system in d state cold and lil ruthless...molino was d only fella on dat team could make d cut...I find dat hard to believe
As ruthless as it appears, that is the nature of pro-sports. The management did not believe that their squad from the other lower league would survive the MLS. And Orlando got knocked out in the second rounds(I think) when they made the play-offs last year. US soccer may not have promo and demo, but when you move from the lower leagues to the MLS, you better change(improve) your squad to be able to compete.
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Believe it lefty
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Believe it lefty
believe what? molino carried d team or dat dey dat ruthless
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Believe it lefty
believe what? molino carried d team or dat dey dat ruthless
Breds, if they had used their last years team to play last Saturday, they would have been clobbered. The barely pulled of the victory.
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Believe it lefty
believe what? molino carried d team or dat dey dat ruthless
Breds, if they had used their last years team to play last Saturday, they would have been clobbered. The barely pulled of the victory.
ok cool just knew that they had a solid run in USL ws payin attention beyond that
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Link for tonight's game for those interested. http://www.stream2watch.me/sports/soccer/orlando-city-vs-vancouver-whitecaps-live-stream
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The game is 0-0 after 74. Is Orlando field natural turf or turf-field?
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The game is 0-0 after 74. Is Orlando field natural turf or turf-field?
turf
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Football is a cruel game. Vancouver scored in 95 min. When it appears to be a draw.Kevin had a chance, but was thwarted by the goalkeeper
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Orlando needs a new right back. That Ramos kid is terrible. Swear he didn't do one good thing all game.
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Orlando needs a new right back. That Ramos kid is terrible. Swear he didn't do one good thing all game.
He was in MLS team of the week last round. Give him a chance. He is 19. Also most of Orlando team was suffering from a stomach flu and couldn't train in the days leading up to the game. He was one.
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Heartbreaking loss right there boyz. Worse feeling when u have like 3 mins to respond to a late goal.
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Molino says Warriors positive ahead of Panama clash.
By Shaun Fuentes (TTFA).
Orlando City midfielder Kevin Molino wants to see this country’s Senior Footballers step up to the call on Friday when they face a strong Panama outfit in a friendly international at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
Molino trained with his teammates, several of them for the first time, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium as head coach Stephen Hard oversaw a lively session in the evening period as the players pushed themselves as they press for selection in the final eleven in the upcoming encounter.
There are now eleven players in the T&T team that will be aiming for their first senior appearance after national under 20 player Akeem Garcia got a late call as Rundell Winchester will not be flying in to join the team having been asked by the Portland Timbers to remain there on the weekend as he seeks to obtain a contract.
Molino said the mood in the camp and training sessions has been upbeat but he knows that the newcomers will have some nerves to overcome as he recalled his early days with the senior team.
“It’s always good for new players to come in. you can always learn from a younger player or a senior player. You can encourage the younger ones and encourage them for the future. And I’ll do whatever I can do to guide them on the right path along with the other senior players and the coaches.
“I’ve always said it’s very important to get a cap early in your career so that when you go into international competition or games you will not be shell-shocked . You want to get games under your belt as soon as possible. I was lucky to get early caps under Russell Latapy at age 18 and it helped me along with my career now. I just hope the guys can live up to the challenge and expectations and listen to what the coach has to tell them and I think everything will be okay,” he added.
The Carenage-born player described the preparations as positive so far.
“I see a lot of positive things in training. We are still learning more about each other as it’s not like a club when you get to spend long periods together. We’ve just got to come together this week and work as best as we can and pick things up quickly. I think so far things have been shaping up quite well and it’s just about getting ready for the game on Friday and going out there to give a good performance and build on it for the Gold Cup and the World Cup qualifiers,” the former Mucurapo Senior Comprehensive player said.
T&T faces Guatemala in its opening Gold Cup fixture on July 9th and Mexico a few days later. Molino sees Panama as proper opponents in preparation for these clashes.
“Panama have been improving rapidly and they have a strong Central American influence and style that is similar to Guatemala and Mexico. This game will give us a good idea of what we need to do in our approach for the Gold Cup games and the qualifiers later this year.”
Tickets for the T&T versus Panama encounter cost $100 and are available at Fan Club Movietowne (POS, Trincity Mall, Gulf City Mall), All Out Restaurant (QP Oval), Heritage Sports Tobago, Ramsingh's Sportsworld, Couva, Econo Supermart and Kenny's Sports Shops. Gates at the venue open at 4pm on Friday.
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Seven Orlando City players will represent home countries in upcoming round of international friendlies
Orlando City Soccer Club defenders Brek Shea and Conor Donovan join the roster of players representing their home countries during the FIFA international friendly window. Orlando City boasts the most international call-ups of any MLS team.
Shea, Orlando City's starting left back, has been called up to the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) and will travel to Switzerland to train before taking on Denmark in Aargus on March 25 (3 p.m. ET - ESPN2) and Switzerland in Zurich on March 31 (12 p.m. ET - Fox Sports 1), prior to the start of the 2018 FIFA World Cup TM qualifiers in June.
Donovan, the Lions' second round pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, will face Tottenham's U-21s on March 27 and England's U-21s on March 29 in preparation for the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015. Shea and Donovan are among seven Orlando City players representing their national teams, alongside Kevin Molino (Trinidad and Tobago), Estrela (Portugal U-20), Rafael Ramos (Portugal U-20), Darwin Cerén (El Salvador) and Cyle Larin (Canada).
"Obviously, I'm delighted for our players who have been called up for national team duty because I know how much it meant to me as a player," said head coach Adrian Heath. "But, more importantly, I think the recent call-ups really demonstrate the caliber of players we've brought in for our first season."
Shea has made 29 appearances with the USMNT, scoring on three occasions. The defender most recently featured for the USMNT in friendlies against Chile (January 28) and Panama (February 8), scoring a superb left-foot goal against the South Americans.
Donovan has made a total of 35 appearances with the United States' Youth Teams, including 29 for the U-17s and six with the U-20s. Most recently, the young center back participated in the CONCACAF U-20 Championship Jamaica 2015, earning his country a spot in the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015, starting in May 30th.
Since 2010, Molino has made 29 appearances for Trinidad and Tobago, finding the back of the net 12 times. Molino's most recent fixture with the Soca Warriors occurred on November 13, 2014, in the Caribbean Cup Finals against French Guiana where he finished as the team's top-scorer.
City's youngsters, Ramos, Estrela and Larin, will join their native countries for the first time since November 2014. Both Ramos and Estrela were previously called up by Portugal's U-20 side for a friendly against England, while Larin featured for Canada's senior team in a 1-0 loss against Colombia.
Cerén has made over 20 appearances for El Salvador in the past three years, scoring one goal and wearing the captain's armband on several occasions.
Orlando City SC travels to face the Montreal Impact on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. ET. The match will air on FOX 35 and FOX Sports Florida, as well as Real Radio 104.1 FM and La Grande 1030 AM. Orlando City then hosts D.C. United at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on April 3. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET.
http://www.orlandocitysc.com/post/2015/03/24/seven-orlando-city-players-will-represent-home-countries-upcoming-round
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Kevin Molino's National Team Call Up May Be Just What He Needs
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The Trinidadian international's start to this season hasn't gone the way most had hoped, but getting to play with the Trinidad and Tobago national team might be exactly what the doctor ordered
After Kevin Molino's spectacular 20-goal season last year, there were high hopes for the 24-year-old midfielder coming into the big leagues. Molino's 2014 campaign with Orlando City saw him break numerous USL records, not only on the season, but career records as well.
Currently, he holds the fifth most career goals, most career assists, second most game-winning goals, second most overall points, and, of course, most goals in a season. These facts alone on paper warranted high expectations for Molino's first season in MLS.
However, like many of the young players on the roster, the Trinidadian is still looking to regain his form from last year. It's a different level of competition and a whole new core group of players to get used to. Three games into the season is still a small sample size, however, Molino was the go-to guy last year for goals, and with all the well-documented struggles that the forwards have been having so far, something needs to happen soon in order for Orlando to find success.
The big difference from last year to this year is Kaká, who was a pretty big deal for Orlando. Since he has arrived, Kaká has somewhat overshadowed Molino in terms of on-field presence, which is understandable. The Brazilian is a highly valued and respected player and is now looked upon as Orlando's go-to guy on the attack.
This may be affecting Molino and his ability to create for himself -- something that he was so good at last year. Instead of playing within himself, he always seems to be looking for Kaká as kind of a safety net. While this may not be a bad thing, it feels as if Molino is relying too much on Kaká creating chances, rather than creating them himself.
For the upcoming game in Montreal against the Impact, Molino will be headed back to his home of Trinidad and Tobago to play with the national team in an international friendly against Panama. Although this means he will miss the MLS match in Montreal, along with six other Orlando City players, this may be a very good thing for Kevin.
Within the national team, Molino will be the focal point of their attack. "Hot Boy," as he likes to be referred as, scored seven goals for the "Soca Warriors" last year, including a hat trick against the Dominican Republic in October.
Being so heavily relied upon for the team is akin to his situation in Orlando last year. If Molino can get on the score sheet and be a threat for Trinidad up top, he would be able to take that good form back to Orlando for the game at home against D.C. United in early April.
Often it only takes one goal to get a player on track. It's a mental block that needs to be broken. If Molino finds the back of the net come Friday, he'll be in great shape going forward into the bulk of Orlando's season.
Linkage: http://www.themaneland.com/2015/3/24/8281521/kevin-molinos-national-team-call-up-may-be-just-what-he-needs
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Kaká and Molino: Two pro soccer players at opposite ends of the monetary turf
By Katie Sanders (Tampa Bay Times)
The Brazilian soccer star known as Kaká stares down at the ball, seconds from the biggest kick in the newest chapter of his storied career. Wealthy and well-known, his place in the sport is well established, his number on the backs of fans around the world. Kaká doesn't need this goal. But his new team does. Orlando City is losing its first game in Major League Soccer 1-0 with less than a minute on the clock. A wall of defenders waits 10 yards in front of him. The goalie squats low, hands stretched wide. For every reason, Kaká is the guy you want with the ball in this moment. But he would not be here without help from a teammate, a breezy 24-year-old named Kevin Molino.
A world apart
Molino and Kaká (Kuh-KAH) are partners on the field. As midfielders, the job of each is to control the game and set up opportunities for the other to score.
Their lives away from the field couldn't be more different.
There is no Molino No. 18 jersey to buy, no international acclaim.
Kaká, 32, speaks four languages, has played on three World Cup teams and for elite European clubs, and is the second-most-followed athlete on Twitter with 22.3 million followers, more than LeBron James.
Molino spent last year with Orlando City in the third division of American soccer, playing in front of 3,500 fans on some nights.
Kaká this year will make $7.2 million, more than any player in MLS, and more than the payrolls of several teams.
Molino will make $111,400.
Pregame
A few hours before Orlando City's debut March 8, the fans at the Citrus Bowl camp next to their vehicles, lobbing bean bags at purple cornhole sets and drinking beer.
The rowdiest among them charge toward the stadium 90 minutes early, hoisting giant flags, banging on quad drums and releasing canisters of purple smoke — purple is the team's primary color — into the air.
Kaká's No. 10 appears on the backs of more fans than any other player by far. In a survey of a half-dozen, not one can name another Orlando City player.
Liza Escoffery, 34, of Orlando can — Molino. Like Molino, she grew up in Trinidad and Tobago — where, as in the rest of the world, soccer is called football — and she has followed his career through the country's national teams.
"I would say he's one of our heroes in the country," she said later.
Escoffery could not find Molino's jersey online. So she waves a small Trinidad and Tobago flag — a dash of red and black in a purple sea.
Luring a team, a star
The story of how Kaká came to Orlando starts with a British man's big risk. Phil Rawlins announced in 2010 he was moving his minor-league team from Texas to Orlando, where he said it stood a better chance at joining Major League Soccer.
MLS was looking for a new franchise, and Rawlins reasoned that soccer in Orlando — with its younger population, international tourism and youth soccer following — would work after MLS teams in Tampa and Miami had folded nearly a decade before.
Rawlins needed to prove Orlando had a viable fan base over the club's four seasons in minor-league USL Pro, and two championships helped. He needed buy-in from city and regional leaders, who ultimately pledged taxpayer money toward an $110 million, 20,000-seat soccer stadium downtown.
Then, MLS franchise rights in hand, Rawlins and team majority owner and chairman Flávio Augusto da Silva, a Brazilian entrepreneur, needed a star.
They got Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite. To the world, Kaká.
When Rawlins and Augusto da Silva signed Kaká last summer to a three-year deal, Orlando City fans rushed him at the airport with songs, drums and flags. He has been Orlando's favorite four-letter word since.
"From the moment that I decided to invest in the club, the first person that we talked to was Kaká," Augusto da Silva said. "He's a very visionary guy because he would be able to play in any club in the world, but he accepted the challenge to come here and help build this sport in this country."
A slow start
Orlando City spends the first 30 minutes of its inaugural match feeling out fellow MLS newcomer New York City Football Club.
Then, a flash of brilliance. Kaká kicks the ball up to Molino and tears across the field. Molino nudges the ball to English teammate Lewis Neal, who passes it back, drawing in defenders.
Molino finds Kaká with a quick lateral pass. Kaká does not hesitate to kick the ball toward the top of the net. The crowd of more than 62,000 thinks the zinger is going in, but the New York goalie leaps and punches it away.
Still 0-0.
'The perfect man'
A few weeks earlier, 300 fans packed the ballroom of an Altamonte Springs Hilton for a faux tailgate with Orlando City, many hoping to meet its star.
Christian Ramirez, 25, came to see Kaká — from Texas.
Ramirez took three days off from her sixth-grade teaching job, packed up her Nissan Versa and hit the road with her mom and sister for 22 hours.
"He goes to church. He takes care of his family," Ramirez said of Kaká. "He is the perfect man to me."
The rest of the team mingled with fans for about a half-hour before Kaká came in wearing a purple and black Adidas warmup suit. He smiled for selfies and signed shirts and scarves. He even recorded a video message for a woman's friend.
It would have been easy to miss Molino facing a wall in the background, playing a soccer game on a PlayStation 4 with a boy.
Molino's teammates call him a goofball, and his outfits are flashy. For media day a couple of weeks later, Molino wore a trilby hat, shorts, canvas sneakers, a blingy Michael Kors watch and a gold rosary.
His voice is so soft you'll miss it unless you are uncomfortably close. It's not that he's shy. He's laid-back, a trait he attributes to his island upbringing. His no-worries attitude also makes him late for team events, a no-no that can result in a fine from coach Adrian Heath.
Heath sees promise in Molino, calling him last fall "one of the most talented footballers in America, period."
This season is huge. If Molino is as much of a threat in MLS as he was with Orlando while it was in the USL Pro league, the payoff could be literal.
"If he comes in and scores 20 goals in his first season, I can promise you that he will make more money," said Taylor Twellman, a former MLS forward and current ESPN analyst.
Second half, so close
Orlando City and New York enter the second half still tied 0-0.
A pass from Orlando City's Brek Shea, a bleached-blond winger who plays for the U.S. national team, pinballs around the top of the penalty box, right onto Molino's preferred right foot. Molino's shot skids by three defenders but not by the fingertips of New York's goalkeeper, who lays out and pushes the ball away from net.
Molino throws his arm and shakes his head.
The top 1 percent
The inequity in salaries between Molino and Kaká is the rule, not the exception, in MLS.
Kaká's annual wage of $7.2 million is more than what all but four of the league's then-19 teams spent on their entire roster last season, according to available salary information. Overall, 562 players made $121.7 million, more than $49 million of which was divided among just 14 stars.
It is by design. Unlike Major League Baseball, for example, where owners fight to sign the latest coveted free agent, driving up players' salaries in the process, MLS contracts are controlled by the league.
In MLS, players sign contracts with the league, which assigns the players to teams (there are 20 teams this year). Complicated rules affect who goes where and how much salary a player receives. One player, for example, ended up moving from Europe to New England last year based on a blind draw.
For Kaká, these intricacies are irrelevant. As an overseas star, he will be paid above the league's soft salary cap either way.
For players such as Molino, it's another story. Their value isn't determined by how good they are in America, but how they stack up on the international market. The league's median salary in 2014 was $80,000, or $92,000 in guaranteed compensation.
Texas State University professor Todd Jewell studies the economics of MLS, including salary distribution.
There is no way a player like Molino "is ever going to make $7 million in Major League Soccer," he said. "The only thing they can do is put themselves in a showcase and go to a league that pays more."
Molino isn't ready for that yet. Orlando helped him get permanent resident status in the United States and his first taste of American professional soccer.
"I think it's a good decision I made to stay here," Molino said. "Everybody knows me at the club, and I can build my resume."
A setback
The season opener also is important to MLS's other expansion franchise, New York City FC, and its stars.
New York signed David Villa from Spain's top league for around $6 million a year and U.S. national team member Mix Diskerud.
In the 76th minute, Villa passes to Diskerud, who takes a split-second shot that curves past three defenders and the fingertips of Orlando City goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts.
Diskerud races with his teammates to the corner of the field to celebrate with traveling fans. The rest of the stadium quiets.
1-0 New York.
Who is Kevin Molino?
Molino is often asked what it's like to play with Kaká. He ticks off his favorite Kaká moment: the time Kaká scored with Italy's AC Milan against England's Manchester United in the 2007 European Champions League semifinal. Kaká tapped the ball with his head between two defenders who collided, and Kaká chased the ball and scored.
Kaká isn't usually asked about playing with Molino.
"My connection with Kevin is getting better; it's improving every day," Kaká said. "He's a very good player. He's smart. He can do a lot of things on the field. So it will be nice to play with Kevin, and I think we can do a lot of things together."
Molino talked about his family, soccer and Kaká after the preseason dedication of a futsal court in the low-income Orlando neighborhood Parramore. (Futsal is a shorter-field version of soccer played on a hard surface, such as a street or a converted basketball court.)
Molino was running late to the ceremony with Mayor Buddy Dyer, team leaders and about 40 African-American kids lined up in two rows facing reporters. He ran straight for the back, and at 5 feet, 8 inches tall and 155 pounds, he blended in with the tallest kids.
Together, they squinted in the morning sun during the speeches and kicked around balls for the cameras.
A few years ago, two of Molino's older brothers were killed in separate but similar shootings in Trinidad. They died in their 30s. Molino said he helps support his family financially. He said he brings "bread to the house and stuff like that" but doesn't go into much detail.
Molino used to have roommates in Orlando, but now he lives alone so his young son, Kevin Jr., and girlfriend, who live in Trinidad, can visit. He returns home to play for the national team, for which his older brother Dwane James also plays.
Home is filled with "tough crime and negativity," Molino said. But it was there he found his interest in sports.
"At the end of the day I always know what I wanted," he said. "I always knew I wanted to be a professional football player."
Man down
With seven minutes left in the 90-minute match, Orlando City's chances of capping the historic day in victory are looking bleak.
Orlando City's Aurélien Collin, a Frenchman who has played in the United States since 2011, sprints after a loose ball, and his cleats collide with David Villa's legs, an egregiously hard tackle. Collin gets a red card, which means he has to leave the game and cannot be replaced. The crowd boos.
Orlando City, down one goal, is down one man, too.
'Work to do'
The topic of player pay dominated labor negotiations running up to the MLS season, nearly resulting in a players strike. Even the consistently polite Kaká seemed turned off when asked at media day if he thought his teammates are paid fairly.
"I have to say, sorry, I understand that this is the issue in this moment. For me, everything is new now. And the league works different than wherever I've played," he said. "I don't have too much information to say something more solid about this."
Ultimately, the union and league reached an agreement two days before the season's first game. Final negotiations are not over or public, but salaries will go up next season and some players will have more control over their pay, players union executive director Bob Foose said.
"We think we've made progress on that front, but we still certainly acknowledge that we have more work to do," Foose said.
Still, basic facts of economics — and human nature — remain a hurdle. Todd Jewell, the researcher from Texas State, has studied the "tournament effect" in sports, finding that differences in salaries can drive people to work harder. Everyone wants to be in a position where the highest salary is possible with hard work.
MLS's approach has the opposite effect. Top-tier salaries are unreachable for most players. Jewell's research found that uneven salary distribution can negatively affect an MLS team's winning percentage as players lose the incentive to work harder.
Last gasp
On the field, Molino and Kaká look like they're on the same level. Same purple jersey, same pulled-up socks. And in the last minute of their first MLS regular-season game, they have the same mission: Find a goal.
Orlando City players are fighting with more intensity, down to 10 players as they near the end of regulation and enter extra time.
Molino drives the ball toward the goal, dribbling past one defender. A second defender collides with him, drawing a foul. The moment is washed over in the highlights, but it is key. The penalty sets up a free kick, a situation in which a player gets to take a shot at the net as teammates and defenders stand in a line in front of the goal and its keeper.
Of course, the person taking that kick is Kaká.
His shot isn't pretty. It heads right, but the ball ricochets off the leg of a New York City defender. It throws off the goalie.
The ball bounces into the left corner of the net.
Goal! 1-1.
Thousands of fans release pent-up madness. Purple streamers and confetti shoot into the air and drift onto the field as the clock stops ticking and the referee blows the final whistle.
The game ends in a tie. The result isn't typically satisfying to most Americans, but on this day, it works.
"Everything that happened tonight was incredible for everybody. We are building something very special," Kaká tells reporters after. "When I saw the ball go inside the goal, it was amazing. I really wanted to score the first goal for this team."
As Kaká speaks, his teammates change in the locker room. Molino is happy the foul he drew set up Kaká's tying kick. But he is disappointed about his near miss, the one after halftime. "I wanted it very bad," he says.
Like Kaká, he is paid to score goals.
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Molino trending on Twitter :'(
https://twitter.com/search?q=Molino&src=tren (https://twitter.com/search?q=Molino&src=tren)
Trends · Change
#ORLvDC
Passover
Molino
Sarah Brady
#BSBTheMovie
#ReclaimAustralia
Citrus Bowl
#callmeseb
#WILvCLT
Easter
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Yes, Kevin needs to put these chances away. He is playing good otherwise, but he needs to be clinical and score the one on one. He had about 2 one on one and another chance. If they continue to lose, he will be benched.
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Yes, Kevin needs to put these chances away. He is playing good otherwise, but he needs to be clinical and score the one on one. He had about 2 one on one and another chance. If they continue to lose, he will be benched.
He won't be benched.
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Yes, Kevin needs to put these chances away. He is playing good otherwise, but he needs to be clinical and score the one on one. He had about 2 one on one and another chance. If they continue to lose, he will be benched.
He won't be benched.
And why? Breds, in pro football one day you is the top dog, next day you is the fire hydrant..
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Kevin Molino still waiting for first MLS goal with Orlando City
By Ken Hornack (FOX Sports Florida)
Through its first five MLS regular-season matches, the progress of Orlando City SC has been noticeable, even if goals and victories continue to be hard to come by.
A frustrating pair of 1-0 losses at home in stoppage time, including last Friday night to D.C. United, can't completely overshadow what the team has been able to accomplish. Coach Adrian Heath was pleased in general with the effort shown in its most recent match, when Orlando City finished with a 17-11 advantage in shots and kept its third consecutive crowd of more than 30,000 fans at the Citrus Bowl entertained.
"I had a couple chances where I should have scored," midfielder Kevin Molino said Tuesday after a training session in preparation for Sunday's upcoming match at Portland. "But the most important thing is that it's early in the season. We still have a chance to capitalize on our chances."
Molino, who scored 20 goals last season for Orlando when it was part of the USL PRO, had a shot which rattled off the crossbar in the 30th minute and found himself staring at another scoring opportunity shortly before halftime after taking a pass from Kaká. Much like a power hitter in baseball who might find that first home run of a season somehow difficult to get, the 24-year-old native of Trinidad and Tobago believes he is on the verge of busting out.
The struggles on offense could remain an issue after forward Pedro Ribeiro tore a hamstring in the first half of Friday's contest, an injury which will sideline him for at least the next two months. Ribeiro, who has developed a strong bond with fellow Brazilian Kaká, recorded a goal and an assist in Orlando's 2-2 draw at Montreal where he and Kaká struck within minutes of one another.
But Molino is far from discouraged.
"With the quality we have here," he said, "sooner or later we'll get things going."
The match at Portland will be a homecoming for Orlando goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts, who played for the Sounders for the entire 2013 and 2014 seasons. Ricketts has been in goal for all five matches, and while he and the rest of Orlando City might be tempted to kick themselves for wins or draws which got away, they can't quibble too much for currently sitting sixth in the 10-team Eastern Conference with 29 matches still to go.
"We haven't gotten the wins that we needed," Molino said. "But when I look at the games, we've played totally good football for 90 minutes."
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In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Kaká recommends Kevin Molino to AC Milan.
Any suggestions for Galliani (Vice President of AC Milan)?
Kevin Molino, he’s from Trinidad, a good attacker. He must grow and learn but can do well.
http://www.rossoneriblog.com/2015/04/10/kaka-my-nostalgia-for-milan-will-never-go-away-juve-the-example-to-follow-life-is-good-in-the-usa/
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Brilliant..Kevin is obviously making an impression on him. Keep it up Nashy
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Nice compliment. Hope it works out.
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Now see some MLS highlights from last week. Molino had some good plays and hit the V with a bullet. They gave up a free kick goal in the 91st minute though, and lost. Bad form.
http://www.mlssoccer.com/video/2015/04/03/highlights-orlando-city-sc-vs-dc-united-april-3-2015
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Watching the Orlando vs Portland Timbers game on TV and to my mind, I can clearly see Molino's problem:
He defers way too much to Kaka. Almost every time he gets the ball, he's looking for Kaka. He gets in a good position to shoot and he instead chooses to pass to Kaka.
The coach Adrian Heath going crazy on the sideline when Molino does that because that's not the Molino he knows. The commentators saying he has been frustrated all season because in the USL last year.....Molino just had to sniff a chance and he would shoot. This year....he laying off the ball
Orlando playing a nice brand though. Impressive for a first year outfit
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... After everything Kaka has said favorably in public re: Molino, that might be "understandable". Molino to self: Hmmm boy, feed Kaka and eat ah 'bigger food'.
More seriously, I imagine the bridge between deference, mutual respect and 'junior partner' is not an easy one to navigate mentally. However, whatever the reality, Molino needs to be surgical, clinical and appropriately selfish. The only way to notch goals is to take responsibility.
If things are as transparent as that, Heath should be able to sort that out. He himself seems to have navigated/risen to the challenge of coaching a footballing icon.
Some of our older head ballers have shared the field with brand name ballers ... might be a useful conversation for them to share their experiences with Kevin.
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I imagine the bridge between deference, mutual respect and 'junior partner' is not an easy one to navigate mentally. However, whatever the reality, Molino needs to be surgical, clinical and appropriately selfish.
Could not have said it better.
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Watching the Orlando vs Portland Timbers game on TV and to my mind, I can clearly see Molino's problem:
He defers way too much to Kaka. Almost every time he gets the ball, he's looking for Kaka. He gets in a good position to shoot and he instead chooses to pass to Kaka.
The coach Adrian Heath going crazy on the sideline when Molino does that because that's not the Molino he knows. The commentators saying he has been frustrated all season because in the USL last year.....Molino just had to sniff a chance and he would shoot. This year....he laying off the ball
Orlando playing a nice brand though. Impressive for a first year outfit
Spot on Palos, I didn't see yesterdays game but ah was noticing the same thing in the Vancouver game. And is not just Molino, I find the whole side seem to be always looking for Kaka.
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Agreed the whole team is getting me upset with that. Kaka lost the ball almost everytime he got it yesterday.
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Kaka would recommend Orlando City's Kevin Molino to AC Milan
Kevin Molino playing at one of the biggest clubs in the world in Serie A? Kaka thinks it’s possible.
In a recent interview with gianlucadimarizo.com about his days in Italy, the Orlando City superstar, Kaka, was asked if he would recommend anyone to AC Milan as a possible transfer down the road.
His response: “Kevin Molino. He comes from Trinidad. He must grow and learn, but he could do well.”
Kaka has been nothing but impressed with Molino since he’s gotten here in Orlando. On the team’s final media day before the season, he said that Molino was the most impressive player on the team. For Kaka to come out and say that Molino is good enough to compete with the Best of the Best at AC Milan is something special.
Molino has yet to find the back of the net through four MLS games after lighting up the scoresheets for the Lions in USL. He’s come close a couple of times, but is still searching for that first goal.
Could a couple of big seasons in MLS make an overseas move possible? I wouldn’t rule it out.
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In the interview, Kaka was also asked about his career with the Brazilian national team and whether or not his days playing for his country are over.
“At the end of 2014 I made two appearances in friendlies with Argentina and Japan. Then in the two subsequent issues not called me.” Kaka said. “[Carlos] Dunga knows me, knows what I can give. And I do not think that the fact of being in the MLS can block my way. I’m waiting for it. If I do well here and play with continuity, I know I have the opportunity. ”
http://otowns11.com/2015/04/10/kaka-would-recommend-orlando-citys-kevin-molino-to-ac-milan/
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Idk...seems like everyone passing to kaka because it's kaka...The football superstar. ..they need to get over ot..because kaka is nothing without his team...everyone still star struck..molino included...best advice. ..molino if u see a chance take it papa! You become a star!
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Orlando City’s Kevin Molino finding his groove in MLS
By Sean Rollins (orlandocitysc.com)
Kevin Molino made a name for himself in USL. In his four years with Orlando City in America’s third division, Molino was twice named league MVP. In 2014, the midfielder broke the league’s single season scoring record previously held by former teammate and current Sporting Kansas City forward Dom Dwyer, by netting 20 regular season goals.
Molino is only one of two players that was with the club prior to being announced as an MLS expansion side (defender Luke Boden being the other) and the only one to be a regular starter. Now five weeks into the regular season, Molino has had time to adjust to playing at the higher level and has been able to pinpoint the differences between the two leagues.
One of the biggest differences Molino points out is the lack of opportunities against MLS defenders. “You must take your chances because you might not get another,” Molino says, “You have to take full advantage.”
After scoring seemingly at will a season ago, Molino has found it difficult to find the net in 2015. Part of that is the change in position from central midfield to right midfield which Molino describes as having “more defensive responsibilities.” However, he knows that he must convert the chances he gets. “When I get opportunities, I have to take advantage.”
As a club veteran, Molino believes that accountability is a part of leadership. “I have to take full blame for it (lack of goals). I have to score the chances I get.” But he also knows that he’ll continue to have the ability to change his fortune. “I’ve had plenty of opportunities in the first five games. It’s just a matter of getting one in. I must stay positive and when I get the opportunity, I need to take advantage and score.”
The positivity Molino expresses isn’t just personal, but comes from his teammates. While Orlando City is known for its youth, some of the club’s MLS veterans have been key in keeping the 24-year-old in the right frame of mind. “There is a great bunch of guys in this team. They always motivate me to do great things.”
But even with the support of his teammates, Molino has found several challenges which differentiate the two American leagues in which he’s played. “The biggest thing is training,” Molino says. “When you train, you want to show your quality. And coming to the training park we must learn each other.” It’s part of the day-in, day-out grind of playing at an MLS club.
While training is the most important, the most difficult challenge is the opposing atmosphere. “It might be Portland, it might be cold, you might go to New York and it’s a different atmosphere so you just have to get used to it and be ready to be up for the challenge.” The travel and atmosphere are much different than his home country of Trinidad and Tobago. “At home you just have one stadium home and away. But here you have different stadiums with different atmospheres. Sometimes cold, sometimes hot. So that’s the thing for me.”
It’s been a big adjustment for Kevin Molino moving from USL to MLS but he’s taking it in stride. Six games in and the midfielder is clearly more comfortable playing in MLS, scoring his first assist on a beautiful cross that was cleverly chested in by teammate Cyle Larin. And, with full confidence from head coach Adrian Heath, Molino knows he will find himself on the score sheet soon enough – saying, “Just work hard and stay positive.”
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The ebbs and flows of Orlando Midfielder Kevin Molino
By Austin David (themaneland.com)
Kevin Molino has been around since the beginning of Orlando City SC. Now that he's played six games in MLS, we look at his career arc as a whole.
Kevin Molino has seen it all in Orlando. Having been with Orlando City since its inception, the Trinidad and Tobago international has had his ups and downs in his career in the United States. His game has adapted every year and, whether it be scoring or creating, he's always been a key to Orlando's attack.
However, this year is a bit of a transition for the 24-year-old. Not only is almost the entire team different from last year, but he's playing with and against better competition.
After scoring the most goals he has ever scored in his career last year in USL, Molino has looked a bit more apprehensive when it comes to scoring in 2015. Many pundits and media have commented that he looks a bit lost in the final third and tends to use Kaká as a safety blanket. Those who know Molino's game last year know he can be a confident finisher in the final third.
One of the biggest possible differences, other than the upgrade in competition, is his position. For his first three years in USL, Molino played on the right wing. He tallied only seven goals and 13 assists for those years, and won the 2012 MVP of the league.
However, in 2014 he made the move to central attacking mid and the game subsequently opened up for him. Molino controlled the game for the Lions and was the primary scoring threat, putting the ball in the back of the net 20 times and added nine assists to lead the USL in both categories. That one-season tally was more than all his other seasons combined and his assist number was almost as good.
This year, Molino is back on the right wing and is seemingly back to his old self, which isn't a good thing for him. Even off the field, he seems a bit more reserved and to himself, like he was his first few years with the club, rather than how he was last year. He was confident and flamboyant in his personality and play. In press conferences, he was outgoing and always happy to answer questions, but now he's keeping his answers short.
So, what does this mean for Molino this year? Well, in my honest opinion, he will most likely struggle a bit. He will have his moments and flashes of brilliance, but he's still making adjustments to the new league, new teammates and new competition.
I have all the confidence in Molino that he will become one of the best players in the league, but that may take some time. Orlando's coaching staff and fans have all the faith in the world in "Hot Boy" and for those who are critical of him, they will find out soon enough what he can do.
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What is this about a season-ending injury?
Ok they waiting to find out the extent.
http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/05/03/orlando-city-defeats-brazilian-side-friendly-kevin-molino-goes-down-knee-inj
ORLANDO, Fla. – Kevin Molino and Orlando City SC face an anxious wait to discover the damage to the attacker’s right knee after the midfielder was forced out early from the Lions’ friendly with Brazilian side Ponte Preta at the Citrus Bowl on Saturday.
With the Lions facing a visit from in-form New England on Friday, the last thing Adrian Heath’s side need is another injury before they make their fifth bid for an elusive first home MLS victory.
“He has to go to the doctor’s [Sunday] for the necessary X-Ray,” Heath said after the game on Saturday night. “We will assess him and see what’s right for him moving forward.”
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the TTFA page said Molino told the TTFA that he has suffered an ACL injury and will be out for the Gold Cup and remainder of the MLS season.
I am completely deflated by this news, horrible blow for him and T&T. I really hope it is not a tear so he can be back in 6 months but he's probably looking to at least 9 months. The important thing is to make sure it is fully healed and not rush back before it's ready.
Keep your head up Kevin.
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Kevin Molino tears right ACL, will miss remainder of the 2015 MLS season
orlandocitysc.com
Orlando City SC announced today that Midfielder Kevin Molino suffered a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee Saturday night during a friendly match against Brazilian Seria A club Ponte Preta.
Molino is expected to undergo surgery in the coming weeks at Orlando Health and will miss the remainder of the 2015 Major League Soccer season. Molino suffered the injury in the 18th minute of the match. Additional tests are expected in the coming weeks to determine the full extent of the injury.
“We are obviously devastated for Kevin,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “He was having a great start to the season, his first in MLS. He’ll work with the team physicians from Orlando Health to make sure he undergoes a full recovery and comes back in top form.”
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:banginghead:
Terrible news for him. Big blow for our Gold Cup squad as well.
Take proper care of that thing yes. Do not rush it.
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Gutted.
I really hope we push on and try to get Nick De Leon/John Bostock etc in because this is a HUGE loss with 2 qualifiers in November.
2 in March as well , hopefully Kevin is good to go from January for pre season.
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Devastating news in the short team for this star player, club team, national team, fans.
Career is not over and club contract is not over. Chin up Kevin and let's get the surgery done
and be ready to draw on all your emotional, spiritual and physical strength to get through this endurance test one hurdle at a time
Listen to Kaka, Carlos, Cornell & others about some of the things you have to be prepared for to make it through & the timetable for recovery.
For T&T, the others such as Guerra, Leston Paul, Marcus Joseph, need to get ready to step up.
BraveHart please take a look at Toussaint and see if he is in good match fitness as he has impeccable football skills and touch a la Molino.
This injury must be used as an opportunity to step up, like the old West Indies without Lara.
With the first choice number 10 always availabe, there is the potential for stunting of the team with overdependence on 1 player. Same overdependence on Latapy.
Good luck Kevin and go into plan B mode T&T.
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Lawd. Take your time to come back better than before.
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Laddd this is a blow...man was in rippin form...Gods speed in your recovery hot boy...come back badder! Huge blow to out NT...who answering the call?
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damn... :'(
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Rough.
Hope he returns after injury the same or a better player
Not sure what kind of field they were playing on....but most fields in MLS are field turf no?
That must take an extra toll on the body.
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Oh NASH...so sorry...the football life...ask Stern and countless others...get well soon son...
Add Hector to that list...Primus just cant seem to get back...
massive massive blows to TnT there...
but so the story goes
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Hart broken as Molino tears ACL
T&T Newsday Reports.
Trinidad and Tobago head coach Stephen Hart has expressed regret over Kevin Molino’s injury sustained during a friendly encounter for Orlando City against Brazilian side Ponte Preta on Saturday evening.
Molino suffered a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and has been ruled out for the remainder of the American Major League Soccer (MLS) season and will miss this country’s 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign.
Dr Mario John, a Trinidadian orthopeadic surgeon based in Orlando is in touch with Molino and the Orlando City medical staff and will monitor the player’s progress as he prepares for surgery in just over a week. John relayed that the goal is to restore the player’s range of motion and get the swelling down in order to have the best possible outcome from the surgery. John will continue to keep Hart and the TTFA updated on Molino’s status.
Hart, while admitting Molino’s absence will be somewhat of a blow to the Soca Warriors heading into the Gold Cup in July and the 2018 World Cup qualifiers in November, added that the player’s health was of utmost importance at this time.
“This is extremely sad for Kevin. This is always difficult for a young player now attempting to establish his career. I wish him the very best and a full recovery,” Hart said.
“The Gold Cup is less important than his ability to return to the game at the most appropriate time,” Hart added.
Molino said yesterday that he was coping with the disappointment but will remain focussed on making a full recovery.
“It’s devastating but this is the game. I’ve known players who’ve had serious knee injuries before like Carlos (Edwards), Kenwyne (Jones), Cornell (Glen) and most recently Robert Primus and they came back from it. By the grace of God, hopefully I will be back and be able to continue my career and push on to becoming the player I’ve been aiming to be,” Molino said.
The MLS official site stated “Molino went down after 16 minutes, clutching his right knee. The 24-year-old Trinidadian international has one assist in seven games this year, but is among the league leaders in chances created and has been an ever-present in the Orlando City lineup since the team moved there from Austin in 2011. He is a two-time USL MVP, winning the award in 2012 and 2014.”
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The 'joys" of professional sport. Get well soon. God Bless!!!
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Sorry to hear this ... rehab and come again. Best wishes. Keep yuh head up.
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Molino vows to come back stronger.
By Shaun Fuentes (Guardian).
The recent Anterior cruciate ligament tear suffered by national midfielder Kevin Molino while on duty for Orlando City has left a dent in Stephen Hart’s team for the upcoming 2015 Concacaf Gold Cup and the semi-final round of the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign in November.
It is a dent that Hart and the rest of the “Soca Warriors” will aim to repair. That surely is not out of the question and not beyond Hart’s men.
But for Molino, his recovery will not be as easy and a lot will depend on the run of events of the new few weeks according to TTFA consulting orthopedic surgeon Dr Mario John who is based in Orlando.
“Most ACL tears cannot be sutured (stitched) back together. To surgically repair the ACL and restore knee stability, the ligament must be reconstructed. The torn ligament will be replaced with a tissue graft,” John said. Molino’s injury was a complete rupture, similar to what Marvin Andrews sustained before the 2006 World Cup. It is described as a “Grade III” where ligament has been split into two pieces, and the knee joint is unstable.
John explained, for the sake the athlete’s knowledge, “that you might hear a popping noise and you may feel your knee give out from under you. Other typical symptoms of an ACL injury include pain with swelling, loss of full range of motion, tenderness along the joint line and discomfort while walking.
According to information from the American Academy of Orthopedic surgeons, whether the treatment involves surgery or not, rehabilitation plays a vital role in getting an athlete back to their daily activities. A physical therapy programme that will help regain knee strength and motion is a must. John said that Molino’s physical therapy after surgery will first focus on returning motion to the joint and surrounding muscles.
A strengthening programme designed to protect the new ligament will follow this. This strengthening gradually increases the stress across the ligament. The final phase of rehabilitation is aimed at a functional return tailored for the athlete’s sport. Molino is likely to be out of action for between six to nine months depending on his level of rehab. The player, obviously distraught over his current status, vows to come back from it.
“It’s a trying time but time heals and hopefully the surgery will go well and I can bounce back even better. The mental challenge will be a real test but I am sure I can come through it. I’m just disappointed that I will not be with the boys for the Gold Cup and with my club for the rest of the season. But I’ll be back again, I can promise you that,” Molino said.
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Stern, Jones, King, now Molino. Our latest best players not getting to hit full potential due to Knee injuries. Gonna give this some thought. Have to make luck work in our favour.
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Orlando City's Kevin Molino faces mental challenge returning from ACL injury
By Paul Tenorio (Orlando Sentinel)
Like the pencil marks on a door frame measuring a child's growth, Orlando City coach Adrian Heath calculated his progress recovering from knee surgery with little benchmarks noted on his bed.
It was 1984 and Heath had scored 11 league goals in 17 matches for Everton — his third straight season with double-digit goals — and he looked well on his way to a spot with the England national team. With the 1986 World Cup around the corner, Heath, who was nearing his 24th birthday, had hopes of playing on soccer's ultimate stage.
Instead, a torn ACL wiped out that dream.
Heath spent six weeks in a cast after undergoing knee surgery, and his first task was re-teaching his leg how to extend with the muscles now seized up. Each day he tried to extend past the previous day's mark. Sometimes, there would be no progress for several days.
"Those are the little hurdles you have to overcome," Heath said. "For a week, the line's not moved anywhere. [You] wonder if it's not going to move anymore. These are things you have to overcome."
Heath's recovery is far different than what his star pupil, Orlando City midfielder Kevin Molino, will undergo in the next few weeks and months after tearing his ACL during a friendly against Ponte Preta last Saturday. The medical advances have made ACL surgery far less invasive. The mental part of the recovery has not changed, however.
Like Heath, Molino was in the midst of the biggest season of his career. He had turned down previous MLS offers to stay with Orlando City as it finished its run at the USL-PRO level and was just two months into his first season in the top division. This summer he was expected to lead his country, Trinidad and Tobago, into the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Now, just two months into that potentially career-altering season, Molino has to shut things down and begin rehabilitation.
Players who have been through similar injuries admit the mental hurdles are the most difficult part — a combination of not feeling a part of the team and being unsure of when exactly they will be able to step out on the field again.
"This will hit home in four weeks time," said Heath, who came back from the injury to score 30 league goals the next three seasons. "He'll be in the gym for a couple weeks and he'll think, '[Oh man,] I've got six, seven months of this.' And then he'll be watching Gold Cup on TV, then he'll be watching his teammates go out every morning. That's the mental part. For you to be patient and to keep the same drive every day to want to physically get yourself better."
For Heath, the hardest moment was watching his team win the European Cup Winners' Cup nearly six months into his recovery. For Orlando City goalkeeper Tally Hall, who tore his ACL last fall, the hardest moment was near the end of his recovery these last few weeks. Hall had just a few more hurdles to overcome, but his progress felt stagnant.
Any player who has had a major injury can rattle off to you those moments when the mental battle becomes as big — or bigger — than the physical one. It was true for a forward straightening his leg in England in the 1980s or a goalkeeper going through the same exercise 30 years later.
There is value that comes in those moments, they said.
"You have exercises that seem extremely menial when you get out of surgery," Hall said. "Straightening your leg is torture. . . . It's little things, and so it's difficult to stay focused and committed. But as you do it over the length of your rehab, which is a long time, it teaches you what sacrifices you have to make to be at your best level."
The hope for Orlando City is that Molino will take something out of that challenge, too, and come back an even better player than before.
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This is extremely sad. I hope he recovers well and come back 100%, that's the main thing.
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Big up Kaka.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CFPfly_WAAAMWwH.jpg:large)
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Aww that was so nice of him. He got a card for it too. Well done Kaka
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Wow. Just shows how much of an impact Molino has on a side!
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Wow...what a nice gesture....come back bigger and badder...quality is quality!
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My favorite MLS team now... What a gesture
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The last news of the summer transfer market ..... Monday 06/17/2015
What that have to do with Molino or any other TnT player?
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The last news of the summer transfer market ..... Monday 06/17/2015
What's up dude. Every post you dropping this "bomb'.
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Anyway, nice gesture by Kaka!
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Kaká honors Orlando City teammate Kevin Molino with goal celebration
By Paul Tenorio (Orlando Sentinel)
When Orlando City star Kaká tucked away his penalty kick in the 56th minute of Orlando City’s 4-0 win over the L.A. Galaxy on Sunday, the Brazilian star ran to his sideline and slipped on the jersey of Lions’ midfielder Kevin Molino.
Kaká then held up the purple No. 18 shirt, an ode to a teammate who was lost for the season when he tore his ACL in a friendly against Ponte Preta on May 2.
The celebration earned Kaká a yellow card, but it was well worth the price.
“I think it’s a tough period for Kevin,” Kaká said. “I’ve been in this situation in the past, so I know how hard it is. It’s a long period, the team needs to be with him now, everyone needs to be together, because he’s going to help us a lot next year. This period now, we need to help him.”
Molino reacted on his Instagram page, posting a photo of the celebration and captioning the photo: "No words."
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Big up Kaka.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CFPfly_WAAAMWwH.jpg:large)
Molino need to blow up dat picture and put it on he wall for them days when de going get tough, so he could remember he have support!!
:beermug: :beermug: to Kaka!!
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The last news of the summer transfer market ..... Monday 06/17/2015
What's up dude. Every post you dropping this "bomb'.
Probably 'phishing'!! Stay far, far away!!
Probably posted by some kind of 'bot'.
Mods should look into this.
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Orlando City midfielder Kevin Molino undergoes successful ACL surgery
By Jhamie Chin (orlandocitysc.com)
Orlando City Soccer Club announced today that midfielder Kevin Molino has undergone successful surgery last week to repair a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament in his right knee. Daryl Osbahr, M.D., Chief of Sports Medicine for Orlando Health, performed the surgery at Orlando Health’s downtown campus.
“The road to recovery after an ACL tear is never easy, but we are off to a great start as Kevin’s surgery went very well. He is a dedicated young man that will certainly work hard to return to the field at the highest level,” said Dr. Osbahr. “Kevin will spend several months transitioning through the rehabilitation process with our sports medicine team at Orlando Health.”
After suffering the injury during City’s 3-2 win over Ponte Preta, Molino was recognized during Orlando City’s first-ever Major League Soccer (MLS) win at home on Sunday, May 17.
During the 4-0 victory over the LA Galaxy, midfielder Kaká celebrated his 55th minute finish by putting on a Molino jersey at midfield, showcasing the team’s support for the Trinidadian during his recovery before the 40,122 supporters in attendance.
An integral member of Orlando City, Molino has been with the Club since the Lions’ first season in 2011, scoring 27 goals while also earning USL MVP honors (2012 and 2014). In City’s inaugural MLS campaign, Molino appeared in seven matches, starting in each fixture he was made available.
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(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/t31.0-8/11062338_932493453475610_7574392348258213684_o.jpg)
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Orlando City's Kevin Molino finally feeling like himself after ACL injury
By Paul Tenorio (Orlando Sentinel)
There is a smile on Kevin Molino's face again, and that, in itself, is a sign of progress for the Orlando City midfielder.
It has been almost two months since Molino went down with a torn ACL during a friendly against Ponte Preta on May 2, and for a while the Trinidad and Tobago star did not feel like himself.
Molino had never suffered a major injury before, and he even tried to get back up and play in the Ponte Preta friendly after feeling his knee give way. When he heard the diagnosis in the hospital the next day, and even in the weeks that followed as his mother, sister and girlfriend tried to comfort him with home-cooked food and support, Molino was still trying to fathom what it meant.
The end of his first MLS season. No Gold Cup with Trinidad and Tobago. No more soccer for nine months.
"It was hard to take under my chin," Molino said, speaking to a media outlet for the first time since the surgery. "I think I was having a good season even though I didn't score. I knew it would come. But I just have to live with it now and just work to get back."
It took time to come to terms with the injury, but after surgery to repair the knee and a few weeks of getting through the pain and mental sufferring, Molino is beginning to emerge from the fog and return as the upbeat "Hot Boy," a nickname that is a nod to his outgoing persona as well as his stylish off-the-field garb. The flashy clothing has spurred fans to create a "Kevin Molino's Pants" Twitter account.
There were no leather pants when Molino showed up at the Lions' training facility this week — it's too hot for that — but Molino did have on a typical GQ outfit of white shorts, black shirt and fedora. He also was without crutches, which he ditched two weeks ago.
Molino's progress isn't just showing up in his off-the field attire. He is working on the alter-G treadmill at the Orlando City facilities, allowing him to run and walk with less strain on his knee. He said he is up to putting 70 percent of his body weight pressure on his legs while using the treadmill.
The midfielder said he was thankful fans and his teammates for the support they have given him since he went down with the injury. Molino was in a suite at the Citrus Bowl when Kaká pulled on one of Molino's No. 18 jerseys to celebrate after scoring during a 4-0 win over the L.A. Galaxy.
"A moment where no words can express how I feel about that," Molino said. "Just a class act from Kaká."
As he moves forward in the rehabilitation process, Molino said he understands his approach to training now must go beyond what it ever did before and taking care of his leg and knee will be a part of his routine going forward. His focus is on getting back onto the field as a better player than he was before the injury.
Until he can play again, Molino said he is cheering on his Orlando City teammates to make the playoffs and the Trinidad and Tobago national team to perform well in the Gold Cup. His goal is to soon be back "wearing the purple shirt and also my national team colors."
"I miss it every day, just walking out and hearing the fans cheering," Molino said. "And not just the fans, but the leading up to a football game is just incredible. Even going to the training park and training and being in the sun, and being with the guys and having fun. This is all I know, football, and this is what I love. I grew up playing it all my life, and to be out for nine months is heartbreaking, but I have to deal with it."
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Molino spends time with T&T team ahead of Gold Cup opener.
T&T Guardian Reports.
T&T and Orlando City midfielder was a welcomed guest into the Trinidad and Tobago Camp in Fort Lauderdale on Friday as he arrived to join his international teammates for a few days before they begin their quest for glory at the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Molino took a few days away from Orlando where he is currently undergoing rehab following ACL reconstructive surgery, an injury which has forced him out of action for the remainder of the year.
Travelling with Molino was TTFA’s consulting orthopedic surgeon who is based in Orlando. The Orlando City club also sent a programme for Molino to continue over the few days which will be supervised by the National team’s medical staff and John.
“It’s a nice feeling to be back with the boys before they head off to the Gold Cup. Once I heard they were coming up for a camp here I decided I had to spend a few days with them,”Molino told TTFA Media.
“It’s still disappointing for me to be ruled out of the Gold Cup with the injury but God is great and thankfully I’m starting to feel good again and the rehab has been going pretty good. I’m following all the directions and maintaining a positive attitude which is crucial towards my recovery,” Molino said.
Molino was set to attend the T&T versus Haiti closed-door training game at the Central Broward Regional Complex as the Soca Warriors continued their build up to the July 9th CONCACAF Gold Cup opener against Guatemala in Chicago.
T&T coach Stephen Hart has conducted three sessions over the two days the T&T team has been at the Sawgrass Grand Hotel training facility, including one on Friday morning. The intensity level has been good and the spirit in the camp is growing daily. English-based midfielder Andre Boucaud believes the team will be ready for its opening match.
San Jose Earthquakes forward Cordell Cato was the last player to join the camp on Thursday leaving only Slovakia-based winger Lester Peltier to arrive.
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Will he be healthy and fit for the qualifications?
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Very very unlikely. Almost impossible to be physically and psychologically ready for that level of intensity of football.
Best of look Molino.
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Any updates on Molino's recovery?
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Any updates on Molino's recovery?
bump
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Very very unlikely. Almost impossible to be physically and psychologically ready for that level of intensity of football.
Best of look Molino.
Damn sad. Hope we make it so he can play in the WC
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Initially they said he will be out for 9 months. He got hurt in May 2015.
WC qualifying 4th round is from November 7, 2015 to September 6, 2016.
The Hex is from November 7, 2016 to October 10, 2017.
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Molino progressing with rehab.
By Shaun Fuentes (Guardian).
Midfielder Kevin Molino is progressing with his recovery from a serious ACL injury and subsequent surgery in May.
Reports are that the Orlando City player will resume field training in December. He will return to the training field to begin running in a straight line and working on his touches.
He is on a strict rehab programme working daily with a personal trainer as well as the medical staff at Orlando City. He is running in the gym and is undergoing heavy weight training. Word is he is likely to receive clearance from Orlando to return to play in January but it could be a bit longer depending on his progress.
“It’s been coming along well but it has been frustrating at times. I have to be patient but missing games and seeing my teammates on the national team and the club take the field is not something any player likes,” Molino said.
“But I will not rush this process. The most important thing is to get back fully fit and healthy.
“Right now I’m excited to see the progress of the national team, I’ve followed all the games and I’m in touch with the players regularly. That helps to keep my spirit up. I’ll be back with them in a few months.”
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Good to know he's making progress. Stay focused and keep your head up... Yuh in our Prayers
:praying: :praying: :praying:
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Grest news. Recovering at a good rate, I must say. Thanks to the Almighty. Keep it up Kevin.
Imagine having Cummings and Molino!!! Daiz takin' things to a dangerous level.
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Grest news. Recovering at a good rate, I must say. Thanks to the Almighty. Keep it up Kevin.
Imagine having Cummings and Molino!!! Daiz takin' things to a dangerous level.
You talking about Orlando or T&T having both?
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I was thinking National team but yuh right, Orando too if they decide to take him.
Would love to hear about Orlando's interest in Ball Pest while Nashy shows good recovery
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The return of Kevin Molino is listed as Orlando City’s #1 thing to look forward to in 2016
In early May, Kevin Molino tore his ACL is a friendly match against Ponte Preta. The injury sidelined Molino for the remainder of the 2015 season. If the Trinidadian midfielder can stay on pace with his recovery he should be able to start the 2016 season, which would be a giant lift for the Lions. Molino’s technical ability combined with his creativity on the pitch makes him a gem for the Lions.
http://www.orlandocitysc.com/post/2015/11/02/top-5-things-look-forward-2016
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Molino backs TT to get ‘positive start’
By COLIN BENJAMIN (NEWSDAY)
Soca Warriors forward Kevin Molino is confident his teammates will come out with positive results in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers versus Guatemala and United States on November 13 and 17 respectively.
The injured Molino is now into his sixth month of recovery after tearing his ACL in a friendly for Orlando City versus Ponte Preta on May 2.
Speaking from Orlando, he gave his thoughts on the two highly anticipated fixtures.
“Of course I wish could be playing, but I believe the team has a good chance get off to a positive start in these two games without a doubt,” said Molino.
“Coming off the good Gold Cup performance and beating Panama in their own backyard, the expectation level is certainly high. Under the continued guidance of the excellent coach (Stephen) Hart, I know he will do what’s necessary to make sure the team is ready for these encounters.” The games against the US is carrying much interest after the Jurgen Klinsmann-coached side lost to Jamaica in Gold Cup semi-final and to fierce rival Mexico in the 2017 Confederations Cup play-off match in October.
They are also missing star forward Clint Dempsey for the Trinidad game after Klinsmann decided to rest him.
Molino said his American teammates have been buzzing about the clash.
“Since I began doing field work, a lot of my Americans teammates in my locker room have been speaking of the game.
Brek Shea, who I’m very close to, is in the the USA squad so there is certainly hype up here about it.
“This game vs very emotional for Trinidad, given the well known events of the famous Strike Squad in 1989. Of course they (national team) can’t worry about what the USA is going through, but no doubt the players are aware of what playing and potentially beating USA at the National (Hasely Crawford) Stadium in November would mean to the Trinidad and Tobago football public.” The 25-year-old is hoping his recovery will see him be fit for MLS pre-season training in January with the aim of being involved in the World Cup qualifier versus St Vincent and the Grenadies next March.
He also backed Keron “Ball Pest” Cummings to continue doing a good job in the midfield role that Molino had made his own before injury.
“That’s where I played of course before injury, but I’d just want to say I don’t own the position.
I’m happy to play in whatever role coach Hart see’s fit when I return,” stated a humble Molino.
“But Keron has been doing fantastic, not everyone can do what he did versus Mexico (three goals in two games) . He is doing well on the defensive side of his game - an area which coach Hart is always keen on his midfielders to perfect also.
It could be a big two games and campaign for him to be further noticed and go to a bigger overseas club.”
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Kevin Molino ready to get back on the field for Orlando City SC after ACL injury
By Simon Veness (MLSsoccer.com)
Kevin Molino is smiling again, and that’s good news for Orlando City SC in 2016.
The Trinidadian midfielder’s debut MLS season was cruelly cut short by an ACL tear on May 2. He's still undergoing rehab on his right knee, but he now believes he is firmly on course to be ready for next term.
The two-time USL MVP was expected to be a major influence for the Lions this year and was among the league leaders in chances created when he went down in a friendly against Brazilian club Ponte Preta more than seven months ago.
His partnership with Designated Player Kaká was shaping up to be a key component of the season, and City struggled to fill Molino's right midfield spot after his injury. But the 25-year-old is delighted with the progress he's made in recent months, and is confident of a full recovery in time for the 2016 season.
“Things are all going to plan. I am still going in three times a day and am moving my leg with weights and working to get it stronger,” he explained. “I am also working on my upper body strength as it’s not just a question of getting the knee right. But I am almost back to full training, running and passing, so that is all good.
“There is no pain now, no worries. Everything has been going well. I have been making progress from day one, really, from the day after surgery. It is a massive improvement. I am just grateful for the support of the medical people and coaching staff.”
Molino admits the injury came as a real setback, the first time he had been seriously injured in a pro career dating back to 2008 in the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League. He joined Orlando in 2011 and had been an integral part of the team until the Ponte Preta friendly, notching an assist in seven appearances -- all starts -- before suffering his injury.
“I remember the game. Someone passed me the ball and I knew the fullback was coming towards me and I kind of jumped to avoid him and landed on my right leg and my knee just folded up,” he recalled. “I told myself it was serious right away because I never want to come off, but this was too painful.
“I didn’t think it would be out that long, though, but they called me the next day and told me I was out for the rest of the season. But I had to take something positive from it and I had to be mentally strong to get through. Every dream has a downside and I have to come back stronger, both physically and mentally.”
Getting through the initial rehab process was the toughest thing for the livewire Molino, who thrives on being energetic and involved, both on the training field and on game day.
“Not being able to walk and do stuff that I’m used to doing was the worst part because I am a very active person, even when I’m not playing. I don’t like to be restricted,” he admitted. “Not being able to get back in the locker room or even kick a ball for three months was really tough.
“But I knew what I had to do by then and it didn’t take me long to realize what I had to do to get fit again. I grew up learning to think positive so that is always in the back of my mind, to keep going to the end.”
Taking a seat in the stands for much of 2015 did help in one, respect, though. “Watching games definitely gave me a different perspective,” he said. “It is a totally different angle on the game and I tried to absorb as much as possible to be ready for next season, things like how to break down defenses. It was a real learning curve.
“It was also good to see the guys fighting hard and getting through the season, even when things were tough with all the injuries we had.”
Assuming he's ready to go when the season opens in March, it'll have been a full 10 months in between MLS appearances for Molino. He still has a few medical hurdles to overcome, but 2016 certainly can’t come soon enough.
“Now I am just ready and excited for next season,” he insisted. “It still depends on whether everything checks out okay when I get back to training. I am working with the trainer and he communicates with the doctor, and I will still need check-ups twice a week to see if it needs more physical therapy.
“But I just want to go out there on the training field with the guys again. I just enjoy kicking a ball – that makes me happy. It is the little things I have missed the most, having a laugh and a joke – and looking forward to games at the weekend.”
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Best news of the day..
I wish him well... Too bad the team may go on strike because ttfa and the government don't give a damn..
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#10...more strength balla
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So if he back in March after pre-season, should we include him for the St. Vincent games which should (theoretically) be an easier way to integrate him back into international football or leave him to find some form with Orlando before he resumes his national career?
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So if he back in March after pre-season, should we include him for the St. Vincent games which should (theoretically) be an easier way to integrate him back into international football or leave him to find some form with Orlando before he resumes his national career?
Leave him to find form... Next thing he get injured coming back too fast for intl... Better to have him fully match fit..
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Kevin Molino goes on a one on one.
TTFA Media.
Being on the sidelines for an extensive period and forced to miss doing what you love is never an easy hurdle to overcome. And for Kevin Molino, he’s been in this position since May 2nd following an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear which required surgery on his right knee and a long rehab period which he is still undergoing.
But from all accounts, the T&T midfielder looks set to be ready for the 2016 American Major League (MLS) season and putting on the Trinidad and Tobago shirt at some point next year is looking more and more a possibility. In this interview he tells TTFA Media more about this recovery process and just how much he is excited to put on the Trinidad and Tobago shirt again.
1.What is your current mindset like as you come to the end of your rehab following the injury ?
My mind set at the moment is to get back to full fitness for next season and enjoy being on the field again. I have gone through a very tough time but I have survived it and I’ve passed the test. This was my first big injury and it taught me a lot about myself. It is not something I will wish on anyone. It was a very testing time. But Thanks to God and the great people who have been at my side every day.. I have been able to come through this.
2.How excited are you about playing again?
I’m very excited for next season because I have a lot to offer for club (Orlando City) and country. It’s almost like I am counting down the days now but I have to be patient also because there are certain precautions I have to follow and I want to ensure I am fully recovered before I start playing fully again.
3. How would you in three words describe the past 10 months or so of your career… the whole recovery process?
The past ten months were very, very difficult for me for me because I never ever missed training session so this was very new to me. Not being able to turn up for training or having to watch the guys during the games both at Orlando and for the National Team was very frustrating in the first few weeks. But a lot of praying and staying focused allowed me to settle down and focus on my rehab. I have been having sessions three times a day and focusing a lot on my upper body as well. Now I can run normal again. I can kick the ball well, pass it well and I am starting to feel comfortable again which is very important for me.
4.What do you think of the performance of the National team this year?
I think the performance was quite good. I think we have a lot to offer for the next couple years and also a great bunch of guys to work with. I’m feeling the World Cup in 2018. The coach and his staff has done a very good job. A lot of people out here in the US have been saying a lot of good things about the team now, especially after the Gold Cup and the game against the USA. When the guys out here start talking that way, that’s when you know people are taking notice and that something good is happening. I felt very proud of the way the team performed this year and I’m very excited to be part of the squad again.
5.What do you think of Trinidad and Tobago playing in the Copa America next year?
It is very important for us to quality for the Copa America to see where we are at when it comes to these world rated opponents. I think it will be a fabulous experience for the team and a great exposure for Trinidad and Tobago. It would fall in the middle of our World Cup qualifiers also which means it will fit in with our preparations for the remaining matches in the campaign. The Copa America is massive and people are very excited about it being played in the United States. It promises to be a great experience.
6. And Finally, what is your goal for 2016?
To start back doing what I love, what I believe I was placed on this earth to do which is playing football, entertaining the fans and helping my teammates accomplish great things.
I think both my club and country has the ability to accomplish great things and I will go out of my way to be part of making this a reality.
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Orlando City gets major boost from return of Kevin Molino
By Paul Tenorio (Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando City has not yet signed a major player this offseason, but it doesn't feel that way for those around the team.
Kevin Molino is back after tearing his ACL last May, and the implications are massive if the two-time USL most valuable player can regain the form that made him one of the most exciting players on the roster last season.
Lions defender Brek Shea talked about how much more dynamic Orlando City can be in the attack with Molino on the field, and the headaches Molino causes for opposing teams. Reigning MLS rookie of the year Cyle Larin pointed out he and Molino only played a limited time together, and Molino assisted on Larin's first MLS goal in Portland.
There will be very little waiting period before seeing Molino. It has been eight months since he underwent ACL surgery in May, and he'll be at the 10-month point by the start of the regular season.
"He's champing at the bit, first day back preseason we expect him to join in," Orlando City coach Adrian Heath said earlier this month at the MLS Scouting Combine. "Obviously we'll tread carefully with him because it is a long period of time. … I think he had about six or seven days off where he went home and saw the New Year in, but since then he's been in the building training. He looks good, which is incredible because we used to have to bribe him to get him in the gym and now he's got one of those beach bodies, he quite likes going into the gym.
"We're really looking forward to getting him back on the field."
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WATCH: Orlando City's first ever MLS signing Kevin Molino returns to the training fields! He talks about his condition, the obstacles he faced during his recovery, Kaka's tribute, and his excitement for working hard this 2016 season.
http://www.orlandocitysc.com/post/2016/01/27/kevin-molino-i-owe-city-something-year
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Orlando City midfielder Kevin Molino excited to be back on field
By Paul Tenorio (Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando City midfielder Kevin Molino's voice drops a level or two whenever a microphone appears, but his volume increased Wednesday afternoon as he laughed about his beach habits this offseason.
"I've been on the beach every day," Molino said with a chuckle as he stood outside of the team's facilities at Sylvan Lake Park.
During a sometimes tortuous eight months away from the soccer field, Molino was forced into the gym he had so happily avoided for the majority of his life. Soon, he learned he quite enjoyed the abs and muscles that were a result of those workouts. Or, as Lions coach Adrian Heath called it, Molino's new "beach bod."
The side benefit, of course, is a stronger, more fit Molino for the start of the 2016 season. And after joking around, Molino was quick to point out the gym is now a part of his daily routine.
"It's very important that I keep on my injury and go in the gym and treat my body different," Molino said. "Because the reality of it is I had a serious injury and I just have to look out for myself even better, just eating [well] and being here early to get treatment to go through the season and my career."
Molino aims to be back in the lineup for Orlando City on March 6 when the team opens the season at home against Real Salt Lake. Heath said expects Molino to participate in full contact work during the next few weeks.
The club is still exercising caution. Molino didn't train on Wednesday as rain fell and made for a slick field, but Molino said he is going into the training sessions without any reservations. He isn't waiting for that first hard tackle or even nervous about the first game back. At least not yet.
"I'm not really studying about that," Molino said. "When it comes, it comes. I just have to deal with it in that situation. For now, I just want to focus on whatever they tell me to do. If I'm going to train, if I'm not going to train, if I am going to stay in the gym. I just listen to what they say and when I get an opportunity to go out there and train, if I get in a 50-50 tackle, so be it."
Molino tore his ACL during a friendly against Ponte Preta on May 2. It was the first major injury of his career, and the rehabilitation process brought many new lessons.
Molino said he struggled at first to deal with not being on the field and in the locker room with the team, but he gained perspective from watching in the stands. He also took time to study film and tried to learn the habits of his teammates and the team itself.
Sitting out also added a new level of appreciation for the game that Molino said he will carry into the 2016 season.
"Yeah, [I am] very excited [to get back] but also humble about it because of all the work I have done," Molino said. "I'm not going to take it for granted. And every day I go on the training pitch, everything I put in is what I'm going to get out of it. So what I put in in the training field is what I'm going to get out of games and I'm very excited looking forward to the first game on March 6."
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Nice interview.
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Everybody hoping for a complete recovery. We need this guy.
Molino wasn't already a gym regular? Whaz da one?
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Everybody hoping for a complete recovery. We need this guy.
Molino wasn't already a gym regular? Whaz da one?
Most of our players don't really understand or believe in gym work. it is not in our culture. You hear so many stories of players seeing the inside of a gym for the first time when they join foreign clubs.
Also another reason why so many of our players don't make it past trials.
Happen to know for a fact that Levi put on a lot of size before the u17 run and look where it has landed him. He was talented before but the size and strength has pushed him way ahead.
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Everybody hoping for a complete recovery. We need this guy.
Molino wasn't already a gym regular? Whaz da one?
Most of our players don't really understand or believe in gym work. it is not in our culture. You hear so many stories of players seeing the inside of a gym for the first time when they join foreign clubs.
Also another reason why so many of our players don't make it past trials.
Happen to know for a fact that Levi put on a lot of size before the u17 run and look where it has landed him. He was talented before but the size and strength has pushed him way ahead.
Yeah but look how many years Molino playing pro in the US and he supposedly now spending serious time in the gym.
I thought stuff like that would be required by the club as part of their training regimen.
Maybe they exaggerating.
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Everybody hoping for a complete recovery. We need this guy.
Molino wasn't already a gym regular? Whaz da one?
Most of our players don't really understand or believe in gym work. it is not in our culture. You hear so many stories of players seeing the inside of a gym for the first time when they join foreign clubs.
Also another reason why so many of our players don't make it past trials.
Happen to know for a fact that Levi put on a lot of size before the u17 run and look where it has landed him. He was talented before but the size and strength has pushed him way ahead.
Yeah but look how many years Molino playing pro in the US and he supposedly now spending serious time in the gym.
I thought stuff like that would be required by the club as part of their training regimen.
Maybe they exaggerating.
Y'all would be surprised and it's not just a Trini thing. I remember reading somewhere that Shaq (yeah that guy) spent a couple of years getting pushed around by lesser centers in the NBA before he 'discovered' the gym.
You could go to the gym 7 days a week but if you not working hard enough (and well enough) you not going to really get anywhere with your strength and fitness. Some guys take a while to truly discover what it takes to really train in gym. And some never do.
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Everybody hoping for a complete recovery. We need this guy.
Molino wasn't already a gym regular? Whaz da one?
Most of our players don't really understand or believe in gym work. it is not in our culture. You hear so many stories of players seeing the inside of a gym for the first time when they join foreign clubs.
Also another reason why so many of our players don't make it past trials.
Happen to know for a fact that Levi put on a lot of size before the u17 run and look where it has landed him. He was talented before but the size and strength has pushed him way ahead.
Yeah but look how many years Molino playing pro in the US and he supposedly now spending serious time in the gym.
I thought stuff like that would be required by the club as part of their training regimen.
Maybe they exaggerating.
Y'all would be surprised and it's not just a Trini thing. I remember reading somewhere that Shaq (yeah that guy) spent a couple of years getting pushed around by lesser centers in the NBA before he 'discovered' the gym.
You could go to the gym 7 days a week but if you not working hard enough (and well enough) you not going to really get anywhere with your strength and fitness. Some guys take a while to truly discover what it takes to really train in gym. And some never do.
Exactly.
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Orlando City fans will take some comfort in the fact that Molino has looked very much like the player who earned USL MVP honors twice and was touted as one of the top MLS newcomers last year.
Molino won the team’s fitness “beep test” on Tuesday morning, and on Wednesday he was scoring goals from seemingly every angle during six-on-six games to goal.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-city-lions/on-the-pitch/os-orlando-city-adrian-winter-david-mateos-comfortable-20160203-story.html
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Awesome news!!!
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Kevin Molino Showing Signs of Promise in Orlando City Preseason Training
By:Scott Crumbly, SB Nation
It's been a long road back for Kevin Molino since suffering a torn ACL in May of 2015. However, after enduring eight months of rehabilitation since the injury, the play-making attacking midfielder is now taking part in Orlando City's preseason training ahead of the club's 2016 season-opener against Real Salt Lake on March 6.
In fact, Molino is not only participating in training, but he is standing out among his fellow Lions and providing a very encouraging sign for Orlando, which missed the former two-time USL MVP badly last season on the right wing. An ACL tear is a serious injury and returning to the playing field is not always a smooth process for athletes suffering such damage to a critical joint, so the early signs are certainly reassuring to manager Adrian Heath and company.
Orlando City has been exercising caution in easing Molino back onto the pitch, but the 25-year-old Trinidadian has impressed this week and seems to be well on his way to suiting up on March 6 at the Citrus Bowl.
On Monday, City put its players through a grueling conditioning test, known throughout soccer as the beep test. Molino was the top performer in the rigorous trial, beating out Harrison Heath, Servando Carrasco and Tyler Turner as the fittest Lion in attendance.
Molino followed that up on Tuesday by putting on a show in six-on-six drills, netting four goals in the session and out-dueling his primary competitor for the right midfield spot, Adrian Winter, who scored three goals of his own. With several of his teammates also looking good in the early stages of the preseason, the fact that Molino has been perhaps the biggest standout bodes well for the player whom Heath has lauded as one of the top players in MLS.
Molino's hard work hasn't gone unnoticed among his teammates, as Brek Shea told the media on Monday.
"Kevin's impressed us all," Shea said. "Whether it's football skills, speed or that endurance test right there – he crushed everyone, even H (Harrison Heath)."
There remains work to be done before the start of the season, as we're only a couple of weeks into the preseason, but the prospect of a Lions attack with a fully healthy Molino is an exciting one. Molino only took part in seven league contests a season ago before going down with the injury, but he showed a great understanding with his star teammate Kaká in the early stages of the 2015 campaign.
Kaká and Molino created beautiful passing sequences at times, working the ball back and forth on the right side of the field and creating chances. At times, the young attacker tried one too many dribbles in the final third, so he was unable to register a goal, but he did notch an assist and the dangerous potential was clearly on display, especially in his combination play with the legendary Brazilian.
It remains to be seen how many minutes Molino receives in the preseason friendlies and into the regular season, but the early returns are positive thus far, which could mean big things for Orlando City if Molino is able to carry that into the MLS regular season and show just how much the Lions missed him in '15.
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City Defeats the New York Red Bulls 3-2 in Third Preseason Friendly
Orlandocitysc.com
Molino provides game winning assist.
ORLANDO, Fla. – Feb. 17, 2016 – In a highly contested battle, Orlando City SC defeated the New York Red Bulls 3-2 during its third preseason match on Wednesday at the ChampionsGate Sports Complex, progressing in its preparation toward the 2016 Major League Soccer (MLS) season.
The fixture included the anticipated return of Lions’ midfielder Kevin Molino, who played his first competitive game since his injury last May, and recorded the game-winning assist in the waning moments of the match.
The Lions battled with the Red Bulls in an intense first half in which possession was shared evenly for both teams. City took the advantage after threatening with numerous corner kick deliveries when Luke Boden found an open Kaká on the far post, who headed it in in the 23rd minute. Despite a dominant performance by Lions’ goalkeeper Joe Bendik, who was outstanding making several saves to deny dangerous efforts throughout the game, the Red Bulls took a 2-1 lead before the end of the first 45, with goals from Bradley Wright-Phillips and Lawrence Kamar.
Following the break, Adrian Winter leveled the score from inside the six-yard box after a delightful cross from Kaká on a set piece complicated the Red Bulls’ backline in the 62nd minute. Eight minutes later, Adrian Heath introduced an entire new team, including the return of the skillful attacking midfielder Kevin Molino.
Molino had an immediate impact on the match, when he received a through-ball from Richie Laryea on the counter and assisted Pedro Ribeiro with a clever ball, with the Brazilian finishing clinically.
Reflecting on the match, Head Coach Adrian Heath said, “Our body language was poor from the beginning and we didn’t look ready to come and play. I thought the second group were a lot better. The game looked like it meant something more to them.”
Commenting on the return of Molino, Heath said, “Kevin only had 10-15 minutes but he looks okay. We are just hoping that we can get him more minutes between now and the beginning of the season because the bottom line is that he is one of our best players.”
Scoring Summary:
ORL – Kaká (Luke Boden) 23’
NYR – Bradley Wright-Phillips (Kamar) 25’
NYR – Lawrence Kamar 36’
ORL – Adrian Winter 62’
ORL – Pedro Ribeiro (Kevin Molino) 85’
Lineups/Substitutions:
Orlando City SC – First Half: GK Joe Bendik, Luke Boden, Seb Hines, David Mateos, Rafael Ramos, Cristian Higuita, Darwin Cerén, Adrian Winter, Kaká, Hadji Barry, F Cyle Larin
70th Minute Subs: GK Earl Edwards Jr., D Kevin Alston, Aurélien Collin, Tommy Redding, Mikey Ambrose, M Servando Carrasco, Andrew Ribeiro, Kevin Molino, Tony Rocha, F Pedro Ribeiro
New York Red Bulls: GK Luis Robles, Sal Zizzo, Karl Ouimette, Gideo Baah, Kemar Lawrence, M Felipe, Dax McCarty, Lloyd Sam, Sacha Kljestan, F Gonzalo Verón, Bradley Wright-Phillips
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Good going Molino! It appears the big man took care of you.
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Orlando City SC's Kevin Molino ready to make his "soccer dream come true" after long road back from injury
By Simon Veness (MLSsoccer.com)
Two months into the season that was supposed to transform his career, Kevin Molino lay prone on the Citrus Bowl turf, clutching his right knee. In a split second, Molino's 2015 season was over.
But Molino never had any doubt he would be back in Orlando City colors this season, despite suffering the cruelest of injuries just as he was starting to find traction in a new league. Instead of living out the highs and lows of the Lions' expansion on the field, Molino sweated through months of rehab behind closed doors and is now set to fulfill his promise as one of Adrian Heath’s brightest stars.
“I’m not a guy to dwell on things too much.” Molino told MLSsoccer.com. “I know injuries come along and they are part and parcel of the game. I came to terms with it very quickly and never really stressed out about it.
“I also had people to inspire me. When I looked at [UFC featherweight champion Conor] McGregor, he had done surgery on his ACL and now he is the No. 1 fighter in the world, and Derrick Rose did it in the NBA. Then Ricky [Kaká] has also had similar surgery and come back well, and Ricky Eve, a coach for the Trinidad national team. They had all been through it. You have to have someone who inspires you, and they certainly inspire me to move on and do great things.”
The Trinidad and Tobago international midfielder was widely tipped to be one of the key men in Orlando’s inaugural major league campaign, but had chalked up only seven appearances when he went down with an ACL injury in early May that wiped out what was shaping up as the biggest year of his life.
Molino was a two-time USL MVP, having struck a record 20 goals in 2014, and had made himself a regular starter for Trinidad, with the Gold Cup a major summer target. He was also set to play a pivotal role alongside a one-time Ballon d'Or winner in Kaká, and was beginning to form the basis of a potent partnership when he blew out his right knee.
It would have been easy for the 25-year-old to go into a funk but he never let the crushing blow of the injury or the grind of his rehab stop him from aiming to bounce back even better in 2016, in part thanks to an inspirational gesture by the Brazilian.
After scoring a penalty against LA Galaxy last May, Kaká ran to the Orlando bench, grabbed a ‘Molino’ jersey, and ran to the fans to celebrate. Watching from a booth in the stadium just two days after his surgery, Molino admitted it was an emotional moment.
“That’s the caliber of the player he is, to show me that kind of respect,” Molino added. “Ricky is a mentor to me, someone I have looked up to for a long time. It was hard to explain how I felt about it at the time, but it definitely made me more determined to recover.
“He is one of the best players to play the game and I look at the work he puts in every morning in the gym and at training, and that shows how much he values the game of football, and values his body to go on and play the game. I try to take a page from him of what he does every day.”
Kaká insists it was important to give Molino a boost after a moment that could have derailed his career. “I’d been in his situation in the past, so I knew what a long [recovery] period he faced,” Kaká recalled. “The team needed to be with him in that moment because he’s going to help us a lot in the next year.”
Molino also credits his hard-scrabble upbringing in Trinidad, where almost 20 percent of the population still lives below the poverty line, for his dogged approach to recovery.
“It was a tough road. Coming from Trinidad is not easy,” he said. “To even get out of Trinidad and be a professional footballer is tough. I have been through a lot and that inspires me to never give up about anything and to keep going until you can’t go any more. In my dictionary, I don’t know how to give up and it’s my basic inspiration to want to be great.
“It’s also what gives me my determination to succeed; it is about just pure hard work. I know that whatever I put in is what I’m going to get out. I think I have put in a fair shift [since the injury] and I have plenty more to go before the season starts. And, during the season, I will keep working on my rehab and on my body generally, and keep it healthy and strong.”
For Molino, the challenge is not so much to come back as good as before, but stronger and better. He knows he needed to put on a bit of weight and muscle for the rigors of MLS competition, a focus of his rehab.
“I am working on my balance, trying to be stabilized, keep my body upright, keep working on my legs, and especially my calfs,” he explained. “I am working out specifically before training, on ab work and how to prevent injuries. I have been doing a lot. I aim to look after my body even better than before, in true Kevin Molino fashion, with honest commitment, love and fun.”
Molino’s combination of Caribbean flair and a willingness to out-work the competition has stood him in good stead to date, marking him out as one of the most popular members of the team. And he's set his 2016 sights accordingly.
“Last season, my first thought was to be one of the team, and the second was to be alongside one of the best players in the world and get a relationship going,” he explained. “I was really excited to be part of making a mark with Orlando in its first season in MLS. It didn’t work out last year, but I know I still have an opportunity to make it work, and make my professional soccer dream come true.”
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Molino instrumental in Orlando City SC's preseason win against Toronto FC.
OrlandoCitySC.com
ORLANDO, Fla – Feb. 21, 2016 – Orlando City SC today turned in a thorough performance against a team that proved quite troublesome for the Lions last year in Major League Soccer (MLS), Toronto FC. Under a bright sunny sky at ChampionsGate, the Lions battled back from an early goal deficit – on the shoulders of a brace from team captain Kaká – to win this preseason tune-up match 2-1.
Action in the first half looked slightly in favor of Toronto, with the Reds controlling most of early possession on strong play by MLS MVP Sebastian Giovinco, and U.S. National Team members Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore. Toronto opened the scoring in the 5th minute when midfielder Jonathan Osorio unleashed a powerful shot that sailed past a diving Joe Bendik. That would prove to be only goal for Toronto on the day.
Orlando City turned up the attacking pressure late in the first half, including a dangerous floating cross by Brek Shea into the box that was cleared in the 42nd minute by Toronto goalkeeper Clint Irwin. In the second half, the pace of play took a significant shift in favor of the Lions, who made a number of key substitutions including Aurélien Collin for Seb Hines, and Kevin Molino for Richie Laryea at the start of the second 45.
It took two minutes for Orlando City to find the equalizer, which was initiated through some clever play between Molino and Kaká. In the 47th minute, the team captain took on three defenders before curling an unstoppable right-foot shot around Irwin. The pressure continued to mount, with the Lions sending more players into the attacking third. In the 63rd minute, Molino dribbled into the penalty area and was brought down just inside to draw a penalty kick. Kaká would convert from the spot to put the Lions ahead.
Giovinco nearly evened the score line late in the second half with a strike destined for the top right corner, however Bendik was able to quickly react and push it safely wide.
Reflecting on the match, Head Coach Adrian Heath said, “I’m pleased with the performance and thought in the second half, we were very good at times. More importantly the attitude of the players was a lot more competitive than the other day and that was pleasing. This time of year, we just want to get through unscathed and get some fitness – I think we’ve done that today. But, the attitude of the players was good so I was pleased with that.”
Orlando City opens the 2016 season at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on March 6 against Real Salt Lake. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. Tickets are available at www.OrlandoCitySC.com/tix. The Lions have launched #FillTheBowlAgain to attempt a second consecutive sellout for its MLS home opener.
Follow the latest Orlando City news and updates via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Scoring Summary:
TOR – Osorio 5’
ORL – Kaká 47’
ORL – Kaká 63’ (PK)
Lineups/Substitutions:
Orlando City SC – First Half: GK Joe Bendik, Brek Shea (Alston 74’), Seb Hines (Collin 45’’), David Mateos, Rafael Ramos, D Darwin Cerén, Servando Carrasco, Adrian Winter (Ribeiro 74’), Kaká, Richie Laryea (Molino 45’), F Cyle Larin
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Kevin Molino ‘Running off pure excitement’ as the season approaches
By Allison Cary (orlandocitysc.com)
It was nearly ten months ago that Orlando City’s star midfielder Kevin Molino suffered from a torn ACL in an international friendly against Brazilian club Ponte Preta that left him injured for the rest of the 2015 season. Now, with the start of the 2016 season quickly approaching, Molino is back and working hard on the pitch.
“I just feel like I’m flying,” Molino said after Sunday’s 2-1 preseason win over Toronto FC. “It felt great. It’s always feels good to be back on the pitch.”
Molino’s teammates have also noticed his energy and enthusiasm. “He’s running off pure excitement,” Defender Brek Shea said after the game. “He’s ecstatic to be out there. It’s great to have him back.”
Kevin Molino came in for Richie Laryea at the beginning of the second half in the game against Toronto FC, and had an immediate impact on the game’s outcome. He provided the assist that led Kaká to score his first goal in the 47th minute of the match. In the 63rd minute, Molino was brought down inside the box, giving Kaká the penalty kick that would lead to his second goal.
“You can just see the difference he makes for us,” Coach Adrian Heath said. “He just gives us such composure and quality in the final third. To get him back… will be huge for everybody.”
“He’s a great player. As soon as he comes into the game he changes the game,” Shea said. “I wouldn’t want to play against him.”
Molino is slowly getting more playing time as the preseason continues. He played twenty minutes in last week's friendly against the New York Red Bulls and forty-five minutes in the game against Toronto FC on Sunday. Coach still hasn’t said whether or not Molino will be ready to go for the opening game against Real Salt Lake, but it is clear that he is already having an impact on this 2016 squad. “Kevin coming back is like a new player for us,” Coach Heath said. “We’re just hoping he stays healthy now.”
As for Molino, he’s just happy to be back on the pitch. “It’s a beautiful game, it’s something you want to enjoy,” Molino said. “I always try my best to enjoy the game.”
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All the best young Warrior
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Fantastic...shlda take that penalty tho 😁
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Orlando City midfielder Kevin Molino savors return to pitch
By Paul Tenorio (Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando City midfielder Kevin Molino looked like he was floating a half-inch above the ground as he dashed between one defender and then a second before touching a pass to a teammate and darting toward the goal.
The Trinidadian's run was too fast for the teammate to recognize — Molino's speed of thought a step ahead of those on the field around him — but more important than his swift movement was Molino's obvious joy as he sprinted around the field at Sylvan Lake Park.
Nine months after he crumpled to the Citrus Bowl turf during a friendly game on May 2 against Brazilian team Ponte Preta, Molino was back doing what he loved most and he barely could contain a smile on the field.
"Every time I do something, I put my heart into it and always want to smile and show people it's the beautiful game you play, so enjoy it while it lasts," Molino said. "It's not going to be here forever. There will come a point in my career I have to hang up my boots, so as much as possible, I try to enjoy it and make the most out of it."
Molino likely won't be hanging up his boots any time soon, a relief after the first major injury of his career.
The midfielder has proved his value to Orlando City since joining the Lions in 2011, most notably being named USL most valuable player in 2012 and 2014. The latter year, Lions coach Adrian Heath urged Molino to be a player with more of a nose for the net, and he promptly set the USL scoring record with 20 goals and a league-high nine assists.
Molino stayed with Orlando City despite offers from other MLS teams, a loyalty that stuck with Heath when he saw the 25-year-old get injured just seven games into the season.
"My love of him would override what it meant to us [on the field]," Heath said. "I was just so worried for him. The fact that we were losing the player, yeah it was a big blow for us, but I just want him to go and have the career I know he can have. This has set him back a year, but it doesn't stop where he can go."
Molino's ability stands out immediately to teammates.
Kaká quickly took to Molino last season and famously put on Molino's No. 18 jersey as a goal-scoring celebration to honor Molino after the knee injury. David Mateos, who spent several years at Real Madrid, was stunned by Molino's level when he first saw his teammate play this preseason.
"I've said to people at home in England, Kevin Molino can go and train at any Premier League team in England and not be out of his depth," Heath said. "You don't say that about many players."
For now, Molino simply wants to show what he can do in MLS.
After seeing his season end prematurely last year just as his connection with Kaká was blossoming, Molino is eager to get another shot at the league. He looks like he has not lost a step, but Molino wants the payoff for the work he put in to get back to this level. And he treasures every little detail of being on the field again.
"It has been a long road," Molino said. "I'm the type I need to train every day; I need to do something. To be in the locker room six, seven months without going onto the grass is very difficult, but mentally I was up for the challenge, ready to go.
"And I'm just happy to be back here with the guys outside training in the sun, fighting for a position, coming and eating breakfast with them, and laughing and joking and being amongst my family again."
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he started against RSL yesterday. I looked at the game and didnt particularly see any ring rust. His speed of play and eye for a pass is there and he took some tumbles and bounced back ok.
he might be ready for st vincent.
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Molino vs Chicago on Univision now. He's looking pretty good folks
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any link?
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any link?
Dat game done long time. Ended 1-1.
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Omg, Molino jus miss an easy oppy to open his mls account
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Check out @KAKA's Tweet: https://twitter.com/KAKA/status/710986303362433025?s=09
Kevinnnnnnnnnnn !!!! I'll kill you tomorrow bro 😂 #NYCvORL
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Haha. Just come to post that tweet
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I watched the 2nd half of that game. :frustrated: :frustrated: Molino and the entire team looked like little boys playing against big men. It was hard to watch. Molino most of the time looked overweight, tired and he didn't run or defend. Especially when they moved him over to the right. It looked like he has not adjusted to his new muscle mass yet.
But trust me.. The whole team looked terribly weak. MEN vs BOYS. That being said they had enough chances to win the game 4-0 or loose it 6-0. NYFC looks like they could beat any team or loose to any team.
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Molino happy to be back in Soca Warriors set-up.
By Sean Taylor (Express).
Trinidad and Tobago senior men's national football team ace Kevin Molino is elated to be finally back in the national fold after being out injured for almost a year, missing out on the majority of the international matches in 2015 with the “Soca Warriors”.
Molino has been in action with his Major League Soccer (MLS) team Orlando City SC, and has already made three appearances since his return from the treatment table.
The young playmaker was on hand to speak to the media shortly before head coach Stephen Hart conducted one of the final training sessions before the team's departure for their crucial 2018 World Cup qualifier CONCACAF semi-final round clash with St Vincent and the Grenadines in Arnos Vale Sporting Complex in Kingstown on Friday afternoon.
“First and foremost I'm happy to be back here and training with the guys,” he said. “I know it has been a long process and this is the time for me to show the work that I have put in for the past couple months.”
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Kevin might have some more competition at Orlando city when he gets back. They just signed Julio Baptista.
http://www.orlandocitysc.com/post/2016/03/23/orlando-city-sc-signs-brazilian-attacking-midfielderforward-j-lio-baptista
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Molino talks about his first International Game since returning from injury
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https://www.youtube.com/v/7ATghPmVvKg
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Molino says expect better from Warriors.
By Nigel Simon (Guardian).
USA-based Soca Warriors midfielder Kevin Molino says local fans can expect a much better performance from the national team when it faces St Vincent and The Grenadines in another 2018 Fifa World Cup Concacaf semifinal Round World Cup qualifier today the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, from 7 pm.
The game comes four days after Molino made his return to international duty for T&T in a hard fought 3-2 come-from-behind Group C qualifier win over the same opponents at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex, Kingstown, St Vincent and The Grenadines on Friday afternoon.
With the win which came courtesy a second-half double from Holland-based teenager Levi Garcia the he Soca Warriors moved into sole possession of top spot in the pool with seven points from three matches, one more than Guatemala which blanked USA (four points) 2-0 in Guatemala City. St Vincent and The Grenadines, is bottom of the pool without a point.
And speaking after the match, Molino who was making his first appearance for the Stephen Hart-coach T&T squad since his last outing on March 27, 2015 in an international friendly 1-0 loss to Panama at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, said, “Once we give the same kind of effort again on Tuesday at home, but with a better overall performance then without a doubt we will be victorious in the game again.”
The Orlando City midfielder added, “We knew it would have been tough match because it’s a World Cup qualification game and all the teams are going to come out running and all credit to St Vincent and The Grenadines.
“I think they (St Vincent and The Grenadines) had a good game and they worked hard, but in these situations we just have to find ways to win and we did that in a great manner.”
Commenting on the playing surface, Molino said, “As expected it was a bit tough but at the end of the day, both teams played on it.
“And as I said, we knew it was not going to be an easy game out there and we just had to find a way to grind out a result and win to move forward and look towards the next game here in T&T and show the people at home the real quality of players we are and what we can do on a good playing pitch.
“We want to show the fans who come out to the games at home that we can not only win the match, but do so with some style and in a good manner and show the people we have what it takes to take this country to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
With regards to his return to playing for the team, a relieved 25-year-old Molino who has played 31 times for the T&T scoring 11 goals said, “It’s always a pleasure representing my country and I am just happy to be back with the guys, and training.
“I felt really good out there on the field and even though I’m not back at my 100 per cent best, it’s all about making positive steps to get back my confidence and my goal scoring boots, and with the grace of God and hard work, everything is possible.”
“Most of all I am very happy that we got the win on Friday and to be part of it as well and being around this group of players and staff and now I’m just looking forward to the next game,” added the former Mucurapo Senior Comprehensive standout and brother of national cricketer, Kevon Cooper.
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10 Things: Kevin Molino's two-sport potential, accidental discovery by Orlando City
Simon Veness (MLSSoccer.com)
Trinidad and Tobago has produced multiple players that have made a mark in MLS – Stern John and Cordell Cato are two names that spring to mind – but few have arrived with such high expectations as Orlando City’s Kevin Molino.
The attacking midfielder was a two-time league MVP in the team’s USL days and seemed to be the perfect link-man alongside Designated Player Kaká – until he went down with a season-ending ACL injury last May.
But now he is back again and, even without Kaká in the lineup, he has shown he can be a creative force and a handful for most defenses. Here’s the skinny on the 25-year-old from Carenage ahead of Trinidad and Tobago's World Cup qualifier against St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Tuesday (7 pm ET, beIN Sports Connect in US).
Soccer Second, At First
Coming from the traditionally cricket-oriented Caribbean, soccer was not the obvious sport for Molino as a youngster. “I didn’t really take it seriously until I was about 15,” he admits. “But once I got into it, it was definitely my sport and I loved the physical side of it.”
A Two-Sport Star
Molino appeared destined for a cricket career in his early days. Coming from Trinidad – the birthplace of West Indies legend Brian Lara – most kids played that sport ahead of anything else and the young Kevin was a keen batsman with plenty of talent. One of his best friends is West Indies opening batsman Lendl Simmons, and Molino could easily have followed in Simmons’ footsteps if soccer hadn’t worked its way into his life.
Orlando Discovered Him By Accident
Lions head coach Adrian Heath admits his trip to Trinidad to scout players in 2010 was not to check up on Molino. “I didn’t go down there to look at him originally,” Heath explains. “I went to look at a promising young forward but this little kid on the wing kept catching my eye. In the end, that’s who we ended up signing.” The 5-foot-8 Molino signed from Trinidad & Tobago Pro League side Ma Pau SC in time for the Lions’ inaugural 2011 USL season, making 11 appearances and scoring twice that year.
Diamond In The Rough
Molino became a regular in the starting lineup in the 2012 season at just 21, making 23 appearances (only striker Dennis Chin made more, with 24). For Heath, getting to see the youngster in training every day was a revelation. “Only when you worked with him did you realize his true talent,” he recalls. “He was a kid who had a great first touch, great awareness, who combined well with players and who could beat players individually. He was everything you need in a modern midfield player or striker.”
He impressed MLS, too
Before Orlando reached the MLS ranks, Molino made a major impression on one of the league’s top men. Sporting Kansas City’s Dom Dwyer played with the Lions on loan in 2013 (scoring 19 goals in 14 appearances) and came away believing he had seen a star in the making. “Dom said that Kevin had all the ability to be MVP of MLS when we finally made the grade,” Heath remembers.
The First Signing
While Kaká drew all the headlines in 2014 when he confirmed his move from AC Milan to Orlando, the team’s first actual MLS signing was Molino, before a ball had been kicked that year. Head coach Heath confirmed, “Kevin was out of contract with us and was being courted heavily in Europe and the States. He turned down deals from several MLS teams to stay with us in Orlando. That says a lot about his love for this club.”
One Step Back To Take Two Forward
Although his 2015 injury was a huge blow for both Molino and the team – leaving a huge void in midfield they struggled to fill at times – the short-term pain could lead to long-term gain. While he is quick and skillful, Molino lacked a little weight for the week-in, week-out rigors of MLS, but he believes the lay off helped him work on that. “I spent a lot of time in the gym during my rehab,” he insists, “and I feel stronger as a result, mentally as well as physically.” At the end of 2014, he was listed at 143 lbs. Now he weighs it in at a more robust 155.
That Elusive First Goal
While Molino remains one of the team’s chief creators, he has yet to bag his first MLS goal, and that bothers him, especially after his prolific 20-goal USL season in 2014. “It’s definitely on my mind,” he says. “My job is to make and score goals. I have certainly had a couple of chances this year and, no excuses, I should have done better. The reality is, I have to finish and it is something I have to keep working on.”
Plenty More Like Me
Molino is well established in the Trinidad and Tobago national team – coming off a shift in last week's 3-2 win over St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the road (“It’s good to have him back,” said T&T head coach Stephen Hart. “It’s exciting for the country and fantastic news he is playing 90 minutes for Orlando again”) – but he insists there are certainly others like him on the islands. “Yes, there are plenty of players there but it is a hard place to come out of. They just need the chance – like me.”
Giving Back To His Community
Having made a name for himself in the pro game, and being a proud representative of his country in both playing and community terms, Molino wants to do more for Trinidad and Tobago. “Yes, some kind of foundation to help others there is one of my goals,” he admits. “I would like to give back in many different ways, not just by showing them some love but by showing how much football can get you if you work hard and are dedicated.”
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Orlando City midfielder Kevin Molino hopes to get first MLS goal against Portland
By Alicia DelGallo (Orlando Sentinel)
There will be dancing when Kevin Molino finally scores.
And, if what Kaká says is true, many more Molino goals to follow for Orlando City.
"I think it is an emotional thing, because he's a very good finisher," Kaká said of his teammate. "But he didn't play last year, he hasn't scored in MLS yet. This increases anxiousness. Now, we have to take care of him. We are going to create a lot of opportunities for him, and when he scores his first goal, probably he is going to score a lot of goals for us."
The hope is Molino, who returned this season from an ACL tear, will score his first Major League Soccer goal Sunday night in Orlando City's match against the reigning MLS champion Portland Timbers at the Citrus Bowl.
Molino shattered records in 2014, scoring 20 goals for Orlando City on his way to becoming the USL MVP. He was playing the best soccer of his life then, he said, and was the first person the Lions signed to their expansion MLS team.
But Molino played seven games in MLS before collapsing during a friendly in May, suffering an ACL injury that ended his season.
He returned to the pitch in March, still in purple, the potential he showed before injury keeping him safe among a slew of offseason roster changes.
The healthy Molino was just as quick, had the enthusiasm only nine months away from a game you love can bring, created just as many opportunities and still broke free from defenders with ease — but he has yet to find the back of the net for Orlando City.
"It's one of the areas we've spoken to Kevin about," said Lions coach Adrian Heath, who couldn't take his eyes of the 5-foot-8 winger during a scouting trip to see a different player in Trinidad back in 2011. "He's got virtually everything you need in a modern midfield attacking player. I know what it's like when you come back from an ACL. You start off full of enthusiasm and then the newness wears off a bit."
In the first few games this year, Molino favored taking another pass instead of firing on goal when he had an open look. The most obvious hesitation came during the Lions' first road trip against NYCFC, when Molino squandered a wide-open look with a stutter-step.
Kaká, who did not travel with the team due to a thigh strain, posted to his Twitter account after the misstep, "Kevinnnnnnnnnnn!!!! I'll kill you tomorrow bro," with a smiley face.
"I did miss an easy chance in that game, so I know how he feels about it," Molino said of Kaká. "He has so much confidence in me and he believes in me, so I know he expected me to score that goal.
"As he said, once I get that first goal, I'll be good."
Last week, Molino played for Trinidad and Tobago in World Cup qualifiers and scored for the first time since his USL days — a confidence-boosting goal for his country in the 67th minute of a 6-0 win over St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
"It's very important to get a goal no matter where you play," Molino said. "Having not played for almost a year and getting a goal now is good going into the game on Sunday."
And if that elusive goal does come against Portland, what will he do?
"Dance," he said. "You'll see."
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Orlando City midfielder Kevin Molino hopes to get first MLS goal against Portland
By Alicia DelGallo (Orlando Sentinel)
There will be dancing when Kevin Molino finally scores.
And, if what Kaká says is true, many more Molino goals to follow for Orlando City.
"I think it is an emotional thing, because he's a very good finisher," Kaká said of his teammate. "But he didn't play last year, he hasn't scored in MLS yet. This increases anxiousness. Now, we have to take care of him. We are going to create a lot of opportunities for him, and when he scores his first goal, probably he is going to score a lot of goals for us."
The hope is Molino, who returned this season from an ACL tear, will score his first Major League Soccer goal Sunday night in Orlando City's match against the reigning MLS champion Portland Timbers at the Citrus Bowl.
Molino shattered records in 2014, scoring 20 goals for Orlando City on his way to becoming the USL MVP. He was playing the best soccer of his life then, he said, and was the first person the Lions signed to their expansion MLS team.
But Molino played seven games in MLS before collapsing during a friendly in May, suffering an ACL injury that ended his season.
He returned to the pitch in March, still in purple, the potential he showed before injury keeping him safe among a slew of offseason roster changes.
The healthy Molino was just as quick, had the enthusiasm only nine months away from a game you love can bring, created just as many opportunities and still broke free from defenders with ease — but he has yet to find the back of the net for Orlando City.
"It's one of the areas we've spoken to Kevin about," said Lions coach Adrian Heath, who couldn't take his eyes of the 5-foot-8 winger during a scouting trip to see a different player in Trinidad back in 2011. "He's got virtually everything you need in a modern midfield attacking player. I know what it's like when you come back from an ACL. You start off full of enthusiasm and then the newness wears off a bit."
In the first few games this year, Molino favored taking another pass instead of firing on goal when he had an open look. The most obvious hesitation came during the Lions' first road trip against NYCFC, when Molino squandered a wide-open look with a stutter-step.
Kaká, who did not travel with the team due to a thigh strain, posted to his Twitter account after the misstep, "Kevinnnnnnnnnnn!!!! I'll kill you tomorrow bro," with a smiley face.
"I did miss an easy chance in that game, so I know how he feels about it," Molino said of Kaká. "He has so much confidence in me and he believes in me, so I know he expected me to score that goal.
"As he said, once I get that first goal, I'll be good."
Last week, Molino played for Trinidad and Tobago in World Cup qualifiers and scored for the first time since his USL days — a confidence-boosting goal for his country in the 67th minute of a 6-0 win over St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
"It's very important to get a goal no matter where you play," Molino said. "Having not played for almost a year and getting a goal now is good going into the game on Sunday."
And if that elusive goal does come against Portland, what will he do?
"Dance," he said. "You'll see."
mods what's up with the trinis in action thread of late? it certainly would be nice to see how the lads are doing for their clubs.
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Good question. Where is the Trinis in Action thread? Right now Molino on the field for Orlando
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Molino just scored his first goal in MLS!
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Did the champion dance.
Commentators talked about him a lot and even talked about the West Indies victory today.
Orlando is destroying the current MLS champions 4-0
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Created the penalty then scored it. Happy for him, and nice for Kaka to let him take it
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Big up to Molino scoring his 1st MLS Goal :wavetowel: :wavetowel: :wavetowel: ... Watching the game on FS1.... Got a video, but not sure how to upload... Will send to Soca Warriors Fb page
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Big up to Molino scoring his 1st MLS Goal :wavetowel: :wavetowel: :wavetowel: ... Watching the game on FS1.... Got a video, but not sure how to upload... Will send to Soca Warriors Fb page
If you get it uploaded on youtube. Post it here too :beermug:
http://www.socawarriors.net/forum/index.php?topic=53717.0
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Vid here.
http://www.snappytv.com/tc/1658919/771452
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Molino notches first MLS Goal against Portland Timbers
By Nicholas Murray (uslsoccer.com)
It was a long time coming for two-time USL Most Valuable Player Kevin Molino, but on Sunday night the Trinidad & Tobago international notched his first goal in MLS as Orlando City SC romped to a 4-1 victory against defending MLS Cup champions the Portland Timbers.
Molino recorded his first assist in MLS last season before a torn ACL ended his year abruptly after only seven games. After adding another assist in a 1-1 draw against Chicago on March 11, Molino finally broke through against Portland. After being brought down in the penalty area, Molino converted from the spot with 14 minutes to go in front of 31,114 fans at the Orlando Citrus Bowl.
Molino scored 27 goals over four seasons for Orlando in the USL, and set a then single-season league record with 20 goals in the 2014 season. On Sunday night, he proved a threat throughout the contest, finishing with a team-high five shots as the Lions saw captain Kaka record a goal and two assists to lead the club top of the Eastern Conference standings.
After scoring in midweek for Trinidad & Tobago in the Soca Warriors’ 6-0 win against St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Molino will now look to push on and help the Lions maintain their strong early position in the MLS standings.
https://www.youtube.com/v/OKj0vEvMkIs?start=51
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Good to see he got it. Now he could relax and score a whole set more.
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Saw the game.. He hustled plenty and was happy to see Kaka let him take the penalty. Good game
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Full game at http://www.matchhighlight.com/full-matches-review/mlsfull-matches-reiviews-usa/orlando-city-vs-portland-timbers/
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The greatest joy was to see him do the champion dance to support the WI men's victory. Not many people understood the story behind his celebration, but the commentators actually talked about the WI victory earlier in the game. Great game! Great victory! and Great opportunity for Molino. Kaka is a class act!
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He did it when he scored vs SVG too...will probably spread like wildfire
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Collaborating with designer Matt Stone, Orlando City SC have marked the 100th appearance of Kevin Molino with this gameday poster for Orlando City SC vs. New England Revolution (April 17th, 2016).
Concerning his inspiration for the poster, Matt says, "I wanted to pay homage to Kevin Molino for having his 100th OC appearance and try to tie in some iconography that had subtle connections to the story of his career and his history with the club. Apparent above his head is the Trinidad and Tobago flag where Molino was born and where club first took notice of his athleticism and drive. The three portrait views of Molino are reminiscent of the old Orlando City crest when Molino took the pitch for the first time with OC."
(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/12994542_10154134057024314_1774196786183523134_n.jpg?oh=b53228addbb2933195aaa2b2fe56e8f7&oe=57820475)
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Amazing tribute. OC has a lot of time for Molino.
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Nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Whaaaat real nice. They love we boy in orlando
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He came on in the 61' and changed the game against NE Revolution. He scored in injury time to put Orlando ahead, but NE got a controversial penalty soon after to tie the game...2-2.
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He came on in the 61' and changed the game against NE Revolution. He scored in injury time to put Orlando ahead, but NE got a controversial penalty soon after to tie the game...2-2.
Molino's goal
http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/04/17/goal-kevin-molino-scores-dramatic-fashion?autoplay=true
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WATCH: Kevin Molino scores his third goal of the season during Orlando City’s 2-2 draw with New England Revolution.
https://www.youtube.com/v/2GyVowLO9XI?start=74
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Heard he went off hurt, is he ok?
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Heard he went off hurt, is he ok?
He's fine.
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Copa America will be bitter sweet for Molino.
By Shaun Fuentes (Guardian).
As the Copa America Centenario approaches and Orlando is one of the host cities next month, a media day was hosted in the city this week where several big names came together to speak about the upcoming event.
Two players from Orlando City are in the preliminary squads of their national teams for the tournament. Team captain Kaká (Brazil) and midfielder Cristian Higuita (Colombia) are likely to feature.
When asked by the media in Orlando to comment on whether he was excited about the tournament, T&T midfielder Kevin Molino said he was anticipating it but it could have been a much different picture for him.
“It’s a little bit bittersweet for me because T&T was about to qualify for the Copa twice and was knocked out,” he said.
“Some of our players will be there, which is good for them, but disappointing in a way that we will be out a couple of players. We're just happy for them and wish them the best of luck.
“I wasn’t able to play in our final qualifier in January because of my injury and unfortunately for us our team was not in the best shape mentally and I think we didn’t play our best game which saw us lose out to Haiti. That was a big disappointment because we missed out on a great opportunity. But we have the World Cup qualifiers to still look forward to and we have a couple good friendlies this month,” Molino added.
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WATCH: Kevin Molino earns a point for Orlando City in a 1-1 draw with New York Red Bulls. This is Molino’s fourth goal in six games.
https://www.youtube.com/v/1hrLpW-RkX4?start=102
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orlando defending atrocious.........team still not lookin cohesive two season on......
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Kevin Molino’s hard work finally paying off
By Lucas Casás (orlandocitysc.com)
First, he got the monkey off his back. Then he put his team on it.
Orlando City midfielder Kevin Molino has been on a tear in recent weeks, scoring four goals in his last six games. He’s been left off the score sheet just once since scoring his first career MLS goal.
It was a fitting end to a difficult journey.
On May 2, 2015, Molino tore his ACL, derailing his first MLS season just when he started to hit his stride. A nine-month recovery followed, but a show of support from the team captain kept his spirits high.
So when the Lions were awarded a penalty kick on April 3 against Portland, instead of going after his tenth MLS goal, Kaká handed the ball to Molino so he could get his first. He slotted it into the left side of the goal, and hasn’t looked back since.
“It meant a lot,” Molino said of Kaká’s most recent gesture. “He knew how important that goal meant to me and publicly I just want to tell him thanks. He helped my confidence a lot and right through my recovery he showed me a lot of support.
“The team, the fans and people back home, I just want to tell them thank you. I want to tell Orlando Health thanks for the opportunity to play because being in that surgery room I couldn’t walk and now I can still play the beautiful game of football. I want to thank everyone for the love and support and the kindness.”
His team is just as happy as he is that he’s back. He assisted on a crucial goal against Philadelphia and scored in stoppage time against the Revolution the next week. Then two weeks later, he scored the game-tying goal against the Revs and hit another equalizer Friday against New York, maintaining the Lions’ undefeated home record.
“All the work I’ve been putting in over the past couple months, it shows,” Molino said. “Don’t take it for granted because I remember being away from the game for nine, 10 months so it’s just keeping that mentality and continue working hard to help the team qualify for the playoffs.
“Four goals is not enough. Ten is not enough. I need to keep going to the very end.”
Molino’s four goals have him tied with Cyle Larin for the team lead, but it’s the way he’s scoring them that has his coach excited.
“He’s starting to get himself right in the mix of the box and that’s something that we’ve spoke to him [about],” Adrian Heath said, alluding to his goals against the Revs and Red Bulls. “Keep getting in between the posts, in and around the six-yard box. Things will happen for you.
“He’s in a rich vain of form,” Heath said. “Long may that continue.”
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“He’s in a rich vain of form,” Heath said. “Long may that continue.”
Hopefully his goal scoring run doesn't make him too vein
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“He’s in a rich vain of form,” Heath said. “Long may that continue.”
Hopefully his goal scoring run doesn't make him too vein
:devil:
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Looks like he's been benched. The second game on the trot that he has started on the bench.
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Molino on. And SCORES with his first touch!
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His fifth of the season.
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Well done once again he in the right place at the right time
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orlando can't protect a lead for nutten boy ???
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WATCH: Kevin Molino scores his fifth goal of the season within a minute of being brought on as a substitute. Orlando City 2-2 Philadelphia Union.
https://www.youtube.com/v/xuGMb31B7x8?start=95
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orlando can't protect a lead for nutten boy ???
Their defence more than suspect. They get charged and convicted.
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orlando can't protect a lead for nutten boy ???
Their defence more than suspect. They get charged and convicted.
Lol :beermug: they was dis bad in dey USL days? cause d defending does border on d jokey at times, such is d ineptitude.
Sent from my BLU ADVANCE 4.0 using Tapatalk
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He just assisted my compatriot Julio Baptista! NYC 2 x 1 ORL
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He just assisted my compatriot Julio Baptista! NYC 2 x 1 ORL
And then he scored on the last minute to tie the match!!! NYC 2 x 2 ORL
Incredible! #VivaMolino
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Kaka who? ;D
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molino seem to be catching fire.......too bad he team cyah defend as good as dey attack shoulda be higher up d table
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nice header too
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Niceness for Molino. OC need a clean sheet.
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WATCH: Can’t stop, won’t stop. Kevin Molino salvages a point for Orlando City in their 2-2 draw with New York City FC.
https://www.youtube.com/v/75Bi_HKsj_s?start=140
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Orlando City’s Kevin Molino named to MLS Team of the Week
By Neil Falcone (otowns11.com)
Kevin Molino has been named to the MLS Team of the Week after his one goal and one assist performance to help lead Orlando City to a two goal comeback against New York City FC on Sunday and his equalizing goal off of the bench against Philadelphia on Wednesday.
Kevin has been one of Orlando City’s most consistent players this season. He now has six goals and three assists in just 908 minutes this season.
Molino’s six goals are second highest league wide among midfielders, trailing only Montreal Impact’s Ignacio Piatti, who has scored eight goals.
After just thirteen games, I think it’s safe to say that Kevin Molino is 100% back from his injury and is one of the most promising players in Major League Soccer.
(http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/316/files/2016/05/TEAMoftheWEEK-2016-13.jpg)
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Yesterday was the best game he's played this season. Not only did he score a goal but created several opportunities for teammates. He is really becoming a total midfielder.
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Yesterday was the best game he's played this season. Not only did he score a goal but created several opportunities for teammates. He is really becoming a total midfielder.
agree jus wish dey could defend they are really....REALLY BAD at defence...they look as lost as our second stringers at times......I saw a player simply stand and watch a gettable ball right over his head and never moved a muscle, think it was in last weeks draw....both goals conceded could be blamed on comical defending
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Yes but that is a problem with a lot of MLS teams as they tend to spend a majority of their salary cap money on Forwards and Midfielders. But I do agree that they are bad by MLS standards. I believe this is why the coach benched Molino for a couple weeks. Winter the player who replaced Molino is a better defensive player and maybe the coach figured with Kaka and Larin there he needed more defensive minded players to balance.
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Yes but that is a problem with a lot of MLS teams as they tend to spend a majority of their salary cap money on Forwards and Midfielders. But I do agree that they are bad by MLS standards. I believe this is why the coach benched Molino for a couple weeks. Winter the player who replaced Molino is a better defensive player and maybe the coach figured with Kaka and Larin there he needed more defensive minded players to balance.
didn't seem to work....he was mad as hell too after one the 2-2 result, equalizing goal was completely avoidable...molino did give dem d lead late from off d bench too.
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VOTE for Kevin Molino’s goal as the MLS Goal of the Week (http://www.orlandocitysc.com/post/2016/05/30/vote-molinos-last-minute-goal-mls-goal-week)
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Kevin Molino's last-gasp equalizer wins MLS’ Goal of the Week for Week 13 (http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/06/02/kevin-molino-last-gasp-equalizer-wins-att-goal-week-13)
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Vote! https://www.facebook.com/groups/Trinbagolife/2015514318673250/?notif_t=like¬if_id=1465514237367492 (https://www.facebook.com/groups/Trinbagolife/2015514318673250/?notif_t=like¬if_id=1465514237367492)
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WATCH: Orlando City Midfielder Kevin Molino talks about his header in New York, how it feels to be in All Star contention, and what the team needs to work on heading into next week. (http://www.orlandocitysc.com/post/2016/06/09/orlando-city-today-kickin-it-kevin-molino?autoplay=true)
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dis team couldn't even hold a lead for 2min steups
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Orlando City Copa America Break Player Grades: Kevin Molino (A+)
By Neil Falcone (otowns11.com)
Orlando City midfielder Kevin Molino has returned to the form that saw him win the USL Pro’s Most Valuable Player award in 2014 and it couldn’t have come at a more important time for the Lions.
Molino has featured in all but 1 of Orlando City’s matches this year, bringing much needed stability to a midfield that’s had to deal with injuries to integral parts like Kaka, Darwin Ceren, and Cristian Higuita.
Ever since Kaka gave him the chance to open Pandora’s box from the penalty spot against Portland in early April, Kevin has been the Lion’s most prolific scorer, and most important attacking player.
We’re now thirteen games into the 2016 MLS season and Molino is second in the league among all midfielders with 6 goals scored.
Not only does he have a good scoring record, but it seems like he keeps popping up when the team needs him the most: of the Trinidad and Tobago international’s 6 goals this season, 5 of them have come in the second half of games, with 3 of them coming in the last 15 minutes, and 5 of them have been equalizers.
When Molino has scored this season, Orlando City hasn’t lost a game (one win and five draws).
On top of his goal scoring prowess, he’s also managed to bag 3 assists so far. One each to teammates Cyle Larin (on March 11th against Chicago), Adrian Winter (April 8th against Philadelphia), and Julio Baptista (May 29th against NYCFC).
Most Memorable Performance:
Kevin Molino’s most memorable performance so far this season was also his most recent one, a 2-2 draw against NYCFC at Yankee Stadium.
This particular match was, for 70+ minutes, one of Orlando City’s most frustrating to watch. Besides an early chance for Cyle Larin that went begging, the Lions couldn’t create much of anything.
NYCFC grabbed the lead three minutes before halftime when defender Frederic Brillant finished off an RJ Allen cross. Andrea Pirlo found fellow FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champion’s League winner, David Villa, in the 66th minute who chipped Joe Bendik for world class goal to make the score 2-0.
When Villa stepped up to take a penalty, controversially called on Seb Hines for a handball in the box, just three minutes after his first goal, I thought he would tuck it away and put the match out of reach, especially with how uninspiring we had been up until that point going forward. Instead the Spaniard slipped on the right field grass and sent his penalty into the second deck, first baseline seats of Yankee Stadium, giving the Lions some kind of lifeline, and up stepped Mr. Molino.
Just two minutes after the penalty slip, Kevin played an incisive ball to Julio Baptista in the penalty box, where the “Beast” shimmied Brillant to the ground and drove a low deflected shot into the bottom left corner of Josh Saunders goal. His first goal for the Lions made it 2-1 and with 18 minutes left, it was game on.
As the clock wore on, it appeared that maybe Orlando City had finally run out of late game magic and would succumb to their careless play early in the match, and then it happened…again.
In the fourth minute of the guaranteed three minutes of stoppage time, Carlos Rivas whipped in a powerful curling cross with his left foot. The cross brought Larin to deep to make an attempt on goal, so he squared a header back across the box and just as it appeared Baptista was about to rifle a bicycle kick into the back of the net, Kevin Molino stuck his head in and placed his shot perfectly off the underside of the crossbar to steal another point at the death for Orlando City.
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2 Assists for Molino. Orlando up 2-1 vs Toronto. Orlando would not win this game without Molino's contribution
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and yet again steups 2-2 cyah defend
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2 Assists for Molino. Orlando up 2-1 vs Toronto. Orlando would not win this game without Molino's contribution
I was about to post it, hahah. You beat me.
His first assist was amazing. Beautiful first touch!
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3-2 lil questionable in d end but say wah :P
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WATCH: He didn’t score a goal this weekend, but check out Kevin Molino’s two assists in Orlando City’s 3-2 win over Toronto FC. The first one is a one-time incisive pass which splits the defense. The second is a chip into the penalty area.
https://www.youtube.com/v/0MX6iwyMHFs?start=25
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Nice performance. The first pass was fantastic.
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WATCH: Kevin Molino scores in Orlando City’s 2-1 loss to Ft. Lauderdale Strikers in a round of 16 US Open Cup match.
https://www.youtube.com/v/dK1y6BGkz5E?start=14
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WATCH: Kevin Molino scores in Orlando City’s 2-1 loss to Ft. Lauderdale Strikers in a round of 16 US Open Cup match.
https://www.youtube.com/v/dK1y6BGkz5E?start=14
He get send off in this game too. Slap up a man or something.
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Look molino misbehaving: https://twitter.com/oslions/status/748319407080869888?s=09
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orlando playin caca
http://firstsrowsports.eu/soccer/first-fc-dallas-vs-orlando-city-row6b1674
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Orlando City part ways with coach Heath
http://orlandocitysc.com/post/2016/07/06/orlando-city-sc-agrees-part-ways-head-coach-adrian-heath
ORLANDO, Fla. (July 6, 2016) – Orlando City SC has agreed to amicably part ways with Head Coach Adrian Heath, effective today.
Coach Heath has been with the club since its beginnings in Austin, Texas, in 2008. He relocated with the team to Orlando in 2011.
“It is always a very difficult decision to part ways with a head coach and not one that the Board of Directors has taken lightly. It is even more difficult when that coach has been instrumental in the growth of the Club since its inception over eight years ago. Adrian has served this Club with passion and enthusiasm,” said Orlando City SC Founder & President Phil Rawlins. “While our successes together are undoubtable, we believe the renewed energy this change will bring will be uplifting for the team. We feel that the time has come for us to move on with our future in MLS. We continue to remain very excited about the growth of our Club.”
“This is a very difficult moment, but I fully support the decision made by the Board. I want to thank Adrian for the commitment and hard work he has given our team over the years and wish him success in his career,” said Club Majority Owner Flavio Augusto da Silva. “Now, it’s time for us to turn our focus onto the rest of the season. We will do everything in our power to continue improving and giving our fans the best of us because they have been fantastic supporters."
Heath had a tremendous track record with Orlando City, winning two USL Championships and three USL regular season titles.
Assistant Head Coach, Mark Watson, has also left the Club by mutual agreement, effective immediately.
While the Club conducts a comprehensive search for a new head coach, the team will be led by Assistant Coach Bobby Murphy and Orlando City B Assistant Coach Anthony Pulis.
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Orlando City part ways with coach Heath
http://orlandocitysc.com/post/2016/07/06/orlando-city-sc-agrees-part-ways-head-coach-adrian-heath
ORLANDO, Fla. (July 6, 2016) – Orlando City SC has agreed to amicably part ways with Head Coach Adrian Heath, effective today.
Coach Heath has been with the club since its beginnings in Austin, Texas, in 2008. He relocated with the team to Orlando in 2011.
“It is always a very difficult decision to part ways with a head coach and not one that the Board of Directors has taken lightly. It is even more difficult when that coach has been instrumental in the growth of the Club since its inception over eight years ago. Adrian has served this Club with passion and enthusiasm,” said Orlando City SC Founder & President Phil Rawlins. “While our successes together are undoubtable, we believe the renewed energy this change will bring will be uplifting for the team. We feel that the time has come for us to move on with our future in MLS. We continue to remain very excited about the growth of our Club.”
“This is a very difficult moment, but I fully support the decision made by the Board. I want to thank Adrian for the commitment and hard work he has given our team over the years and wish him success in his career,” said Club Majority Owner Flavio Augusto da Silva. “Now, it’s time for us to turn our focus onto the rest of the season. We will do everything in our power to continue improving and giving our fans the best of us because they have been fantastic supporters."
Heath had a tremendous track record with Orlando City, winning two USL Championships and three USL regular season titles.
Assistant Head Coach, Mark Watson, has also left the Club by mutual agreement, effective immediately.
While the Club conducts a comprehensive search for a new head coach, the team will be led by Assistant Coach Bobby Murphy and Orlando City B Assistant Coach Anthony Pulis.
Isn't he the Canadian who poison we in the Gold Cup that cause Jack to fire Berthill?
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A wuk fuh SH jes open up ;)
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A wuk fuh SH jes open up ;)
Why you looking to cause trouble ;D
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Well I am not surprised, this team can score goals but little else, if u count the leads turned to draws and losses they should be close to top, if not top.
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Antoine Griezmann - Kevin Molino
Olivier Giroud - Kenwyne Jones
SIMPLE
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I just have one question for Orlando. What took u so long? And Palos, put down that pipe...
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I just have one question for Orlando. What took u so long? And Palos, put down that pipe...
Why?
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Orlando turn to Kevin Molino for leadership with Kaká out injured vs. RBNY
By Simon Veness (mlssoccer.com)
Kevin Molino knows he isn’t Kaká but, for at least this week, he believes he can carry the torch for Orlando City SC’s injured captain and star man.
With the great Brazilian sidelined for a second successive week by a thigh strain as the Lions start a demanding three-game road trip at New York Red Bulls on Wednesday evening (7:30 pm ET; MLS LIVE), the Trinidadian midfielder is ready to step into the substantial void for a team still in transition after the departure of head coach Adrian Heath.
And, asked if he was ready to become the team leader in Kaká’s absence, Molino was unequivocal.
“Definitely,” he insisted. “I have been here in the US six years now, and I have been a leader [in the past,] so why not be a leader now?
“It’s very important [that someone steps up] when we lose Kaká, who brings something different to the table. When he is on the field, he opens up more opportunities for me and Cyle [Larin]. He is a big loss but he’ll be back soon and we just have to keep some momentum going until then.”
Molino was the USL MVP in 2014 prior to Orlando joining MLS, and he is looking to get back to his best after missing most of 2015 with a knee injury. And, although he has played mainly on the right of midfield to date, he relishes the chance to take Kaká’s role in New York.
“Playing the No. 10 is one of my favorite positions because I love to roam and be more free,” Molino explained. “Being on the right side is more disciplined and there is a lot more defending, but being in that free role, I get more opportunity to get forward, make chances and score goals.”
Making chances and scoring goals is what Molino is all about. He bagged a USL-record 20 in 2014 and has six tallies and five assists in 14 starts this season. He chalked up a memorable solo effort against Fort Lauderdale in US Open Cup action last month, and almost had a similar goal in last Friday’s 0-0 home draw with Houston but for a stunning Tyler Deric save.
“When you look back at the game on Friday, I think we coped well,” Molino said. “After the loss of a coach and playing a game straight after, we responded well. I think we deserved more from the game, but most importantly we need to look forward to these three crucial games on the road, which is a difficult time. Individually and collectively we need to step up and pull each other along and hopefully we’ll get some points on the road.”
After New York, Orlando will take a flight direct to Vancouver ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Whitecaps (10 pm ET; MLS LIVE in the US, TSN1 and RDS2 in Canada), and they then return home for a few days before a trip to Columbus on July 23. But Molino is anxious to make sure no one looks past the Red Bulls.
“First we have to look at New York and get three points there,” he pointed out. “We need to get a win to boost our confidence and get back across the red line. If we could get to fourth place, that would help us a lot going to Vancouver.
“It definitely helps [to put some of the noise in the background] while we go on the road, but we’re playing some good quality teams, so we’ll have to be mentally strong and well focused. And, when we come back home, we need to finish games off. As a team we tend to score and then relax sometimes, so we need to finish games off at home as soon as possible. When we look at the fans, we have to give credit to them. They deserve more to be honest.”
The Lions have taken only one point off two previous games with the Red Bulls this season, but they chalked up their best road win of 2015 at Red Bull Arena, and Molino is optimistic they can thrive there once more.
“We know how they play,” he added. “They are a fantastic team when they have the ball, and in defense, but we just have to focus on breaking them down, on our strengths, and try to get an early goal to put them under some pressure.
“When you play the Red Bulls it is always a good encounter, good competition, like the last game [against them] at home, even though we tied. Now we have to go there again so we have to keep our heads up high, work hard and try to get above that red line.”
The other unspoken task for the Lions is trying to find closure after the loss of a long-time head coach who had particularly close ties to players like Molino. The Trinidadian was recruited by Heath in 2011 and they formed a close bond during their four USL seasons.
“It was a pleasure to work with Adrian for the past few years,” Molino confirmed. “I owe him so much and it is definitely a loss for me personally. But, as a team, you have to find a way to build up your strength and keep going together.
“It is a team sport and we have to help each other, pull each other along when we’re going through a difficult time. We have been doing that well so far.”
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Orlando lost 2-0 tonight
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Orlando lost 2-0 tonight
How did they look defending on the goals, all the goals I have seen scored on them they looked pretty clueless.
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I tuned in from about the 60th. With Orlando 2 down Molino scramble a goal and set up the equaliser with a nice cross for Larin. Both sides then got numerous chances and squandered all. I talkin about woeful finishing on both ends and the defenders just spectating. Both sides should have had a couple more goals.
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WATCH: Kevin Molino’s goal and assist earns Orlando City a come-from-behind 2-2 draw with Columbus Crew
https://www.youtube.com/v/EzVWkMKK9v4?start=168
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Orlando winning right now molino with a double
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http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/07/31/highlights-orlando-city-sc-vs-new-england-revolution-july-31-2016
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Molino also got the assist for Larin's goal which took a deflection on it's way through.
Molino is really delivering.
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maybe is jus me, but I find Molino contributions does be treated as ah side note compared to how d commentators does be gushin all over kaka and Larin
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maybe is jus me, but I find Molino contributions does be treated as ah side note compared to how d commentators does be gushin all over kaka and Larin
Is not jus you padna
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MLS commentators are garbage. Too many times they cater to beginner fans. They love to hype up Kaka who can do no wrong. In the previous OCFC game Kaka was nonexistent, just jogging around losing the ball and they made no negative mention of him.
Anyway the orlando fan site has some positive things to say.
http://www.themaneland.com/2016/7/31/12338720/orlando-city-vs-new-england-revolution-round-3-player-grades-and-man-of-the-match
MF, Kevin Molino: 8.5 (MOTM) - Molino Mania is sweeping the nation. Notched his eighth assist in the 46th minute on a pass to Larin to open Orlando's scoring. Had a great chance for a goal in the 52nd minute off of an Alston cross, but his deft flick went inches wide of the net. Scored his eighth goal on the year, a header from a cross from Shea, which gave Orlando the 2-1 lead. Then, in the 83rd minute, from a multitude of combination passes from Molino, Boden, and Kaká, the Trinidadian finished an open chance in the box for his ninth goal on the year.
And on his non-selection to the all star team
http://www.themaneland.com/2016/7/5/12094246/how-many-all-stars-should-orlando-city-actually-have
So, we already have Kaká in and he’s No. 1 on the list. Between him, Andrea Pirlo, Darlington Nagbe, and Giovani dos Santos, one of those isn’t like the others. (Pssst, it’s the one with one goal and five assists in 16 games.) Looking at you, Pirlo.
Sure, "No Pirlo, No Party" and Darlington Nagbe only has one goal and three assists through 11 games, but the difference those five games makes is eye-opening. So, let’s replace Pirlo with an Orlando City attacking midfielder who has six goals and five assists in Kevin Molino, who would actually be only second to Dos Santos in scoring among midfielders who were voted in. But, alas, Molino isn’t even in the pool of eligible players and #MolinoMania won’t be running wild in San Jose this year. Sad!
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maybe is jus me, but I find Molino contributions does be treated as ah side note compared to how d commentators does be gushin all over kaka and Larin
Is not jus you padna
Tell me about it! They quick,quick to big up Kaka and Larin but yuh doh her nutten 'bout Molino till he score!
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maybe is jus me, but I find Molino contributions does be treated as ah side note compared to how d commentators does be gushin all over kaka and Larin
Is not jus you padna
Tell me about it! They quick,quick to big up Kaka and Larin but yuh doh her nutten 'bout Molino till he score!
Nah I find even when he score it does get quickly confined to "history" yet dey goh talk bout Larin bout 15 minutes after d fact....another example d fella dat score d hattrick for Bayern yesterday, dem f**ker forget dat dey commentating ah game and goin' on and on and on bout dis fella cause he's a yank........steups
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Yeah Lefty, dey does geh drunk on their own honey quick, quick.
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That is why we need to support Gayelle!!!!
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I know my comment above maybe off topic. But them people supporting their own. What can we say. When our local media decide to stream and show local sports, then we can big-up our girls and boys. I just hope Kevin is mentally and physical ready for the Guatemala game. I want us to win this game real bad.
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What makes it even more silly is the wage disparity in these teams. Kaka making over 6 million a year versus Molino which is just over 100k.
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What makes it even more silly is the wage disparity in these teams. Kaka making over 6 million a year versus Molino which is just over 100k.
How much Kaka jerseys does sell vs Molino jerseys?
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What makes it even more silly is the wage disparity in these teams. Kaka making over 6 million a year versus Molino which is just over 100k.
How much Kaka jerseys does sell vs Molino jerseys?
Probably more than Kevin.
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What makes it even more silly is the wage disparity in these teams. Kaka making over 6 million a year versus Molino which is just over 100k.
How much Kaka jerseys does sell vs Molino jerseys?
Probably more than Kevin.
think it was a rhetorical question
http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/story/2676490/clint-dempsey-first-major-league-soccer-jersey-sales-top-20
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What makes it even more silly is the wage disparity in these teams. Kaka making over 6 million a year versus Molino which is just over 100k.
Do you know that Kaka is a former Fifa Ballon d'or winner right?
Also, Larin is the team's top scorer
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What makes it even more silly is the wage disparity in these teams. Kaka making over 6 million a year versus Molino which is just over 100k.
Do you know that Kaka is a former Fifa Ballon d'or winner right?
Also, Larin is the team's top scorer
And did you know Molino has more goals and more assists than Kaka this season?
And if you combine goals and assists (16) Molino is tops on the team and actually one of the best in the league (Did a quick check and he could be top 5, behind Giovinco, Piatti and Kljestan, and tied with BWP). You would think on that basis alone that he would be recognized as one of the top threats for the team. Nevertheless, you barely hear his name. At least, so it would seem to me. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
The point being made is that Molino doesn't seem to get enough recognition for his efforts/achievements.
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He gets plenty. I find men crying for nothing.
I'm sure Molino is fine
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What makes it even more silly is the wage disparity in these teams. Kaka making over 6 million a year versus Molino which is just over 100k.
Do you know that Kaka is a former Fifa Ballon d'or winner right?
Also, Larin is the team's top scorer
I am just drawing the comparison of output on the field vs compensation. i can appreciate the other business elements which will justify a wage package.
Kaka - 136,000 dollars a week (6 assists, 3 goals)
Molino - 2,300 dollars a week (7 assists, 9 goals)
The world is starting to see what we know and what Kevin is capable of, i just hope that Orlando recognizes his contribution with an improved deal as a show of faith. Orlando stuck with him during injury and if he can get them into the playoffs then that faith will be re-paid.
He is 26 now i believe, approaching the peak of his career. In the modern day business of football, he is worth much more than 2,300 dollars a week.
May i add that the majority of MLS players are not that well paid compared to other major sports in the US.
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Everything depends on timing, and when contracts were signed. On the other note. When you come to the arena as the champion, everybody gushes all over you, and someone has to do something really spectacular to dethrone you - maybe single handidly take their national team to the world cup *puff*puff*pass. Other than that, most world cup appearances, followed by champions league, and making big money in Europe, will be put on the pedastal every time.
as a matter of fact, get a Brazil birth paper, and yuh set to play football anywhere. :D
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I remember when Molino was touted to be the next big thing in the MLS before he kicked a ball in the league.
His initial season was disappointing, even with the same Kaka touting him as the player that he had seen most likely to play in Europe. Then he had the injury. The hype he came into the league with essentially fell flat.
Now into his 2nd season, his comeback from injury was eagerly anticipated but again he struggled. It wasn't until a game when Orlando was awarded a penalty kick and the same Kaka stepped aside to allow Molino the opportunity to score. He felt that once Molino scored his first goal, the rest would come. Molino took his opportunity and so said so done.
I would not be at all suprised if Molino's teammates & management recognize AND appreciate his importance to Orlando. None more so than Kaka. And if so, that recognition/appreciation would mean more than any external factor which is out of anyone's control anyway.
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One thing about Heath doh, he didn't hesitate to give KM his deserved kudos. Nonetheless, there's no doubt KM is underpaid relative to the global soccer market ... except that he is in MLS and on an expansion team at that. Really only two ways to change that: earn a pay hike (which would still be relatively deficient) or command a transfer to a more lucrative market.
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@palos: Actually I believe that in Orlando and within the team/organization itself he receives his due. My comments were more directed at the commentators of the Orlando games I've seen and based on my reasoning that he's earned the right, due to his on field performances this year, to be considered as one of the top threats on the team.
Could be multiple reasons for that. Example: I in Canada, so they could be just focusing on the global superstar and the Canadian kid. Or perhaps they just not doing they homework research properly, so they only talking 'bout the global superstar and the rookie of the year. Who knows.
@asylumseeker: Heath and the original ownership definitely gave Kevin his due and I believe he's actually relatively well paid considering he's on an expansion team. I'm not sure what the current owner thinks of him though and there's talk of some friction between the old guard and the new investors.
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@palos: Actually I believe that in Orlando and within the team/organization itself he receives his due. My comments were more directed at the commentators of the Orlando games I've seen and based on my reasoning that he's earned the right, due to his on field performances this year, to be considered as one of the top threats on the team.
Could be multiple reasons for that. Example: I in Canada, so they could be just focusing on the global superstar and the Canadian kid. Or perhaps they just not doing they homework research properly, so they only talking 'bout the global superstar and the rookie of the year. Who knows.
@asylumseeker: Heath and the original ownership definitely gave Kevin his due and I believe he's actually relatively well paid considering he's on an expansion team. I'm not sure what the current owner thinks of him though and there's talk of some friction between the old guard and the new investors.
I too referring to the commentary, not the team......molino gets due credit within the Orlando setup
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Jason Kreis impressed with Kevin Molino's talent but still looking for more
By Simon Veness (MLSsoccer.com)
Mention the name Kevin Molino anywhere around Orlando City SC, and you are likely to be met with instant approval from anyone you speak to. The Trinidadian midfielder is universally liked and admired, and is building a glowing resume of MLS work this year.
New Orlando head coach Jason Kreis is a more critical observer than most, however, and his two words that most sum up Molino are “improvement,’ and “humility” – as in he expects Kevin to work more on some aspects of his game, but he rates him one of the most humble individuals he has been around.
It is, perhaps, a surprising verdict on someone who has increasingly caught the eye this season. After missing most of 2015 with a cruel ACL tear, Molino has chalked up nine goals and seven assists this term, and has been a big part of the Lions’ attacking threat.
The 26-year-old from Carenage came in third in voting for Etihad Airways Player of the Month in July, behind only New York City’s veteran star Frank Lampard and stellar Portland goalkeeper Jake Gleeson, and he was also third in the Audi Player Index for Week 21, with only Lampard and Toronto’s reigning MVP Sebastian Giovinco ahead of him.
But Kreis is unequivocal in assessing Molino’s all-round game, and what he wants to see more of going forward.
“Kevin’s a very talented player – with the ball,” the head coach insisted. “When we have the ball, he finds good spots. Technically he does good things for himself, he makes good decisions in the final third and he can score goals, so he has all of those gifts and characteristics.
“What we have told him from Day One, when we sat down with him, is that it’s what happens when we don’t have the ball that is where we need improvement. We saw even in the game the other night, he scored two goals but there still needs to be improvement about how he is defending.”
Molino bagged his first MLS brace at home against New England last Sunday, and also earned an assist on Cyle Larin’s 11th goal of the season, but it is clear Kreis is going to be intensely critical when it comes to the defensive side of things.
Much of his early focus with the Lions is on how the team defends, which has been Orlando’s Achilles heel through the first half of the season, and he is still in the process of getting his own system in place.
“We’re still trying to improve the tactics and get players to see what our vision is and to put it into practice,” Kreis explained. “And it is looking good. Every single day so far I am really pleased with the training mentality of this group.
“I’m a coach that believes we should play to our strengths, that we should try to be perfect in our philosophy of play, and, if we do that, we can force opponents to adjust to us.”
Returning to Molino, Kreis is hugely complimentary of the player’s attitude and modesty. He is reluctant to draw comparisons, but he sees a great future in store for the slender midfielder.
“I haven’t been around him long enough to tell you [who he reminds me of], but I love the player,” Kreis said. “Most of all what I love about him is his humility. I think we can all take a lesson from people like that, who are extremely talented but willing to do all of the work and, at the same time, remain extremely humble about their own perception of themselves.”
Kreis has seen enough of the Orlando squad to think it stands a good chance of continuing to build on its recent promise. It is only below the red line because the have fewer wins than New England, and it now has an unbeaten home run that stretches back more than a year to July 18, 2015.
“Every team in this league represents a big challenge,” he stated. “We are all very, very equal, so often times it comes down to which team is a little more tactically organized, which team is perhaps a little more fit, and I think the biggest piece is which team wants it more. And I believe this group should be able to control that last factor, especially when we’re at home.”
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That team is rell shit on defense oui! I watch that game and couldn't believe my eyes. They rell miss Nashy yesterday.
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That team is rell shit on defense oui! I watch that game and couldn't believe my eyes. They rell miss Nashy yesterday.
Yeah boy....it does be shocking at times, molino was injured or suspended?
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That team is rell shit on defense oui! I watch that game and couldn't believe my eyes. They rell miss Nashy yesterday.
Yeah boy....it does be shocking at times molino was injured or suspended?
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Commentators say tightness in his hamstring. The most shocking thing for me was the whole talk about how the coach see defense as a target area to improve and then the team lay dong da pile ah shite! The defending look like stuff I expect of 15 yr old players not people who supposed to be pros
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That team is rell shit on defense oui! I watch that game and couldn't believe my eyes. They rell miss Nashy yesterday.
Yeah boy....it does be shocking at times molino was injured or suspended?
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Commentators say tightness in his hamstring. The most shocking thing for me was the whole talk about how the coach see defense as a target area to improve and then the team lay dong da pile ah shite! The defending look like stuff I expect of 15 yr old players not people who supposed to be pros
Well in d coach defense he new, and is d same shit players heath had dat he working with....and they have been shocking by MLS standards since dey get promoted, dey also don't score as heavily as they create, so outscoring teams is not something dey could rely on either
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I watched part of this game. I did hear that Molino was nursing a hamstring. I hope everything is good with him. I did look at JJ, and he did play pretty good. A couple decent and dangerous over laps were good to see. He timed these runs well. On defence he was also very good. Kept himself insight of the outside and the ball. Did not get beat. That was the first half. I don't know about the second half though. And Yes, Orlando did not look good in the first half. But I hope KM injury eh that serious.
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I watched part of this game. I did hear that Molino was nursing a hamstring. I hope everything is good with him. I did look at JJ, and he did play pretty good. A couple decent and dangerous over laps were good to see. He timed these runs well. On defence he was also very good. Kept himself insight of the outside and the ball. Did not get beat. That was the first half. I don't know about the second half though. And Yes, Orlando did not look good in the first half. But I hope KM injury eh that serious.
JJ did well throughout. That shit show in Orlando ensured he didn't have much issues forward or backward. It's amazing to me how poor overall Orlando was on both sides of the ball. Seattle had the ball and all day to figure out what they wanted to do with it. When Orlando scored I thought they would continue to try and attack, instead they just boil down. After that their offense had very little bite. In fact it surprised me that more wasn't made of Nashy's absence given how ineffective the offense was overall.
Lefty I hear yuh but I feel like they looked a little worse than on other occasions when I saw them. They made Seattle look like a top of the standings team when they too were struggling badly and also changed coaches recently.
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In fact it surprised me that more wasn't made of Nashy's absence given how ineffective the offense was overall.
Kevin doh get no love from the COMMENTATORS they simply don't understand or ignore his importance to this team, so dat doh surprise me...spoke at length about it earlier in this thread...and some dismissed it...though it could have been a misunderstanding of the angle we were looking at
Lefty I hear yuh but I feel like they looked a little worse than on other occasions when I saw them. They made Seattle look like a top of the standings team when they too were struggling badly and also changed coaches recently.
They have been pretty damn terrible a couple of them 2 all draws coulda be victories but they couldn't buckle down and defend for 2 and 3 mins on more than one occasion....abysmal would be d best word to describe them.
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How important is Kevin Molino to Orlando City's playoffs hopes?
By Simon Veness (MLSsoccer.com)
Kevin Molino is not essential to Orlando City SC’s ability to win games. Head coach Jason Kreis wants to make that clear right up front.
But the Trinidadian international is definitely developing into a major asset, and Kreis certainly hopes to have him back in the lineup for Sunday’s game at the Chicago Fire (4 pm ET, UniMás, MLS LIVE in Canada). That’s when the Lions urgently need to get back in the points to keep their playoff hopes from stalling.
Molino was a late scratch with a hamstring injury from last weekend’s disappointing 3-1 home defeat by Seattle, and it was clear the team lost some of its attacking potency without the slender, five-foot-eight midfielder in the lineup.
He is already a fan favorite from the team’s USL days, but observers around the league are fast becoming acquainted with the quick-footed verve Molino displays on the ball. He also enjoys a seemingly instinctive relationship with Brazilian ace Kaká. In fact it’s probably highly appropriate that if you combine the two into the portmanteau “Kalino,” you get a Hawaiian word for “brilliant one” — which effectively sums up the result of their combination play.
Molino was back in full training again this week, and, while coach Kreis wasn’t releasing too many pre-game lineup secrets on Friday, he was ready to admit his Caribbean spark plug could be ready to go again at Toyota Park.
“I would never want anybody to think that because we didn’t have Kevin Molino, we couldn’t win the game. I don’t believe that at all,” Kreis said. “But I do think Kevin’s an important player. From my point of view, he just has a knack for being in good positions in the attacking half of the field, and he has a knack for finding himself in effective spaces and making good choices with the ball, to help us create goal-scoring chances and to score some himself.
“He is also a developing player and it is interesting to say that for a 26-year-old. You wouldn’t typically say that [of a regular player of that age]. But, in his soccer background and development, he is not a typical player, and so he has the mindset as well that he still needs to learn and improve, which I think is an incredible characteristic in players.”
With the arrival last week of Matias Perez Garcia from San Jose in a trade that took Darwin Ceren in the opposite direction, Kreis now has a much greater combination of attacking midfield options. He says he is considering the idea of playing Perez Garcia alongside Kaká and Molino in what could be a formidable offensively inclined trio.
Finding the right balance from this new array of attack-minded players is still the key for the Lions head coach. But he says he’s happy he now has the right personnel at his disposal, and he does not intend to make wholesale changes in the way Orlando plays.
“Our idea is to just make slight tweaks around our shape and maybe a little bit philosophically about how we approach matches. Within that, it is a certainly consideration to play all three of those guys at once,” Kreis said. “We have a little bit of a different look if we play guys like Brek Shea, Hadji Barry or Carlos Rivas in those positions as well, so I feel like with the addition of Matias, we literally have two players in all three of those spots underneath the high striker.”
Returning to the subject of Molino, Kreis remains critical of some aspects of the Trinidadian’s game. But he’s convinced there are signs of improvement, and that could mean a lot more for opponents to handle in future.
“I think it’s important to have players that can do different things with the ball for sure," Kreis said. “So I think [with Molino] it’s a positive. It brings us some diversity in how we attack.
“From the defensive side of things, as we’ve already said, that’s where he needs the biggest part of his development, and so it is something he needs to focus on improving. That’s how we see it; he is not the finished all-round product, but he’s definitely moving in that direction.”
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How important is Kevin Molino to Orlando City's playoffs hopes?
By Simon Veness (MLSsoccer.com)
Kevin Molino is not essential to Orlando City SC’s ability to win games. Head coach Jason Kreis wants to make that clear right up front.”
Yeah right. This coach not impressing me at all! He flip flops and talk in contradictions. He appears to praise Nashy' "knack for finding himself in effective spaces and making good choices with the ball, to help us create goal-scoring chances and to score some himself." A quality that his team sorely lacks when KM is absent. Yet he seems to feel this unnecessary need to make sure everyone understands he isn't their most essential player. It is plainly obvious to all with eyes that they are toothless or at best woefully inconsistent on offense without him. He musse come from da school dat say doh ever let them kno dey real value or something oui.
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1.) He motivating his team to go out and get results regardless of who missing or not.
2.) He letting KM know he ain’t reach yet. Which he hasn’t.
We always complaining bout how our players does feel they reach when they eh reach nowhere. Coach just making sure to nail home that point to a still-developing player.
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1.) He motivating his team to go out and get results regardless of who missing or not.
2.) He letting KM know he ain’t reach yet. Which he hasn’t.
We always complaining bout how our players does feel they reach when they eh reach nowhere. Coach just making sure to nail home that point to a still-developing player.
Hoss da "feel he reach" talk is often used to attack our players based on something we cannot measure. Unless a player open his mouth and say something to that effect dat is ah pack ah ass! That is Cornmeal kinda talk, leave he wit dat. Stating that Nashy is integral or key to their offense does not take anything away from his belief that he can improve defensively/still developing. Every player is not the same. There are some that do not need to told they or spoken of as being that important because they lack humility. The coach has already stated his admiration for Molino's humble nature already. So nothing eh need to be nailed home, that team plays level shit on offense without him plain as day. Is not like he would be inflating his value to the attack.
As for motivating them, I doh know if that will work. If that is indeed his aim I eh kno nah.
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1.) He motivating his team to go out and get results regardless of who missing or not.
2.) He letting KM know he ain’t reach yet. Which he hasn’t.
We always complaining bout how our players does feel they reach when they eh reach nowhere. Coach just making sure to nail home that point to a still-developing player.
I don't know what going on with the coach and Molino. But I beg to differ on this "we reach" issue. I listen to Molino in an interview when he was coming out of his season long rehab from ACL injury. He was very humble and introspective of his football career. He said something the effective that life cant be taken for granted. He knew that a footballers lifespan it fragile and short. Long if you are lucky. He did not sound like any prima-donna to me. But I honestly don't know what is happening. Maybe the coach wants more out of him??!! But he scored a couple since his return. So I would like to know.
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The coach actual quote is a lot more measured than what the article suggesting.
“I would never want anybody to think that because we didn’t have Kevin Molino, we couldn’t win the game. I don’t believe that at all,” Kreis said. “But I do think Kevin’s an important player..."
That doh sound like a fight down to me. Sound like he telling his team they still have enough without him to win games. Is the writer of the article making it sound more severe than it was.
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The coach actual quote is a lot more measured than what the article suggesting.
“I would never want anybody to think that because we didn’t have Kevin Molino, we couldn’t win the game. I don’t believe that at all,” Kreis said. “But I do think Kevin’s an important player..."
That doh sound like a fight down to me. Sound like he telling his team they still have enough without him to win games. Is the writer of the article making it sound more severe than it was.
Enrique would say the same thing at Barca if Messi injured...
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Kevin Molino’s the X factor for Orlando City’s playoff chances
By Carson A. Merk (playingfor90.com)
While superstars Cyle Larin and Kaka grab the spotlight, it may be Kevin Molino who will most determine Orlando City’s finish this season.
When you talk about Orlando City SC, you first bring up either young megastar Cyle Larin, or global legend Kaka, rightfully so. Larin leads the club in goals this season with 12, and Kaka leads in assists with 8. But right below both players on those lists is the same man, Kevin Molino. Unlike both those players, he did not come on board since the team became an MLS side in 2015.
Kevin Molino has been with Orlando City for five years now. Joining the club in 2011, he was a stud when the team competed in the USL. In 2014, he set what was then the single season record for goals in a season with 20, and won the league’s Most Valuable Player.
Despite interest from some European sides, as much as a couple of week long trials, Molino stayed with Orlando City as they moved up to Major League Soccer. He started seven games, before tearing his ACL in an early May friendly, ending his 2015 campaign without a goal.
This season, the 26-year-old Trinidadian has shown why he is a fan favorite, and possibly the biggest piece Orlando City needs at their best for playoff success. He currently sits with nine goals and seven assists.
To showcase how big of an impact it is when he’s playing well, in the 12 games he’s scored or assisted, the club has only lost once. He’ll likely never be the banner player for Orlando City again, stuck behind Larin and Kaka, but Molino in good form may be their biggest component at a playoff run in 2016.
They face Colorado Rapids this weekend, a matchup against a tough, physical team that also has Tim Howard in goal. With the Rapids defense likely zeroing in on stopping the Larin-Kaka tandem, Kevin Molino may find himself in some good positions to try to take down the second best in the West.
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The type of comments this coach is making and the type of player he brought to the club he wants midfield battlers so Molino's playing time would now be limited and for Molino age he does not have time to be coming off the bench so if there is clubs in Europe who wants him he should split.
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he injured or what, didn't even make bench this game.....know he had the hamstring thing..dat still ah issue..they look real toothless though
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he injured or what, didn't even make bench this game.....know he had the hamstring thing..dat still ah issue..they look real toothless though
took glimpses of the game & thought the same thing. Time ticking off the clock & they didn't look like they had the belief that they could "pull something", which they always look like in the closing stages with Molino on the pitch. Had the same question as you so searched the net and say...he mussbe still injured.
Cristian Higuita (hamstring) and Pedro Ribeiro (back surgery) are out. Matias Perez Garcia (quad) is day-to-day. Rafael Ramos (hamstring) is close to a return after rejoining his teammates in full squad training. Kevin Molino was hampered in training by tightness in his hamstring but made the trip so, barring a setback, he should be available. Colorado’s injured players include former Lion Sean St. Ledger, who has been out all season, and Jermaine Jones. (http://www.themaneland.com/2016/8/20/12557108/orlando-city-at-colorado-rapids-how-to-watch-tv-info-live-stream-lineups)
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he injured or what, didn't even make bench this game.....know he had the hamstring thing..dat still ah issue..they look real toothless though
took glimpses of the game & thought the same thing. Time ticking off the clock & they didn't look like they had the belief that they could "pull something", which they always look like in the closing stages with Molino on the pitch. Had the same question as you so searched the net and say...he mussbe still injured.
Cristian Higuita (hamstring) and Pedro Ribeiro (back surgery) are out. Matias Perez Garcia (quad) is day-to-day. Rafael Ramos (hamstring) is close to a return after rejoining his teammates in full squad training. Kevin Molino was hampered in training by tightness in his hamstring but made the trip so, barring a setback, he should be available. Colorado’s injured players include former Lion Sean St. Ledger, who has been out all season, and Jermaine Jones. (http://www.themaneland.com/2016/8/20/12557108/orlando-city-at-colorado-rapids-how-to-watch-tv-info-live-stream-lineups)
Thanks, hmm should we be concerned for WCQ next month
d combination play between him and kaka what does make this team tick offensively...they also seem to miss a step when Kaka missing to be fair.
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Orlando defense is de wusssss
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Orlando defense is de wusssss
That is ah gross understatement lol
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Watched his game yesterday against TFC. Had a decent game a couple half chances. One in the second half he dragged wide. Commentator gave him some lix for that.
Coming back from the hamstring problem so he got subbed off in the 70 somethingth min. Didn't seem too worse for ware.
Orlando Defense is horrible make hours look like Italy...
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I just moved to the Orlando area so I lookin forward to takin in some games. Real support for the team up here. I see bumper stickers and purple jerseys etc regularly.
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Kevin on right now. Orlando vs NYFC. Having a decent game. Guess he must be leaving for TT tomorrow. Orlando leading 2-1. Kaka scored both goals. Kevin just missed. Defender cleared off the line.
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Kevin Molino is currently ranked as the best right winger in Major League Soccer this season (http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/08/31/audi-player-index-who-are-best-right-wingers-mls)
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Molino, Trinidad and Tobago’s family man
FIFA.com
Counting backward from 100 on an operating table, Kevin Molino waited for the gas to take him under. Darkness closed in around the Trinidad and Tobago winger. “It was a tough time,” he told FIFA.com, not knowing if he would ever play again after rupturing thick anchors of ligament in his knee. The prognosis was not good and, at 25, he was facing the end of a career that had barely begun.
“Being down and having to pick myself back up wasn’t new to me,” Molino said after ten months of gruelling rehab and now back on the pitch for Major League Soccer side Orlando City SC. “I come from a tough background. I learned early that, in life, nothing’s easy.”
The pain and self-doubt of getting back to fitness, when Molino says he “worked harder than ever,” was nothing compared to the anguish of losing two brothers on the mean streets of west Trinidad, for what he calls “being in the wrong place at the wrong time.” It was nothing compared to the pain of his mother leaving the family when he was just a 12-year-old boy, skinny as a rail.
On his road to recovery, the game was a light at the end of the tunnel, the same way it was when Molino was a boy. Football was the escape, a deliverance from something dark and dangerous.
Hard surface
“When we was boys we played in the streets, right out on the concrete,” he said about his formative days kicking around until the sun went down over his neighbourhood of Carenage. “There’s a lot of wrong paths you can go down in a place like Trinidad and I was lucky to find a way. I learned to love the game on those streets.”
Skinny as he was, Molino stood out. He had pace and quickness, creativity on the ball. When he was a teenager local pro side San Juan Jabloteh snapped him up and by 2011, when he was just 20, he had moved to sunny Florida to sign for Orlando City in the third tier of the American professional system. There, he flourished, becoming a fan favourite. He set an all-time scoring record for the league and, when Orlando City announced it would be joining MLS in 2015, he was the club’s first signing, even before Brazilian demi-god Kaka. Molino had found his way off the hard pavement of his old life. But when he heard that snap in his knee early in his first MLS term, his dreams turned to ash.
His team-mates all pitched in, and when Molino speaks of them it is with genuine emotion. You get the sense he really means it when he calls them family. “Kaka is a huge superstar, who’s done everything in the game,” he said of his team-mate in the Orlando midfield, one of the biggest stars in world football and a UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup™ winner. “But what I noticed most about him was what a good person he is, and how he was there for me when I was down.”
Orlando coach Jason Kreis calls 26-year-old Molino “the most humble player I've ever worked with,” and since coming back from his injury, he’s been better than ever. In the 13 games when Molino has scored or assisted, the team has never lost. A predator in the box, he excels at cleaning up scraps in the penalty area. He is held in great esteem by Orlando City fans and the MolinoMania hash-tag has gone viral more than once.
Soca Warrior stand-out
Molino’s return to top form is also being felt on the international stage, where he is a member of another footballing 'family': the Trinidad and Tobago national team. In 32 caps, he has scored 13 times and is looking forward to a pair of crucial qualifiers this September. With ten points from four games, the Soca Warriors are three points ahead of USA in their CONCACAF semi-final qualifying group for Russia 2018. They are looking like a good bet to reach the final Hexagonal.
“We’re not taking any game lightly,” he said, referring to the 2 September contest against bottom side Guatemala at home in Port of Spain, which Trinidad are expected to win. After that, a date with USA looms on the road in central Florida, not far from Molino’s home. That game does not have him worried either. “We need to go to USA and show them who we are. We need to push them back and score early. There’s no doubt in my mind that we should win that game and that we can win this group.”
Molino calls the current Trinidad and Tobago side the best since the famous one that reached the country’s only World Cup in 2006. He remembers those heady days well as a young boy. “It was a party all day every day in ’06,” he said with a laugh. But without big stars like Dwight Yorke and his all-time favourite Russell Latapy, Molino again points to the family component as this side’s main strength. “The most important thing is that we come together as a family,” he said, his voice stern and serious and using the full weight of the word. “That’s the secret. With that, the sky’s the limit.”
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Kevin Molino is currently ranked as the best right winger in Major League Soccer this season (http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/08/31/audi-player-index-who-are-best-right-wingers-mls)
I know it was a short article but they coulda say "And Kevin Molino leads the rankings."
Jeez boy
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WATCH: Kevin Molino scores his 10th goal of the season in Orlando City’s 4-2 loss to Los Angeles Galaxy.
https://www.youtube.com/v/5e8qtuTBxn8?start=21
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Orlando Defence real suspect on the fast break.
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Dem defense suspect full stop.
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orlando gettin kalpat at home...dey own crowd booing dem....dey need to invest in some competent defenders....plus dey playin too casual
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orlando gettin kalpat at home...dey own crowd booing dem....dey need to invest in some competent defenders....plus dey playin too casual
This is unbelievable. This team showed so much promise and just falling apart. I hope we boy doh get the axe when house cleaning comes about.
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orlando gettin kalpat at home...dey own crowd booing dem....dey need to invest in some competent defenders....plus dey playin too casual
This is unbelievable. This team showed so much promise and just falling apart. I hope we boy doh get the axe when house cleaning comes about.
10 Goals from midfield? Nah. He go be alright.
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WATCH: Big bad Kevin Molino rides the Orlando Slingshot. Pay close attention to the high notes he hits around the 0:33s mark.
https://www.youtube.com/v/O8bi0icGtS4
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orlando gettin kalpat at home...dey own crowd booing dem....dey need to invest in some competent defenders....plus dey playin too casual
This is unbelievable. This team showed so much promise and just falling apart. I hope we boy doh get the axe when house cleaning comes about.
Kreis failed to sign any defenders when he had the chance. I know he not there long yet but he signed an attacking midfielder and then talk about how that was where they needed strengthening.
He should get a chance seein as he eh get a proper shot at building the team.
Molino safe and will have other offers I'm sure.
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After beating Montreal 4-1 OCFC gave up 4 goals in each of the last 3 games. 12 goals in 3 games. Boss side!
Molino needed to make something happen. He wasn't very direct yesterday. Yuh can't always poach a goal.
Kaka was his usual invisible self.
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Now healthy, Orlando City original Kevin Molino living up to promise
By Ben Valentine (goal.com)
Everything was going well for Kevin Molino in the spring of 2015.
From humble beginnings with Trinidad and Tobago Pro League side Ma Pau, he had gone from 20-year-old youngster in Orlando City’s USL debut season to a player considered an exciting MLS attacking prospect. He was playing under Adrian Heath, a coach he was very close with, and confident in his game.
“The first five, six games, I was playing my best football ever, for me, at that point and time,” Molino told Goal USA. “All the hype and playing in MLS — I was really looking forward to it after my period of time in the USL.”
Then in an instant, all that changed.
In the 16th minute of a friendly against Brazilian side Ponte Preta on May 2, Molino tore the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee. Molino’s first MLS season was over soon after it had begun.
“It was hard to come to terms with it,” Molino said. “It was my first major injury — the next day I had an MRI and they determined I’d be out for the season.
“The most important thing for me was the people around me — my mother, family, friends. It’s been a tough road and being out for 10 months is difficult, but you know in life, whatever happens you have to get up and keep going.”
For a player whose pace is a major asset, a knee injury can be devastating. And it came at a time when Molino was trying to transition from a player who had excelled in his final USL campaign — scoring 20 league goals — into a reliable MLS player.
When faced with adversity, however, Molino felt that there wasn’t anything he could do but push on. That meant changing the way he went about his training habits, so he developed a routine to help him get back on the field quickly and effectively.
“I’d be doing therapy, I’d be in the gym and third I’d be out on the field, trying to run with the proper techniques and also doing drills with the ball, so it was different for me,” he said. “Doing therapy and being in gym for three or four months was something new to me. And the most important thing was that I come to terms with it. And now I’m back and enjoying playing the game again.”
It’s a lot easier to enjoy the game when the results from that work pay off, and that’s exactly what’s happened since his return to the field. Quietly, Molino has been one of the league’s best attacking players this season. His 10 goals have him tied for 14th in the league, while he is tied for ninth in assists with seven. He’s also created 33 chances from open play, which is good for 18th in MLS.
Those totals put him second, second and first, respectively, on Orlando as Molino, who can play right, left or center in Orlando's attacking midfield, proves himself to be worth the hype that accompanied him prior to the 2015 season.
It's hype that Orlando coach Jason Kreis saw firsthand before the start of that campaign while he was in charge of New York City FC.
“Kevin’s a player actually that we saw in preseason last year for the first time,” Kreis said. “I thought he was an excellent player from afar. In analyzing the players before we took the job, he was one of the guys we kind of highlighted and said ‘this is a bright prospect’ and someone we would be very happy to work with.”
Kreis praised Molino’s shifty play, his strength with the ball at his feet and his “ability to get around players.” But the new coach is clear that Molino still has growing to do on the defensive side of the ball.
“He needs to take his game to the next level and he’ll do that when he gets really committed to extremely hard on both sides of the ball,” Kreis said. “He’s still learning a little bit about that defensive effort that is required to take the next step.”
For his part, Molino has had to adjust to life without Heath, who was let go in July. Molino credited Heath with bringing him from Trinidad at a “tender age” and shaping his attacking game to where it is today. Yet he knows that Heath’s dismissal is part of the business and is receptive toward the feedback Kreis and his staff have provided.
“For me, the attacking aspect aspect has been great, but they’re asking me to continue to work on the defensive side of my game," he said. "I can always improve, you know? I can always get better.”
Beyond his success with Orlando, Molino has emerged as a key contributor on the Trinidad and Tobago national team while forming a dangerous attacking trio with Kenwyne Jones and Joevin Jones. Molino has started four World Cup qualifiers since returning from injury, scoring in a 6-0 win over St. Vincent and the Grenadines that helped the Soca Warriors through to the final round in CONCACAF.
Despite making it to the Hexagonal — something T&T failed to do in the 2014 cycle — Molino found the end of the last round disappointing. Undefeated with a chance to win the group on the last day of the semifinal round, the Soca Warriors suffered a 4-0 defeat to the United States.
“It’s a bittersweet feeling. At the end of the day you want to end on a good note, which we didn’t,” Molino said. “We still have a lot more work to be done because we’re going to be going up against a different level, home and away, against quality teams. We have to refocus and continue where we left off, take that loss against the U.S., throw behind our backs and look to move forward as a team.”
Four starters on the Soca Warriors, Molino, Joevin Jones, Mekeil Williams and Cordell Cato, ply their trade in MLS, and a fifth, Kenwyne Jones, will be joining the league next season. Molino believes MLS is the perfect league for his countrymen and something for younger players in Trinidad to aim for.
“I’m looking forward to the welcoming for Kenwyne next year and all the players who have been doing good,” Molino said. “I’m happy — not just for them, but for all of us to inspire the young kids, to show them. At this moment, there’s a lot of crime and negativity (in Trinidad) so (it’s important) for us to come out and show with (the players) abroad and in America that sport can get you a long way. Sports can unify people and bring everyone together.”
“For me, this is a market for Trinidad players — a steppingstone to move onto higher leagues or to build a career here. I’d like to see a lot more Trinidad players here and working their craft."
As for whether he’d like to go to Europe one day, the attacker conceded “every footballer dreams of playing in the Champions League.” But his outlook is squarely on the tough playoff fight Orlando has. The Lions are five points back of sixth-place D.C. United with three games left, meaning they have an steep climb.
But regardless of the outcome this season, it’s been quite the journey for the young man from Carenage, Trinidad. He is one of two players left from Orlando City’s debut USL season — Luke Boden is the other — and has seen the club go from a third division side to an MLS team with playoff expectations and Brazilian legend Kaka on its roster.
Molino acknowledges it's a situation that would have been hard for his 20-year-old self to imagine.
“To see this club grow from scratch into something that is very popular, very good and a nice organization, to see how the city comes alive when we have games — it’s really amazing,” he said. “When I look at things from the start, who’d think Kaka would be here? Julio (Baptista), (Antonio) Nocerino, Brek (Shea), Cyle Larin? Now it’s dream come true for us to live in the moment and enjoy every moment.”
(http://socawarriors.net/images/stories/sw/molino_kevin_2016_MLS_statistics.jpg)
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Asking from the grapevine, what is Kevin problem?. Is he and Hart having some kind of antagonism. Has Hart been putting pressure on him to perform at the high level we want? Is he out of favor with Hart? What? Tell me. ..... us, if allyuh know. I really like this guy. His bubbling spirit and fight(especially with Orlando) was nice to see. I was expecting that kind of vibes to be transferred with him when he is on the field with the MNT. But, I am now totally clueless on one of the bright spots on our team. What is happening?
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Asking from the grapevine, what is Kevin problem?. Is he and Hart having some kind of antagonism.Has Hart been putting pressure on him to perform at the high level we want? Is he out of favor with Hart? What? Tell me. ..... us, if allyuh know. I really like this guy. His bubbling spirit and fight(especially with Orlando) was nice to see. I was expecting that kind of vibes to be transferred with him when he is on the field with the MNT. But, I am now totally clueless on one of the bright spots on our team. What is happening?
See Peong's post.
Molino doh make enough money to go Trini and party on his own time? He livin Florida how hard it is for him to hop on a flight to get he it out of his system?
Keep Hart. Punish Molino.
P.S. Might be hard when yuh playing midweek and on the weekend. Easier to roll it all in one and subsidise the lime. ::)
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Me and my father are big fans of molino. Anytime Orlando come to NY we're buying tickets just to see him play. It's heartbreaking to see him doing this and letting down your teammates and country. I hope he does read this. Get yourself sorted out and be the number 10 that the country will love or you can forget the national team and you can fete anytime you want during the MLS off season, the choice is yours.
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Doubt Molino reads or cares what the average fans posts here (made abundantly clear by his actions) but Kevin you real let down the side. I don't know what to say, extremely disappointed, from a once big fan of yours.
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He reads and at one time used to post sporadically. He following in Yorke and Latas footsteps but taking it a step further. They used to love da party scenes too but I doh remember if they did it before games tho.
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For a friggin bar fete..yuh couldn't miss this one ?ketch the next.
Sounding like a drug issue, anyway as much as I liked you Molino, I blame you for disrupting the team, and we will try to manage without you in the near and far future. If you want in the meanwhile to try to find a way for coach and teammates to ever trust you again, feel free. I have no idea how you can do that. Maybe get your family to write letters, I really don't know. However, we will find a replacement, cause everyone must be, and we won't be rewarding that replacement with omission for no man, especially for someone who let down so many for so little.
I will support and follow your representation still, as you will always be a representative, but these real people matches are for people with exceptional character, skill, discipline, strength and with a strong ability to utilize all that in a team environment. All for one, one for all. Everyone party or no one party. Selfish ppl need not apply.
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If he was the only player to break camp, it could very well be outside influences (partners/girls) that distracting him to lime and party. He have to be more disciplined not to fall into that type for pressure as a professional athlete. Maybe with the culture at OC may not be uncommon to go out 2 nights before a game but he clearly knows the NT team rules and it's sad to see him violate it. Now he'll learn the hard way, consequences for his actions.
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Many people and fans of TT football will lose all love and respect for Molino,he has a duty to show respect for his country,his coach and his supporters,this is no fete match and stupid behaviour like that should not be tolerated anymore,especially from Mr.Molino,this his his second mis adventure in a short space of time.I always check the net to see how he's doing,I now feel there's no reason to do so,I'm sure many feel like me.He scores a hat-trick against a nothing team and feels bigger than Ronaldo,he should understand how easy it is fall off yuh perch,it has happened ton better players.
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I have no basis for my speculation, but that piece of recklessness have to be about meeting some woman. Maybe.
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Molino set to take a year away from Soca Warriors, according to Orlando Sentinel
http://wired868.com/2016/10/12/molino-set-to-take-a-year-away-from-soca-warriors-according-to-orlando-sentinel/
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no respect for his teammates and country. That's the bottom line..... it's all about ME.
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I echoing a comment on the wired site, "who is advising this young man?"
I really hope he not taking cues from rhe latter parts of Yorke and Latas international careers becuz 1. dem fellas bread was buttered no matter what they do with the soca warriors and 2. that is a stupid cue to take!
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I just see this story covered on Orlando sports news.
Molino get yuh damn act together!
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Where exactly has Molino reached football-wise, seriously? We pump these guys up when there is still so much runway left in front of them to really achieve something and this is in part what it yields....
Get fit and back to form KC
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Don't think Kreis not watching this going down in Orlando, this is the worst time to demonstrate poor character
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Don't think Kreis not watching this going down in Orlando, this is the worst time to demonstrate poor character
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-city-lions/os-orlando-city-news-1012-20161011-story.html
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I could only hope that this was done in the heat of rage and disappointment because if he is seriously thinking about taking a break from international football for a year especially when the hex is upon us then he is the only one who suffers in this situation.
It seem like Kevin molino is forgetting that we managed without him for the better part of a year and we were ok. And if he pulls such a stunt he will miss out on a grand opportunity from being scouted by bigger prospects in the hex, and he could also end up like Keon daniel where hart or no other national coach would touch him.
He better humble himself take the disciplinary actions and resume with the business at hand and stop being spiteful.
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Molino to take year-long break.
By Joel Bailey (Newsday).
KEVIN MOLINO has once again run afoul of the Trinidad and Tobago team management, particularly coach Stephen Hart, and was left out of Tuesday’s Caribbean Cup Third Round Group Four qualifier away to Martinique at Fort-de-France.
Martinique won the game 2-0 to top the group, and automatically qualify for the 2017 Caribbean Cup and the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup. tt will now enter a playoff round in November to try to get into the Gold Cup but are definitely out the Caribbean Cup.
But the major talking point from Tuesday’s match was about the 26-year-old Molino, who was omitted from the team by Hart for allegedly breaking team curfew last week. With key 2018 World Cup qualifiers starting next month, all eyes are on Hart to see if he would further sanction his star Orlando City midfielder who did the same thing just over a month ago prior to a World Cup qualifier. Hart may not have to make a decision.
On his Snapchat social media account yesterday, Molino announced that he was taking a yearlong break from international football. “Last game for Trinidad (and Tobago) was against Dominican Republic. I’m taking a year off, performances matters.”
The slimly-built Molino, who made his national men’s debut in a friendly against Guyana at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella on November 4 2010, has a total of 16 goals in 35 internationals. Molino, Joevin Jones and Mekeil Williams, were reprimanded and fined by the T&T management before the September 2 World Cup qualifier at home to Guatemala, after breaking curfew to attend a boat ride on August 30.
He looked to have bounced back from that incident with a hat-trick in a 4-0 Caribbean Cup third round win at home to the Dominican Republic last week but allegedly left the team’s base at the Marriott Hotel in Mucurapo, without permission, to attend a nightclub in Woodbrook on Friday night.
During the post-game media conference on Tuesday, Hart said, “he was left out of the squad for disciplinary reasons. He’s in a situation where he has to fight back for (his place).” Molino, with his self-imposed break will miss key World Cup qualifiers in November against Costa Rica and Honduras as well as other hexagonal matches next year. Sports and Games FC Santa Rosa FC owner and coach Keith Look Loy, as well as ex-national captain Sedley Joseph, in separate telephone interviews yesterday, were openly in support of Hart for the stance he took. “The first time, when he had partners in crime, I was of the view that they should have been disciplined then with a suspension from the team,” said Look Loy.
“As it turned out, the coach handled it in his way. I respect that, but clearly that wasn’t enough, at least in the case of Molino, who proceeded to do what he did again. “I think now that his pattern of behaviour is quite clear and I think that the coach was absolutely correct, if he didn’t do it the first time, to suspend him. I’m fully in support of what Hart has done. this should be the line taken with anybody else who wants to engage in that kind of indisciplined and disrespectful behaviour.” Joseph said, “it’s strange that I can’t understand players who have been playing professionally, and on national duty, doing these sort of things. I say it’s unfortunate that the coach had to deal with that kind of thing, but I think he did the correct thing in leaving him off the team.
“When you’re playing in a national team, it is a no-no with players getting on with that kind of indiscipline,” Joseph added. “I suppose, with the kind of ability he has, that he can do what he wants and get away with it. But I congratulate the coach on taking the action.” there has been some debate on social media that Hart should have been more lenient with Molino, especially with creative midfielder Keron Cummings still not back to his best following a gunshot wound to his leg last December, and Ataullah Guerra out of favour.
Look Loy stressed, “I could argue in response that when he was allowed to play, after the first (infringement), which was against Guatemala, he did very little. “Do we want a team in which players are free to do whatever they want, knowing that they would get away (with) it, or do we want a disciplined outfit in which people understand that they have a role to play and which everybody will be given equal chance, within the rules and regulations, to play their part? that’s the decision which every coach, and every Football Association, have to make. In any event, Molino (being) out might give somebody else a chance to shine.”
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Let Molino haul he undisciplined c*#t!!!
Where was he last year Gold Cup?? Exactly!! Out injured! Have we look that good since he come back?? Doh show up when it matters anyway.
So fellah rock so and play for OC, and go home and run dong boat-ride and party freely and only be grinning like ah fool with yuh stupid hairstyle. Leave we SocaWarriors ah-effing-lone we go be alright.
He feel he is Messi, boy go from here with yuh stupid, "Taking ah year off" BS eh!
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TT too small for Molino now.
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On his Snapchat social media account yesterday, Molino announced that he was taking a yearlong break from international football. “Last game for Trinidad (and Tobago) was against Dominican Republic. I’m taking a year off, performances matters."
Not sure what Molino means.
With key 2018 World Cup qualifiers starting next month, all eyes are on Hart to see if he would further sanction his star Orlando City midfielder who did the same thing just over a month ago prior to a World Cup qualifier. Hart may not have to make a decision.
No serious person would expect him to be suiting up in NT colours anytime soon. Didn't realise this would be a source of curiosity.
P.S. Newsday, get an editor.
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This has some serious implications here,if this is true and like a catch 22 dam if you do dam if you do not,as he is a very important component to this team,does anyone know the status of KJ injury,yes he f up big time but to cut him is not in our interest at this time,he needs to be watched very closely,wiser heads need to convince him that such behaviour is unbecoming and not in the best interest of the team going forward
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Very unfortunate situation.
If the reports are true, Molino placed the coach in a "no other option" position and let down his teammates in particular in the process.
Again, if the reports are accurate.....it's curious that in his interview after scoring a hat trick against DR just last week, Molino apologized when asked about his transgression prior to the Guatemala game. He said he was sorry, that it wouldn't happen again and just wanted to move forward and dedicate himself to the team.
Ironically, he may have done the team a favor by putting the coaching staff in that situation. Players are now clear that there are consequences for actions and hopefully that ends up being a positive step for the team.
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Let's move on, we have very important things to do. The door should be left open for him. I believe in redemption, providing that individual has acknowledged his/her issues are the problem. Dwight and Latas had issues, but they realized that age was a factor and humbled themselves. The rest is history. Hart, TTFA has to make a serious attempt at working we the current u23 players in the short term. We lack depth. We need to develop our local talent. I rather the locals play Grenada and Guyana a 1000 times than do nothing when there is a break in football.
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This is nothing new for some good players, it's like a disease that needs medication. The boy needs a mentor to help him through these trying times.
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Took us 3 years to build a squad that worked for each other and raised the hopes of the supporters and the country and Kevin's selfishness wants to destroy all that. I hope and pray KJ recovers from his injury so he and Hart can rally the troops for the task at hand. I must admit I am fearful of the Hex when I initially was cautiously confident. Molino benching clearly had an effect on the players minds. People like JJ, Hyland and Cato who grow up with him and from the same area could be torn between their long term friendship and loyalty to the program. I hope not and wish for de best. A win vs Costa Rica couldn't be more important to raise the mood of the camp!! Time fuh Jomal and Shahdon to step up and fill that void like Cummings did. Now self we need warriors and no weakheart!!
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Some of the players' social media postings are a little worrying. I could be wrong but some of the players (the younger ones) seem to be standing in solidarity with Molino.
I will leave it for ya'll to observe for yourselves.
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A disciplined team produces better results every time. Molino is not a sure thing to remain here in Orlando. Take that for what it''s worth.
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"it's curious that in his interview after scoring a hat trick against DR just last week, Molino apologized when asked about his transgression prior to the Guatemala game. He said he was sorry, that it wouldn't happen again and just wanted to move forward and dedicate himself to the team."
Los, maybe he signed up for it won't happen with "Boat ride" again,and figure there was no mention of dry land , fete or bar. smh ::)
he taking a year off..enjoy, we not signing up to wait for you, enjoy yuhself to the fullest man, life short, no sense coming back, it have fete every weekend, even in Orlando, hook up with the regular ppl like me, feters united, see how that work out for yuh.. :devil:
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THIS..." he may have done the team a favor by putting the coaching staff in that situation. Players are now clear that there are consequences for actions and hopefully that ends up being a positive step for the team."
Will the 'we eh getting pay ting" surface again as an excuse for indiscipline? Are they being paid?
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Thomo yuh have to add Daneil and Shelly to that mix too. All dem man grow up limin together and does base by my cuz house. They very tight knit, so it will affect them for sure but not to the point of a hangover effect long beyond last game.
Jumbie and that is where the whole pay thing and on-time payments is important. If is the same ole scenes then who cant fault some of these youngmen for not taking things like curfew seriously? Imagine yuh travelling all bout to play ball risking injury and not getting paid and then being told "you can't do/go ____? This is why I asked earlier if people sure about what they talking because many jumping to conclusions and stating them with firm conviction like they have inside intel.
In the end like Palos I hope the line being drawn has a positive effect.
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Hmmmm...
Interesting developments.. so Molino voluntarily doing this, since Keron got shot and Williams has taken over, there have been a strange turn of events with our football...
I think our football is being jeopardized, Molino may have been instructed to do so which would clear his way for club football and weaken our national team going into qualifiers..
There is outside sources involved here in terms of destabilizing the team... a full strength TT team poses a threat and this is what is not wanted...
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Hmmmm...
Interesting developments.. so Molino voluntarily doing this, since Keron got shot and Williams has taken over, there have been a strange turn of events with our football...
I think our football is being jeopardized, Molino may have been instructed to do so which would clear his way for club football and weaken our national team going into qualifiers..
There is outside sources involved here in terms of destabilizing the team... a full strength TT team poses a threat and this is what is not wanted...
Add to that the possibility (probability?) that T&T may have been bribed to lose to Martinique. Everything you predicted coming thru bruh.
Pressha!
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Lol the TT team don't need to be bribed to lose to Martinique..
They can throw the game or give a half effort based on what happened with Molino... it throws the unity and team off, so it can have adverse effects on performance..
Ask yourself, a man apologize, score 3 goals then walk out the team, doesn't make sense.. there's more to it..
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Ask yourself, a man apologize, score 3 goals then walk out the team, doesn't make sense.. there's more to it..
Somebody getting promoted jes now ;)
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Molino could not be serious about trying to go to europe if he passing up on world cup qualifying games for a year.
he will be on the team for the hex
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Molino could not be serious about trying to go to europe if he passing up on world cup qualifying games for a year.
he will be on the team for the hex
Perhaps Molino knows that he'll be dealing with a different MNT coaching staff in the not too distant future
Sometimes yuh place all yuh chips on a particular color and hope to all the GODs that the roulette land on your color.
BIG gamble to take......eedah dat....or BIG chain up
We'll see
No risk...no reward right?
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Most of allyuh here wanted David Williams ent
Watch it...Latas is most likely de next coach...Steups :banginghead:
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Kevin Molino faces scrutiny from Orlando City after national team dismissal
By Alicia DelGallo (Orlando Sentinel)
Shocking was the word Orlando City coach Jason Kreis used while describing his initial reaction to news of Kevin Molino's release from the Trinidad and Tobago national team due to reportedly sneaking out of camp and going to a nightclub.
"Completely shocking, from my point of view, that somebody with Kevin's mentality and work rate and humility would be doing something like that," Kreis said after training Thursday. "So, I think it's very, very important that we leave it for now and speak with him individually and see exactly what happened."
Molino was scheduled to arrive in Orlando Thursday afternoon. Kreis also said he will speak with Molino and Soca Warriors head coach Stephen Hart before deciding if the club should discipline Molino further. The expulsion came about a month after Molino and some teammates were heavily fined by the national team for breaking curfew to attend a boat party.
Molino is an Orlando City original, joining the club in 2011 when it first launched in Orlando as a USL team. He led the Lions to two USL championships and shattered scoring records along the way. He was the club's first MLS signee when it entered the league last season, and he continues to play a critical role in Orlando City's attack. This season, he is the second leading scorer with 10 goals, behind only Cyle Larin's 14. He's also second on the team in assists with seven. Kaká leads with eight.
"It's all to be determined," said Kreis, who expected to speak with Molino. "It's one thing to read something in the press, it's another thing to find out what the story is from the player. So, we will wait to speak to the player and see what he has to say, as well as the coach of Trinidad.
"And it's a difficult situation. Obviously, it's not something that we condone or support, but it's difficult to see whether or not that should affect his availability for our team. Certainly, if he had a disciplinary issue that happened when he was with us, there would be discipline to be had."
The Lions are preparing for their final two matches of the season, first facing Philadelphia on the road Sunday and then returning to Camping World Stadium for the season finale Oct. 23 against D.C. United.
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Lip service from Kreis
1 - Yuh think he vex Molino will have no further international commitments for the forseeable future? MLS doesn't take a break during the international window unlike most other foreign leagues. He angry that he will have exclusive use of the player without having to worry about injury when playing for another team? Please.
2 - The incident occurred with T&T National team. As long as that behavior doesn't happen with Orlando, I cannot see him imposing ANY kind of discipline on Molino for what occurred externally and completely outside of their control.
3 - Orlando already out of the MLS playoffs so is not like they have anything to play for. Even if he did "discipline" Molino.....it makes no real difference to Orlando.
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Good points contro, I didn't want to say it but I also feel there's some conspiracy going on.
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Lip service from Kreis
1 - Yuh think he vex Molino will have no further international commitments for the forseeable future? MLS doesn't take a break during the international window unlike most other foreign leagues. He angry that he will have exclusive use of the player without having to worry about injury when playing for another team? Please.
2 - The incident occurred with T&T National team. As long as that behavior doesn't happen with Orlando, I cannot see him imposing ANY kind of discipline on Molino for what occurred externally and completely outside of their control.
3 - Orlando already out of the MLS playoffs so is not like they have anything to play for. Even if he did "discipline" Molino.....it makes no real difference to Orlando.
In the U S A the league and teams can discipline players for action they commit outside of the league because when he plays international football he is also representing the league and club.
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Is Molino allowed to go out and fete the night before a crucial Orlando match, that's do or die?
What is the environment with his club?
Also, just because he's not paid to play or paid less on the national team doesn't mean he can treat our national team like garbage.. if you are about the money, get your caps and don't come back to national ball if you are not giving 100%..
And the ttfa need to pay the players and have the proper insurance and have admins that actually know what they are doing.. so they are also to blame.. coach Hart is the one stuck in the middle taking the blame for players who indisciplined
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Hart to submit Molino report today.
By Walter Alibey (Guardian).
National coach Stephen Hart is expected to submit a report to president of the T&T Football Association David John-Williams today amidst reports that midfielder Kevin Molino broke the team camp ahead of T&T’s Caribbean Cup clash with Martinique in Fort de France on Tuesday night and was dropped for the match.
Hart returned home with members of his team on Wednesday night and said yesterday he did not want to make a comment until the report was submitted to John-Williams and the TTFA today.
Molino was dropped for the match, which T&T lost 0-2. The Soca Warriors will now enter a play-off in November in a bid to earn a spot in the Concacaf Gold Cup.
Yesterday, John-Williams said he could not comment on the situation as he did not have all the facts. He stated: “I found out about the situation a few hours before the game on Tuesday night by the coach, so until I get all the facts I will not be able to decide on how we can move forward.”
The embattled football boss said he was confused by why this incident took place so soon after the player’s previous action ahead of the Guatemala World Cup Qualifying encounter at the Hasely Crawford Stadium more than a month ago, and why it has been happening before the country is involved in such important matches.
T&T will enter the final Concacaf World Cup qualifying round next month, beginning with an encounter at home against Costa Rica on November 11 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Yesterday the Association’s third vice president, Joanne Salazar, said the governing body wants to ensure that due process takes place before a decision is made. This, she explained, involves receiving the report from Hart and accumulating all the necessary information first.
Molino, the Orlando City midfielder was given a hefty fine, along with midfielder Joevin Jones and defender Mekeil Williams after they broke the team’s curfew last month to attend a boat cruise.
Hart has since promised stiffer penalties for players caught guilty of similar actions and on Tuesday Molino was dropped from the starting team.
However reports have been circulating that Molino, via social media, has declared a year-long break from international football, saying “Last game for T&T was against Dominican Republic. I am taking a year off, performances matters.”
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This is not going to end well for the players involved and the team. Seems like team spirit and discipline has been ripped to shreds. What I find weird is Molino imposed an exile time limit on himself. It's as if he's setting the tone. Reeks if arrogance if you ask me. My optimism for the Hex has almost been depleted. After all this hard work we're getting kicked in the teeth by some neemakarans! Cheers guys!! SMDH
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If was me, he never play for T&T again.
F00ck em.
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I used to think the lad was a very level headed fella until the boat ride issue which I brushed off as a one off. But nah, the 2nd same indiscretion made him look really arrogant by all indications.
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He thinks coming back home is party time and VK,jokes ting not battle blood and guts to win a football game .He is also destroying what little winning culture the team was cultivating ,best he just miss the whole FIFA World Cup Of Football scene and party with the rest of the fans in the stands and clubs after the games .
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Just still hope there would be something to party about after the games ,after one striker got shot in the leg and the other striker shot himself in the foot .
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Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait wait!!!!
I only browse this last page quick, but it seems like if men talking bout conspiracy theory and all kinda crazy bacahnal???
How bout if we just call it what is simply was/is...a clown move from Molino!
We will be alright without him, watch and see?
But knowing how thing does go, they going and talk to him and he'll be back in the fold soon...steups!!!
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Ohh gosh I hope not ,if we keep Molino we are as good as done ! We're playing Costa Rica soon and are no where close to firing on all cyclinders as we were in the Mexico games and that is where we need to be right now .
All our warm up games got disrupted by Kevin selfishness .
I think Coach Hart needs to bring back in Ball Pest even if it's just to raise back up the mood in the room and just sit on the bench maybe even sub in .
The chemistry is way off in this team right now and maybe only Cummings can change it back ,no more Molino.
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Kevin Molino won't be disciplined by Orlando for reported Trinidad incident
By Sam Stejskal (MLSsoccer.com)
Orlando City SC midfielder Kevin Molino will not face any discipline from the club after he was sent home from Trinidad and Tobago national team camp earlier this week after he reportedly broke curfew to go to a nightclub.
A club spokesperson said that Orlando head coach Jason Kreis spoke to Molino about the incident and determined that it was a matter between the 26-year-old midfielder and Trinidad and Tobago head coach Stephen Hart.
Kreis told the Orlando Sentinel’s Alicia DelGallo on Thursday that he was shocked by the incident.
“Completely shocking, from my point of view, that somebody with Kevin’s mentality and work rate and humility would be doing something like that,” he said. “So, I think it’s very, very important that we leave it for now and speak with him individually and see exactly what happened.”
Molino was reportedly cut from Trinidad and Tobago camp after leaving camp to go to a nightclub ahead of their Caribbean Cup qualifier at Martinique on Tuesday. Trinidad lost the match after extra time, meaning they failed to qualify for the Caribbean Cup and will be forced to win a three-team playoff in order to qualify for the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
This week’s incident came about a month after Molino and several other Soca Warriors teammates were fined by the national team for breaking curfew to attend a party.
Molino is second on Orlando in both goals and assists in 2016, scoring 10 times and notching seven helpers in 28 regular-season appearances this year. The Lions will play at Philadelphia on Sunday (3 pm ET; MLS LIVE) before closing the season with a home game against D.C. United on Oct. 23.
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What a dink .Take your year off Breds come back if the qualify for Russia.
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That's what I said too. "F**K YOU KEVIN"
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Still patiently waiting on official word on this from the ttfa. This needs to be handled very carefully. It has the potential to railroad the entire campaign before it even starts. Team moral must be so low right now. Hart will need to pull a rabbit out of a hat. Quite depressing really for a team that was on a high to be in danger of being destroyed.
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There seems to be a lot of doom and gloom, we have lost one player and we have replacements, some of us feel we will be destroyed without Molino, although he has done very little for us in recent matches.Let us forget Molino, he has literally told us to get f**ked,as I say we have replacements, we must bring them in.The Caribbean play offs are just a few weeks away, I bet we will do good with those replacements, Molino will be sorry for his foolish actions.
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At the end of the day its not so much just the loss of Molino that has me worried. Moreso its the disruption to team chemistry and Moral that has me worried. Don't get tie up many of the younger players in particular will be affected by this. His action and unavailability can't be viewed in isolation
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This is nothing new for some good players, it's like a disease that needs medication. The boy needs a mentor to help him through these trying times.
the boy? this is a grown man who throwing a tauntrum simply because he was reprimanded. grow up molino you was wrong. Just admit to your BS take your reprimand and move on, it's they bloody simple mate, don't make a mountain of a mole hill.
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There seems to be a lot of doom and gloom, we have lost one player and we have replacements, some of us feel we will be destroyed without Molino, although he has done very little for us in recent matches.Let us forget Molino, he has literally told us to get f**ked,as I say we have replacements, we must bring them in.The Caribbean play offs are just a few weeks away, I bet we will do good with those replacements, Molino will be sorry for his foolish actions.
hes talking team moral and the locker room, where have you been? according to done molino is well liked by his team mates.
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The only thing I'm concerned about is the team chemistry and morale... and their relationship with Hart...
Molino is replaceable and Keron or a hard working Guerra can fill that void...
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kevin i know yuhs ah man who used to post here under the handle NASHY, and i know that you still browse the site now and then, so i hope this message would reach you in a timely fashion.
but anyway, between you and me yute that is a real kakahole move yuh about to make and the one that would suffer the most is you and i'll tell you why.
as much as you don't rate coach hart and wants to teach him a lesson, coach hart bread done butter on both sides, and david john williams business done fix well good and would never want for anything as long as he remains alive, while you on the other hand just began to experience the taste of success and have a lot of grounds to cover before you could exclaim that yuh reach where yuh goin.
you must remember that you are no spring chicken, and while 26 is still considered quite young in a footballer's career and in most footballing circles some would even go as far as to claim that you're in your prime at 27, but what they fail to contemplate is that it only applies to ppl who have already played on the highest level and is winding down their career.
at 26 ballers are renewing their contracts with their old clubs or moving on to a better situation to ensure regular playing time for the next three to four years, not for men who's just getting their feet wet.
the move you are about to make is for men like messi, kaka, saurez, di maria,neymar even your team mate KJ, men who stamp their seal on football and could look back and say that they played on the highest level , have been to a world cup and a club cup final and they did it all at a very young age and have the finances to back up the accolades,you on the other hand has done absolutely nothing and is starting off your career in a league where old inconsequential players go to retire.
right now you're about to miss out on one of the biggest tournament in concacaf where tons of scouts and big name agents attend to shop for the next best talent and you want to blow it over your pride??? man you really need to reconsider your decision, i don;t know who the hell is counseling you but you need to get far away from that person.
breddren you still haven't played on the highest level, you still haven't won a regional championship, in reality the only thing you have done was to win a USL cup and no one who's anyone cares bout that, so in reality you still have a lot to achieve before you could make them kind of moves, and it's these kind of tournaments where players who have spend most their careers in bush leagues long for to be seen by the right people who can prop and elevate their careers.
i hope you mr williams and the coaching staff could come to an understanding and let cooler heads prevail, bc i fear that if you pull that move this coach here would never trust you ever again, let alone look on you as a viable option just like he turn his back on keon daniel, i know if i was in his position i wouldn't if my best player turned his back on me on the eve of a big tournament, how could coach recover from that to have confidence in such a player.
you remember how hard it was for you to sit out the gold cup (your words), and how much you wanted to contribute but was impeded by injury? meh boy imagine if by some miracle your team mates pulled a rabbit out ah hat and qualify for the world cup, think of how hard it would be for you to miss out on that, and you would if you sit out a year, bc hart would not look on you again if you did that, i guarantee it!!
in closing, go ask yorke and latas how hard it was to be banished from football, and for the same kind of behavior that you exhibit. them kinda moves is for fellas like levi garcia, he could probably get away with that bc he's a spring chicken with plenty football to play and he's already playing on a very high level in europe and probably doesn't need international appearances to be scouted, nor for work permits.
i implore you nashy to rethink your decision and don't make something that simple and easy to work out snowball into an unnecessary debacle. i know bigger players who would swim an ocean just to represnt their country, just ask carlito tevez or your team mate kaka.
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Well said JC, I hope he reads it as well :beermug:
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Well written, as a fan of our NASHY. I want him leading from the front. But is pretty much up to you breds, deep down SH wants you in, he called you back within the team immediately after you were fit again because he believed in you. I urge you to make a believer out of him, your teammates and us the fans.
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Nashy needs to apologise to his national teammates and his coach for letting them all down before he is allowed anywhere near our national team again as far as I am concerned.
Man has allowed a hattrick against Caribbean minors go to his head.
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Words of Wisdom from Just Cool. One should not make major decisions in the heat of passion nor when angry / Upset. Maybe Kaka can put some sense into his head. It is not only about his career but also about the Team bonding and creating that family feeling that Conte is talking about with Chelsea. To take a year off is to take a permanent holiday from Wearing the national Colors.
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Imo another tool who should not be on this team is Peltier. This guy's comments on this Molino situation beggars belief. Social media should not be for everyone cause they ain't smart enough to know when and when NOT to use it.
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Is not now I realise Peliter is a fool. Ent he retire after he wasn't picked recently. Is he even playing football??
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Going through Peltier Twitter feed, he seem to have a personal dislike for Hart. Something bout not being shown respect.
Could be that Hart too hard or could be them man too soft. I suspect is more of the latter, but all ah we jus speculating.
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Pelter is a f00cking dunce, Hart drop him because he just aint good, how he could get vix for that? Ent he team in Slovakia sell him too.
Be reasonable nah, rise yuh game and you will get call back.
This man head gone and he taking kakakhole Peltier with him.
T&T should make it to de WC, they go sorry.
All is not done, improve yuh game and I am sure Hart will pick yuh, simple as that.
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And where dem fellas reach football-wise? Ah bunch ah mediocrity-driven saga boys
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Peltier is as thick as mud. I can't see who he'd replace on the team tbh, so I'm not sure why he p***ed he's not getting picked. Fella ain't even score ah goal all season and he playing as a centre forward. Dem real full of themselves.
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Wais the scene with Richard Roy? He playing Scottish Premier League. Might be an option..
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Don't know why this is such a big issue.
Whether he retire or not, he should not be a factor moving forward.
If he have a crew on the team and they upset, well them fellas duncier than I thought.
I doubt that's the case though, these fellas are professionals.
Team always bigger than one man, no matter who. This is very reminiscent of the Yorke/Latapy vs Simoes fiasco. And the players involved now cant even begin to lace up them boys boots.
Based on all reports of his transgressions, he has let his country down. And anybody (including himself) who could defend that should also be let go.
Is not like the team in form these days anyway...
I wonder if they tell Beenhakker about this lol.
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If these tools get their way and Hart is fired or resigns, what next?
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Hart not going anywhere...
I rather make the big dance than win the Caribbean cup, we have already proven we are the best in the Caribbean
Yes I would love the extra matches but we have to move on
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Welcome back.. how was the sabbatical?
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Looks like he heeded KJ advice....according to wired868
Thanks Father...wiser heads have prevailed
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Good sense prevails
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161018/012eac57ea0d22cf695dcf9ec6cafb9a.png)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Jeez. Finally some common sense prevailing.
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No Player is Bigger than the Team. Once Molino is committed to the team, I say let him face the music from the Coach and TTFA and let us move on.
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If Cap'n K wants to give him a break am fine with that .
Don't like his last Jesus quote tho ,dude we've been there and seen it all before and if you was not worth it we would not even bother type !
But it's such a small sacrifice to skip a handful of party's and not be Jonesin in your room ,just so you can make it to Footballs biggest party ,the World Cup !
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Now let's move on, be prepared to fight for a place again molino. I'm glad this is over with, we have some important games coming up. Let's go T&T!!
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Forgiveness is necessary but his actions have costed the team a berth in the CC..
I believe Guerra and hopefully Keron can step into the role and let Molino ride pine until he proves himself once more..
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Molino offers public apology
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday)
National midfielder Kevin Molino yesterday publicly apologised for the first time for two embarrassing incidents of breaking team curfew in the space of a month which left his immediate future with the Soca Warriors in serious doubt.
The 26-year-old, on his Instagram page, discussed his recent pair of disciplinary issues, which saw him fined ahead of the September 2 CONCACAF World Cup qualifier at home to Guatemala and omitted by TT coach Stephen Hart from the squad for last Tuesday’s Caribbean Cup qualifier away to Martinique.
The midfielder, who plays for Orlando City FC in the American MLS (Major League Soccer), was fined by the technical staff for breaking curfew to attend a boat cruise on August 30. And last Monday, a day before the Martinique fixture in Fort-de-France, Molino allegedly paid the price for attending a nightclub in Woodbrook on October 7 during camp.
On Sunday, team captain Kenwyne Jones, through a media release, implored Molino to “put everything behind him - apologise properly to (the) coach, staff and players and by extension Trinidad and Tobago - and move forward together as a unit.” It appears Jones’ remarks have been heeded by the talented attacking player who had previously declared on Snapchat that he intended to take a year off from national duties despite crucial World Cup qualifiers against Costa Rica and Honduras kicking off next month.
Molino stressed his commitment to the national team yesterday.
“Playing the beautiful game is all that matters to me, especially for my country,” Molino wrote on his Instagram page yesterday. “It’s what I’ve dreamt of all my life.
“My recent decisions do not reflect that, and for this I am sorry,” said Molino. “I am also aware of the effects my choices have had on the TT coaching staff, TT FA (TT Football Association), my teammates, fans and friends. And I apologise for this as well.
“My childhood dream is still alive and I’m 100% committed to representing the red, black and white if I am lucky enough to be selected again,” Molino said, while closing with the hashtag ‘Let who is without sin cast the first stone”.
The last sentence by Molino is very telling as the TTFA president David John-Williams, in a telephone interview yesterday, indicated that the TT FA executive plans to meet with Hart, before the end of the month, to discuss the matter involving the midfielder’s omission from the national squad last week.
“We got a report from the coaching staff,” said John-Williams. “The Board is going to sit down with Mr Hart, he’s out of the country and he comes back on Thursday, and then we’ll meet with Mr Hart.” Asked if the matter will be dealt with before the CONCACAF Final Round begins, John-Williams replied, “yes. It’s a sure thing that it’s going to be rectified before then.”
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I agree with Contro to some extent. His actions cost the team with respect to the Caribbean Cup.
I guess where i am torn is that if the TTFA takes more punitive action as far as a ban then it could hurt the WC campaign. SH has responded to the apology saying there was never an issue with respect to his attitude on the field of play. Keron and Guerra are options but i have to leave it to the coach to determine who he wants on the field.
He was banned for 1 match, to set precedent for others a 2 game ban may have been adequate but its a toss up. If others based on form surge ahead of him then that will be the case, indiscretion or not.
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the dilemma is where do we draw the line between - a young man reacting in the moment (people make mistakes) vs being a professional.
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Finally some closure.
I trust the coach to deal with the disciplinary actions as he deems appropriate. More importantly this will bring some much needed stability to the camp.
KM will need to re-earn the trust he has lost with the coaching staff, his team mates and the fans regardless of what punishment is given.
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“My childhood dream is still alive and I’m 100% committed to representing the red, black and white if I am lucky enough to be selected again,” Molino said, while closing with the hashtag ‘Let who is without sin cast the first stone”.
The last sentence by Molino is very telling as the TTFA president David John-Williams, in a telephone interview yesterday, indicated that the TT FA executive plans to meet with Hart, before the end of the month, to discuss the matter involving the midfielder’s omission from the national squad last week.
What happen? Hart was in de same fete, and dais why he get ketch???
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‘Let who is without sin cast the first stone”.
That COULD be directed to those who criticized him and not necessarily a dig at the coach
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Weird how the same Corn Curls allyuh lambastin commending Nashy for his about face lol
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Weird how the same Corn Curls allyuh lambastin commending Nashy for his about face lol
Saw that.
Who feels it knows it.
Plus, no player really wants to be a spectator.
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I agree with Contro to some extent. His actions cost the team with respect to the Caribbean Cup.
Tough one.
There would have been a definite effect on team morale.
But at the end of the day, the team is...or should be...stronger than the loss of any one player.
Man down....Man to fork up.
Cyah use that as an excuse for losing against Martinique....
Or using the strike on the eve of the final as an excuse for losing against Jamaica in CFU final
Or squandering 4 chances to qualify for the Copa Centenario
At some point, yuh got to not make excuse and get on with it.
Adversity happens all the time in sport. Is how you deal with it is the key
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Adversity happens all the time in sport. Is how you deal with it is the key
That is the line right there.
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In critical games we lack mental fortitude, whether is Molino axing and KJ injury vs Martnique, Bateau and KJ absence vs Haiti or Nobody in JA....good counter examples include Guat in Guat, but it's the exception, not the norm...
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Guatemala away was not critical. It was the first game. No pressure to go and win away.
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Respek bredda, but disagree, WC qual in CA critical, but I get your pt, not do or die...in which case, record wuss
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WATCH: Midfielder Kevin Molino scores his 11th goal of the season in Orlando City’s 4-2 win over DC United
https://www.youtube.com/v/sU70XExXkXI?start=36
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The lad is a pure poacher no doubt. and there are people who wants the Coach to drop him from the team like we could afford to do that and not suffer the consequences. our goal scorers are few and far between.
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He almost had a 2nd, dribbled past the defender placed it to the far corner but it hit the post.
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On talent and form, he makes the squad, club and country. After that it's all up to him.
I'm backing him to do well.
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@FF: Guatemala away was a textbook example of prevailing despite adversity. Also, we scored against the run of play and against the history of the encounter. Kudos to the players for rising to the challenge.
In addition, I think the squad's accommodations were spot-on because the players were insulated from all of the interference that typically affects teams playing in some Central America destinations.
That match was crucial for setting the tone of the campaign. Even if there was no pressure to win, there definitely was pressure to not lose. As it turns out, we could not have afforded to forfeit the two additional points.
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What de refugee said
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Adversity happens all the time in sport. Is how you deal with it is the key
That is the line right there.
This is my main concern. My own assessment is that this team is very fragile mentally, any little off the field incident throws everything into chaos on the field. This is not a talent issue, we have the talent.
I have been calling for a sports psychologist, I can't say if one will solve our problems, but to just leave it to chance to me is not enough.
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MLS Comeback Player of the Year Finalists
Frank Lampard (New York City FC)
Kevin Molino (Orlando City SC)
Chris Pontius (Philadelphia Union)
*Honors an MLS player who has overcome injuries and/or adversity in order to achieve success during the 2016 regular season
http://www.orlandocitysc.com/post/2016/11/01/kevin-molino-named-mls-comeback-player-year-finalist
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Why Kevin Molino deserves to be MLS’s Comeback Player of the Year
By Allison Cary (orlandocitysc.com)
Last season, Midfielder Kevin Molino had his season cut short after tearing his ACL in May 2015. He was limited to just seven games in Orlando City’s inaugural MLS season, but Molino wasn’t satisfied with that. During his recovery, Molino worked harder than ever. He kept with training throughout the entire offseason, making sure he increased his fitness levels to their maximum potential. Now, at the end of the 2016 season, Molino is a finalist for the MLS Comeback Player of the Year Award.
Saying Molino had an impressive season is an understatement. He made 26 starts in 30 appearances, scoring eleven goals and earning eight assists this season. He was outscored only by Cyle Larin, and came in second to Kaká for most assists. He played with passion, putting Orlando City ahead in critical moments. He was also named to the MLS Team of the Week three times.
Off the field, Molino is still a positive force. He is also focused on the task ahead and grateful for the opportunity to play for this club and this city. Molino has been with Orlando City from the beginning, and understands the importance of his opportunities now more than ever before. Coming back from injury is never easy-- but Molino came back stronger than ever.
Molino is nominated against Frank Lampard of New York City FC and Chris Pontius of the Philadelphia Union. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, November 16th.
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WATCH: Kevin Molino apologises to the nation
https://www.youtube.com/v/J6x7CApIseo
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Coaches back Hart's decision to drop Molino
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian)
“There is more inside the mortar besides the pestle.” This is the view of a number of local coaches regarding the decision by national coach Stephen Hart to axe influential midfielder Kevin Molino from his 23-man squad for the opening two matches of the Concacaf Final Round of the Fifa 2018 World Cup Qualifiers.
Molino, a past student of East Mucurapo Secondary School, who twice broke a team camp against Guatemala in a qualifier at the Hasely Crawford Stadium back on August 31 and in October before the Caribbean Cup clash against Martinique in Fort-de-France, will miss crucial matches against Costa Rica on Friday and Honduras on November 16, a decision that has sparked ongoing debate among the football fraternity.
Yesterday, coaches Angus Eve, Everald “Gally” Cummings and Michael Grayson were very cautious with their comments on the Molino sacking, saying there seems to be more happening behind the scene, while an outspoken Leroy De Leon called for stiffer penalty for the embattled player.
Cummings, who guided the famous “Strike Squad” to within a point of qualifying for the 1990 World Cup in Italy, said he could not comment much on the matter since he was unaware of everything taking place within the team and its management.
“I think the coach has made his decision and we have to go with it. We have to support him and hope that the team delivers good results” Cummings said.
Eve, a former national youth coach said, “I am only aware of what I read in the media regarding Molino’s actions and now his suspension for the upcoming two matches against Costa Rica and Honduras. However no player is bigger than the game.”
Eve, a former senior national standout player for the Soca Warriors, in a bold show of support for Hart, pointed out he has known Hart for a very long while, during which he has shown that he is a very fair person.
He added: “I don’t think Hart would have come to that decision based on emotions, but rather after careful consideration of all the factors before him. He has not shown himself to be an irrational person and therefore he would know, more than all of us, exactly what action the situation required and would have done so appropriately.”
At a press briefing on Friday, Hart said the Orlando City midfielder is free to make himself available for selection after the two-match suspension.
Eve called on the public to rally around the coach, who has been doing an excellent job so far, as well as the team for the qualifiers, as they need to finish among the top three to be assured of a place in the World Cup finals. Should they finish fourth, they will head into an inter continental play-off for a chance to qualify.
Eve also called on the public to not judge the player, saying he made a couple mistakes that should not lead to his total exit from the team. He described Molino as a piece of the puzzle that Hart needs at this point in time.
Eve, the two-time winning SSFL coach with Naparima College pointed out that while Hart has been doing a great job, he would like to see the Soca Warriors playing with a lot more intensity while possessing the ball in the opponents’ half more.
De Leon, on the other hand, called for stiffer penalties for Molino, saying the country does not need players like him. De Leon, considered the best player ever to grace the red, white and black of T&T said: “The moment we allow a marquee player to behave in that manner then the other players would soon want to follow. Molino must know and understand that wearing the national team colours is an honour and by breaking camps, not once, but twice, he has shown disrespect to his country, his team-mates and the people of the country.”
Meanwhile, Grayson, who has made a name for himself as player and coach for T&T also, said “Somehow, I feel we have not gotten the real story behind the Molino issue. However, the coach has made a decision and we will have to go with it.”
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WATCH: Kevin Molino clears the air
https://www.youtube.com/v/SWiy3w_Twvc
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So what is it that he didn't like exactly that led him to break camp twice?
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doh worry Kevin. it have a couple nice boatride while yuh home dey. get that outa yuh system. and if yuh see any of dem fellas on it Sell dem out! ;D
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Some things are better left unsaid Kevin. All this crap about you didn't like certain things and that's why you broke camp makes you sound a bit narcissistic. Suck it up and move on.
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WATCH: Kevin Molino clears the air
https://www.youtube.com/v/SWiy3w_Twvc
steups...what was the point of this interview.. what did he clear the air about?
just apologize for braking camp and move on
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Better he hush he mouth oui. Interview was ah waste ah time and ent helping his cause!
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Some ah allyuh sad oui. De man admit he was wrong and did not behave appropriately. Him saying certain things he didn't like could be anything so why harp on that. Is not like is ah 10 minute uncut interview, is soundbites.
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Some ah allyuh sad oui. De man admit he was wrong and did not behave appropriately. Him saying certain things he didn't like could be anything so why harp on that. Is not like is ah 10 minute uncut interview, is soundbites.
I hear yah. I reasoned the same as well.
However, it seems equally reasonable to state that the interview, being reduced to this clip, suggests no other valuable nuggets of information were made available for presentation to the public.
Although KM sitting down with the media house was well-intended, the abstract references ("things I did not like") did not help to further the public's understanding of what occurred or establish the value of speaking to the media.
When first I saw that an interview existed (before viewing it), I was concerned that a disappearing issue would be made to fester again. However, on balance, I wouldn't say the interview was damaging although my advice to KM would have been to let sleeping dogs lie and NOT do the interview.
Why? It's not like he was in a position to share more without compromising the healing that has taken place.
In this instance, if yuh cyah speak freely, doh attempt to speak at all. Without the interview we could have concluded that all is well.
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Dats exactly what we saying @asylumseeker
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Some ah allyuh sad oui. De man admit he was wrong and did not behave appropriately. Him saying certain things he didn't like could be anything so why harp on that. Is not like is ah 10 minute uncut interview, is soundbites.
I hear yah. I reasoned the same as well.
However, it seems equally reasonable to state that the interview, being reduced to this clip, suggests no other valuable nuggets of information were made available for presentation to the public.
Although KM sitting down with the media house was well-intended, the abstract references ("things I did not like") did not help to further the public's understanding of what occurred or establish the value of speaking to the media.
When first I saw that an interview existed (before viewing it), I was concerned that a disappearing issue would be made to fester again. However, on balance, I wouldn't say the interview was damaging although my advice to KM would have been to let sleeping dogs lie and NOT do the interview.
Why? It's not like he was in a position to share more without compromising the healing that has taken place.
In this instance, if yuh cyah speak freely, doh attempt to speak at all. Without the interview we could have concluded that all is well.
Molino may have felt that his character was brought into question and needed to defend himself.
He clumsily (IMO) did so by vaguely referencing "things went on that he didn't appreciate" as a means to explain why he behaved the way he did. However, that just opens up more questions as readers/viewers will want to know what those "things" are.
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and whatever those things might be, boat ride and clubbing fix everything ? Can't deny True True Trini style. ;D
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It huttin him ,that vague reference has to be from the first lime and the backlash ,ah notice he partner Williams eh make it either .I remember they all get a free pass for the boatride .Is the bar lime blew up in his face .
Sorry he doh like certain things but but we might miss a cup finals for this foolishness .
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Casually viewed an extended version of the interview a couple days ago. Standard fare, nothing revolutionary.
Merrique missed the journalistic boat in not asking KM to be specific on what he didn't appreciate.
Question should have been asked. Player didn't have to answer.
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Casually viewed an extended version of the interview a couple days ago. Standard fare, nothing revolutionary.
Merrique missed the journalistic boat in not asking KM to be specific on what he didn't appreciate.
Question should have been asked. Player didn't have to answer.
He totally let that one slip, maybe he need to look at 60 minutes more.
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Kevin Molino wins Goal USA's 2016 Comeback Player of the Year award
By Ben Valentine (goal.com)
The Orlando City midfielder bounced back from an ACL tear and proved to be worth the wait as he became one of the league's most dangerous attackers.
Kevin Molino’s MLS journey could have been over shortly after it had begun.
The Trinidad and Tobago international had joined Orlando City when the club first started operations in the USL. He had gone from rotation player, to starter, to star in the USL after scoring 20 goals in the league in Orlando City’s last season before joining MLS.
It set the stage for a highly anticipated debut, one that was all too brief when Molino tore the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee in a May 2015 friendly. Seven games in, Molino’s season was over.
“It was hard to come to terms with it,” Molino told Goal USA in an interview earlier this year. “It was my first major injury — the next day I had an MRI and they determined I’d be out for the season.
“The most important thing for me was the people around me — my mother, family, friends. It’s been a tough road and being out for 10 months is difficult, but you know in life, whatever happens you have to get up and keep going.”
That’s exactly what Molino did and more. Upon his return in March, the 26-year-old midfielder didn’t just make up for lost time, he took on a starring role.
Molino finished 2016 with 11 goals and eight assists. He also ended the year with 42 chances created and nine big chances created — tied for the fifth best in MLS. His goal, assist and chance creation totals were each second on Orlando City and he created the most big chances for the Lions.
It contributed to Orlando City scoring 55 goals on the year - third best in MLS.
But Orlando City failed to make the playoffs as defensively the side was a mess, conceding 60 times. That was the worst mark in the league, and something Molino knows he needs to help improve.
“For me, the attacking aspect has been great, but they’re asking me to continue to work on the defensive side of my game," he said. "I can always improve, you know? I can always get better.”
In addition, Molino ran afoul with Trinidad and Tobago head coach Stephen Hart for breaking curfew twice while on international duty. The result was a two-game suspension for the midfielder during the first two contests of the CONCACAF Hexagonal. Molino has since apologized.
But the his value is unmistakable — his international teammates missed him greatly in a 2-0 loss to Costa Rica to open up the final round of World Cup qualifying. The Soca Warriors often seemed to lack ideas to unlock the Ticos defense, something Molino has done so well for Orlando City.
So while there remains room for Molino to grow both on and off the field, 2016 established that the base line to work with is high. He answered questions about his ability, and it’s hard to question his determination after working his way back from an ACL tear in less than a year — earning him Goal’s comeback player of the year award.
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Former Orlando City coach, Adrian Heath made the following comment regarding his new role at Minnesota United:
“There are a few players on Orlando’s roster that every team in the league would want," he said. "We’ll see what they leave us to pick from, but they’ve got some quality players. I want to pick the players that are right for us. It does help when you’ve worked with players, but for me, I have a very distinct way to play football.”
http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/11/29/adrian-heath-says-experience-gonna-be-big-minnesota-utds-chances
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Gold Cup qualification, nashy ... Gold Cup qualification.
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kevin i know yuhs ah man who used to post here under the handle NASHY, and i know that you still browse the site now and then, so i hope this message would reach you in a timely fashion.
but anyway, between you and me yute that is a real kakahole move yuh about to make and the one that would suffer the most is you and i'll tell you why.
as much as you don't rate coach hart and wants to teach him a lesson, coach hart bread done butter on both sides, and david john williams business done fix well good and would never want for anything as long as he remains alive, while you on the other hand just began to experience the taste of success and have a lot of grounds to cover before you could exclaim that yuh reach where yuh goin.
you must remember that you are no spring chicken, and while 26 is still considered quite young in a footballer's career and in most footballing circles some would even go as far as to claim that you're in your prime at 27, but what they fail to contemplate is that it only applies to ppl who have already played on the highest level and is winding down their career.
at 26 ballers are renewing their contracts with their old clubs or moving on to a better situation to ensure regular playing time for the next three to four years, not for men who's just getting their feet wet.
the move you are about to make is for men like messi, kaka, saurez, di maria,neymar even your team mate KJ, men who stamp their seal on football and could look back and say that they played on the highest level , have been to a world cup and a club cup final and they did it all at a very young age and have the finances to back up the accolades,you on the other hand has done absolutely nothing and is starting off your career in a league where old inconsequential players go to retire.
right now you're about to miss out on one of the biggest tournament in concacaf where tons of scouts and big name agents attend to shop for the next best talent and you want to blow it over your pride??? man you really need to reconsider your decision, i don;t know who the hell is counseling you but you need to get far away from that person.
breddren you still haven't played on the highest level, you still haven't won a regional championship, in reality the only thing you have done was to win a USL cup and no one who's anyone cares bout that, so in reality you still have a lot to achieve before you could make them kind of moves, and it's these kind of tournaments where players who have spend most their careers in bush leagues long for to be seen by the right people who can prop and elevate their careers.
i hope you mr williams and the coaching staff could come to an understanding and let cooler heads prevail, bc i fear that if you pull that move this coach here would never trust you ever again, let alone look on you as a viable option just like he turn his back on keon daniel, i know if i was in his position i wouldn't if my best player turned his back on me on the eve of a big tournament, how could coach recover from that to have confidence in such a player.
you remember how hard it was for you to sit out the gold cup (your words), and how much you wanted to contribute but was impeded by injury? meh boy imagine if by some miracle your team mates pulled a rabbit out ah hat and qualify for the world cup, think of how hard it would be for you to miss out on that, and you would if you sit out a year, bc hart would not look on you again if you did that, i guarantee it!!
in closing, go ask yorke and latas how hard it was to be banished from football, and for the same kind of behavior that you exhibit. them kinda moves is for fellas like levi garcia, he could probably get away with that bc he's a spring chicken with plenty football to play and he's already playing on a very high level in europe and probably doesn't need international appearances to be scouted, nor for work permits.
i implore you nashy to rethink your decision and don't make something that simple and easy to work out snowball into an unnecessary debacle. i know bigger players who would swim an ocean just to represnt their country, just ask carlito tevez or your team mate kaka.
Epic post. Bring de sequel, JC.
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Anyone saw the latest installment...Molino's interview where he talks about not wanting to just give, "50 or 40 percent" when representing the country? Hence the reason why he didn't play against Nicaragua and also that he had to go back to Orlando to, "do some stuff".
After watching the few minutes that the "interviewer" allowed him to talk about this current bachanal -- yeah he went on to talk bout Orlando, and at the end Hart, blah, blah, blah -- my question (to myself of course) was, what "percent" would he have given the damn team if he had been selected for these two games???
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Anyone saw the latest installment...Molino's interview where he talks about not wanting to just give, "50 or 40 percent" when representing the country? Hence the reason why he didn't play against Nicaragua and also that he had to go back to Orlando to, "do some stuff".
But dat is de same kinda reasoning I did give my teacher when I missed an A level GP test. Ah end up getting NOUGHT.
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Molino full of blasted shit. Mitchell and Abu Bakr season done long time now they not 100% fit but still they here fighting with T&T. Molino studding to run fete match down with Bateau for Carenage. If was me he never play for T&T again, he to dam ungrateful, de season long injury didn't teach him much, he eh know how fast he luck could change, Latas is de man who give him a break and now Latas is assistant coach, Molino should be present on de team first.
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Molino full of blasted shit. Mitchell and Abu Bakr season done long time now they not 100% fit but still they here fighting with T&T. Molino studding to run fete match down with Bateau for Carenage. If was me he never play for T&T again, he to dam ungrateful, de season long injury didn't teach him much, he eh know how fast he luck could change, Latas is de man who give him a break and now Latas is assistant coach, Molino should be present on de team first.
Maybe he waiting for latas to be coach ;)
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Waiting for Latas to be coach? By that time we out of the WC!!!
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Waiting for Latas to be coach? By that time we out of the WC!!!
Shabazz aka ffisback has already stated SANTHIEF won't last until march
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Waiting for Latas to be coach? By that time we out of the WC!!!
Shabazz aka ffisback has already stated SANTHIEF won't last until march
I predict that too. I think Shabazz will be coach though. So get your popcorn ready.
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Waiting for Latas to be coach? By that time we out of the WC!!!
Shabazz aka ffisback has already stated SANTHIEF won't last until march
I predict that too. I think Shabazz will be coach though. So get your popcorn ready.
so ........... ??? who goh carry d laptop with skype when we playin in d US ???
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Waiting for Latas to be coach? By that time we out of the WC!!!
Shabazz aka ffisback has already stated SANTHIEF won't last until march
I predict that too. I think Shabazz will be coach though. So get your popcorn ready.
so ........... ??? who goh carry d laptop with skype when we playin in d US ???
Lol. By that time we would have already lost interest in the campaign.
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The sad thing is the writing is on the wall and we can't do anything about it, or can we :thinking:
Can we the people save our NT football???
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The sad thing is the writing is on the wall and we can't do anything about it, or can we :thinking:
Can we the people save our NT football???
I am a proactive type of person who believes that we can. But based on the current set up, we cant.. Unless the gov't gets involved. But that is a whole other story. .
DJW is not the type to step down under public pressure. Dictators rarely step down when faced with pressure.
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The sad thing is the writing is on the wall and we can't do anything about it, or can we :thinking:
Can we the people save our NT football???
I am a proactive type of person who believes that we can. But based on the current set up, we cant.. Unless the gov't gets involved. But that is a whole other story. .
DJW is not the type to step down under public pressure. Dictators rarely step down when faced with pressure.
Exactly, we may need to get the gov't involved by being persistent with the Min of Sport. The people of Zimbabwe were primarily responsible of getting rid of "ours truly" Saintfiet, but they were proactive and took a stand.
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The sad thing is the writing is on the wall and we can't do anything about it, or can we :thinking:
Can we the people save our NT football???
I am a proactive type of person who believes that we can. But based on the current set up, we cant.. Unless the gov't gets involved. But that is a whole other story. .
DJW is not the type to step down under public pressure. Dictators rarely step down when faced with pressure.
Exactly, we may need to get the gov't involved by being persistent with the Min of Sport. The people of Zimbabwe were primarily responsible of getting rid of "ours truly" Saintfiet, but they were proactive and took a stand.
Getting rid of Saint"fete" will be the easy part. DJW already said he will do it.. The question is whether or not Saint"fete" will be gone before March.. Or maybe next week.
The hard part will be to oust the dictator. And trust me, he aint giving up he post that easy. If this was 1940s Germany, you think yuh could ask Hitler to give up he throne? DJW no different.
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The sad thing is the writing is on the wall and we can't do anything about it, or can we :thinking:
Can we the people save our NT football???
I am a proactive type of person who believes that we can. But based on the current set up, we cant.. Unless the gov't gets involved. But that is a whole other story. .
DJW is not the type to step down under public pressure. Dictators rarely step down when faced with pressure.
Exactly, we may need to get the gov't involved by being persistent with the Min of Sport. The people of Zimbabwe were primarily responsible of getting rid of "ours truly" Saintfiet, but they were proactive and took a stand.
Getting rid of Saint"fete" will be the easy part. DJW already said he will do it.. The question is whether or not Saint"fete" will be gone before March.. Or maybe next week.
The hard part will be to oust the dictator. And trust me, he aint giving up he post that easy. If this was 1940s Germany, you think yuh could ask Hitler to give up he throne? DJW no different.
The dictator has the backing of the sports minister so the govt will not step in...
Notice we haven't even been given the allocation amount from the govt to date...
The next agm is where he will need to be ousted but he has the voting members in his pocket so it will take someone with more pull and deeper pockets to get rid of him...
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Anyone saw the latest installment...Molino's interview where he talks about not wanting to just give, "50 or 40 percent" when representing the country? Hence the reason why he didn't play against Nicaragua and also that he had to go back to Orlando to, "do some stuff".
After watching the few minutes that the "interviewer" allowed him to talk about this current bachanal -- yeah he went on to talk bout Orlando, and at the end Hart, blah, blah, blah -- my question (to myself of course) was, what "percent" would he have given the damn team if he had been selected for these two games???
you have a link to the interview?
-
The sad thing is the writing is on the wall and we can't do anything about it, or can we :thinking:
Can we the people save our NT football???
I am a proactive type of person who believes that we can. But based on the current set up, we cant.. Unless the gov't gets involved. But that is a whole other story. .
DJW is not the type to step down under public pressure. Dictators rarely step down when faced with pressure.
Exactly, we may need to get the gov't involved by being persistent with the Min of Sport. The people of Zimbabwe were primarily responsible of getting rid of "ours truly" Saintfiet, but they were proactive and took a stand.
Getting rid of Saint"fete" will be the easy part. DJW already said he will do it.. The question is whether or not Saint"fete" will be gone before March.. Or maybe next week.
The hard part will be to oust the dictator. And trust me, he aint giving up he post that easy. If this was 1940s Germany, you think yuh could ask Hitler to give up he throne? DJW no different.
The dictator has the backing of the sports minister so the govt will not step in...
Notice we haven't even been given the allocation amount from the govt to date...
The next agm is where he will need to be ousted but he has the voting members in his pocket so it will take someone with more pull and deeper pockets to get rid of him...
The sports minister is a man of integrity or what? You sure he backing DJW?
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The sad thing is the writing is on the wall and we can't do anything about it, or can we :thinking:
Can we the people save our NT football???
I am a proactive type of person who believes that we can. But based on the current set up, we cant.. Unless the gov't gets involved. But that is a whole other story. .
DJW is not the type to step down under public pressure. Dictators rarely step down when faced with pressure.
Exactly, we may need to get the gov't involved by being persistent with the Min of Sport. The people of Zimbabwe were primarily responsible of getting rid of "ours truly" Saintfiet, but they were proactive and took a stand.
Getting rid of Saint"fete" will be the easy part. DJW already said he will do it.. The question is whether or not Saint"fete" will be gone before March.. Or maybe next week.
The hard part will be to oust the dictator. And trust me, he aint giving up he post that easy. If this was 1940s Germany, you think yuh could ask Hitler to give up he throne? DJW no different.
The dictator has the backing of the sports minister so the govt will not step in...
Notice we haven't even been given the allocation amount from the govt to date...
The next agm is where he will need to be ousted but he has the voting members in his pocket so it will take someone with more pull and deeper pockets to get rid of him...
The sports minister is a man of integrity or what? You sure he backing DJW?
Where is the allocation amount sir?
Ask yourself that question, I repeat the govt will not step in, the dictator has free reign..
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The dictator has the backing of the sports minister so the govt will not step in...
Contro, you know that govts can't insert undue influence on their national associations. They can withhold finances if they want. The people you all should be targeting are the proleague and the super league. These two entities have the majority votes. Please correct me if I am wrong on that. I don't think you should implicated the MOS in this bullcrap. If you say the MOS supporting DJW, then why should he withhold money from football. I know for a fact the MOS is a Latapy fan. There is nothing we can do about that. If the national team had a strong following, things would be different. Fans could and would demand certain things. National team football don't have strong fan support. That is why Jack and DJW could care less about the pain the fans are experiencing.
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So basically this is it. DJW is ruler for life with absolute power. His presidency will run into the next WC qualification campaign.
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The dictator has the backing of the sports minister so the govt will not step in...
Contro, you know that govts can't insert undue influence on their national associations. They can withhold finances if they want. The people you all should be targeting are the proleague and the super league. These two entities have the majority votes. Please correct me if I am wrong on that. I don't think you should implicated the MOS in this bullcrap. If you say the MOS supporting DJW, then why should he withhold money from football. I know for a fact the MOS is a Latapy fan. There is nothing we can do about that. If the national team had a strong following, things would be different. Fans could and would demand certain things. National team football don't have strong fan support. That is why Jack and DJW could care less about the pain the fans are experiencing.
We all know the govt cannot intervene nor will they...
Who told you djw didn't get any money this year? LoL doh get tie up family
Pro league and super have a large amount of votes but the eastern ,southern fa and so forth are very influential as well...
The dictator got money but he just not talking about it lol
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So basically this is it. DJW is ruler for life with absolute power. His presidency will run into the next WC qualification campaign.
He has two terms, there are term limits in the new constitution .... so he has one more term if re elected
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So basically this is it. DJW is ruler for life with absolute power. His presidency will run into the next WC qualification campaign.
Not really. Contro and his group MUST show up at the next AGM and present a very persuasive argument on why they should run football. If they can't do that, then DJW will continue. God forbid if AJW decide to make a comeback for "redemption".
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Anyone saw the latest installment...Molino's interview where he talks about not wanting to just give, "50 or 40 percent" when representing the country? Hence the reason why he didn't play against Nicaragua and also that he had to go back to Orlando to, "do some stuff".
After watching the few minutes that the "interviewer" allowed him to talk about this current bachanal -- yeah he went on to talk bout Orlando, and at the end Hart, blah, blah, blah -- my question (to myself of course) was, what "percent" would he have given the damn team if he had been selected for these two games???
you have a link to the interview?
https://www.facebook.com/ttsportdiary/videos/1823175837925356/
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We all know the govt cannot intervene nor will they...
Who told you djw didn't get any money this year? LoL doh get tie up family
Pro league and super have a large amount of votes but the eastern ,southern fa and so forth are very influential as well...
The dictator got money but he just not talking about it lol
But Contro., you have said that the govt have not given them money. Or do I have it wrong? I read where the proleague said that they have not received the 2016 moneys. I have not heard anything about TTFA receiving money from the govt. Maybe that is where I am getting mixed-up.
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We all know the govt cannot intervene nor will they...
Who told you djw didn't get any money this year? LoL doh get tie up family
Pro league and super have a large amount of votes but the eastern ,southern fa and so forth are very influential as well...
The dictator got money but he just not talking about it lol
But Contro., you have said that the govt have not given them money. Or do I have it wrong? I read where the proleague said that they have not received the 2016 moneys. I have not heard anything about TTFA receiving money from the govt. Maybe that is where I am getting mixed-up.
I have never stated that they didn't receive money... you mistook what I said, I asked how much they received and no answers have been given to date... one of the other posters posted amounts from previous years... no allocation was shown for this fiscal year... because djw has not divulged that information, he won't for another calendar year, long after he sabotages our team
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So basically this is it. DJW is ruler for life with absolute power. His presidency will run into the next WC qualification campaign.
Not really. Contro and his group MUST show up at the next AGM and present a very persuasive argument on why they should run football. If they can't do that, then DJW will continue. God forbid if AJW decide to make a comeback for "redemption".
:rotfl: Alright let we all attend and present a case.
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So basically this is it. DJW is ruler for life with absolute power. His presidency will run into the next WC qualification campaign.
Not really. Contro and his group MUST show up at the next AGM and present a very persuasive argument on why they should run football. If they can't do that, then DJW will continue. God forbid if AJW decide to make a comeback for "redemption".
When the majority of the board gets behind me, I will show up... a united effort is needed, you could have all the money in the world but that is only a temporary fix
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After Seattle won MLS cup all their foreign players had their flags draped over their shoulders. All except JJ. On the parade in Seattle was the same thing. No national pride at all. JJ is one of my favorite players I hope he pulls his act together.
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After Seattle won MLS cup all their foreign players had their flags draped over their shoulders. All except JJ. On the parade in Seattle was the same thing. No national pride at all. JJ is one of my favorite players I hope he pulls his act together.
it would be better if he had the flag in his heart, all of these party boat loving boys.
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After Seattle won MLS cup all their foreign players had their flags draped over their shoulders. All except JJ. On the parade in Seattle was the same thing. No national pride at all. JJ is one of my favorite players I hope he pulls his act together.
Dude doh talk wha yuh doh kno!! No national pride?!! Allyuh rell know how to make up shit oui!! ::)
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No national pride is reserved for people like the dictator, the terrorizer and their accomplices
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Minnesota United making big push for Kevin Molino
By Ives Galarcep (goal.com)
Former Orlando City coach Adrian Heath is working hard to try and reunite with the Trinidad & Tobago midfielder and has made a sizable offer.
Adrian Heath knows Kevin Molino very well, and knows just how dynamic the Trinidad and Tobago midfielder can be, so it should come as no surprise that Heath and Minnesota United have made Molino a key target this winter.
Sources tell Goal that Minnesota United has made a sizable offer to Orlando City for Molino, with allocation money the key element of the offer. The Lions are not looking to trade Molino, but the midfielder is believed to be unhappy with his current contract and is looking for a move if Orlando City isn't willing to give him an increased salary.
Heath brought Molino to the U.S. when he signed the midfielder to the USL version of Orlando City, and brought him to MLS when Orlando City joined the league in 2015. A knee injury cut Molino's 2015 season short, but he rebounded in 2016, registering 11 goals and 8 assists.
Molino made $121,400 in 2016, a modest number for a player widely-regarded as one of the more dynamic midfielders in the league.
Minnesota United has a large amount of general allocation money available and could secure more via trade during the MLS SuperDraft.
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Minnesota United making big push for Kevin Molino
By Ives Galarcep (goal.com)
Former Orlando City coach Adrian Heath is working hard to try and reunite with the Trinidad & Tobago midfielder and has made a sizable offer.
Adrian Heath knows Kevin Molino very well, and knows just how dynamic the Trinidad and Tobago midfielder can be, so it should come as no surprise that Heath and Minnesota United have made Molino a key target this winter.
Sources tell Goal that Minnesota United has made a sizable offer to Orlando City for Molino, with allocation money the key element of the offer. The Lions are not looking to trade Molino, but the midfielder is believed to be unhappy with his current contract and is looking for a move if Orlando City isn't willing to give him an increased salary.
Heath brought Molino to the U.S. when he signed the midfielder to the USL version of Orlando City, and brought him to MLS when Orlando City joined the league in 2015. A knee injury cut Molino's 2015 season short, but he rebounded in 2016, registering 11 goals and 8 assists.
Molino made $121,400 in 2016, a modest number for a player widely-regarded as one of the more dynamic midfielders in the league.
Minnesota United has a large amount of general allocation money available and could secure more via trade during the MLS SuperDraft.
He might not go because of the cold. But he will go if the figures are right. Definitely worth about 500k easily.
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It have people does choose to move from Florida to Minnesota?
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Nice!
And dey have boat cruise too
(http://www.ladyofthelakecruise.com/slideshow/images/Lady-of-the-Lake-2009-031.jpg)
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500K!?. I gone like a rabbit. With that money I can now frequent fly to Orlando and Miami for the night. Cruise to the Bahamas!!!
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Nice!
And dey have boat cruise too
(http://www.ladyofthelakecruise.com/slideshow/images/Lady-of-the-Lake-2009-031.jpg)
Haha Good one, he'll appreciate that. He should recommend de rest of de Carenage Crew and honorary boat cruiser Mekeil to Heath. Tings go be normel!
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Orlando City’s first day of training raises questions about Kevin Molino
By Alicia DelGallo (Orlando Sentinel)
A small group of players ran continuous laps around the field while the rest scrimmaged at Sylvan Lake Park in Sanford Monday, Orlando City’s first day of preseason training.
Carlos Rivas, Cristian Higuita and newly-signed Donny Toia were among those running instead of training, but the player who drew the most attention was Kevin Molino.
Molino made headlines earlier this month for receiving an offer from MLS expansion side Minnesota United FC, led by former Orlando City coach Adrian Heath, that far exceeded his 2016 salary of $121,000. The Goal.com report also said Molino was not happy in his current situation.
Minnesota isn’t the only one interested in the Trinidad and Tobago midfielder, though. Multiple teams have approached Molino, recently and in the past, according to sources with direct knowledge of the situation.
“We aren’t actively looking to trade him,” Orlando City general manager Niki Budalic said when news of Minnesota’s interest first broke earlier this month.
That still is true, but the Orlando Sentinel confirmed Molino is unhappy and the Lions are hoping things turn around because he is an integral part of their plan for 2017.
Molino was second on the team in goals (11) and assists ( 8 ) last season. He was 13th in salary.
A raise may not be possible with Orlando City is operating under a tight salary cap, but the club is making it clear it values Molino.
And so his segregation from the team on the first day of training raised questions. When asked why the four players ran laps, Lions coach Jason Kreis told reporters, “That’s a bit of an in-house matter that we prefer not to speak about.”
The Orlando Sentinel later confirmed Molino did not train because he didn’t complete his concussion test during physical exams during the weekend.
Other players were missing from training altogether, including Kaká, David Mateos, Tommy Redding and incoming midfielder Will Johnson, among others.
Redding and Johnson are on their way back from national team duty with the U.S. U-20s and Canada, respectively, and Kreis said others still were undergoing physicals. The full team will come together as the week wears on.
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Value Molino? Consistently one of your best players and 9th in salary. Such a small salary at that. Boy Molino, it's time to move on bredda. If they really valued you they would have found money to keep you--believe meh, breds.
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Value Molino? Consistently one of your best players and 9th in salary. Such a small salary at that. Boy Molino, it's time to move on bredda. If they really valued you they would have found money to keep you--believe meh, breds.
All de money going in Kaka pocket. I think he gets about 5M
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If K Molino have any ambition he would try and move to Europe.
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If K Molino have any ambition he would try and move to Europe.
He's always said his goal is to play in Europe and I'm sure his agent is aware of this but he just can't pick-up and go.
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If K Molino have any ambition he would try and move to Europe.
If only it were that simple ;D ;D
He should make the Minnesota move if they offering a lot more money etc. Time he starts maximising his income earning. At 26+ etc it might too late to still be harbouring dreams of Europe and playing time etc. Time to start piling that $$.
The harsh weather might be the closest thing he ever experience to playing in Europe in his life. That winter weather does instill a different type of discipline in ya. He cyah be stick up under Kaka right through. Time to leave the nest.
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If K Molino have any ambition he would try and move to Europe.
He's always said his goal is to play in Europe and I'm sure his agent is aware of this but he just can't pick-up and go.
Definitely won't be EPL or La Liga as he and the TTFA don't fit the requirements. If anything it will have to be Belgium, Germany or France as they're the next best and their laws are a little more relaxed. Plus clubs will think twice about signing a 26+ year old player who's ranked 20 something in a league that is seen as crap generally by Europeans. I hope he does though it would be good for him even though it should have been done earlier.
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similar situation as what de rosario went through in toronto. good luck youth - take that money when you could get it.
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If K Molino have any ambition he would try and move to Europe.
He's always said his goal is to play in Europe and I'm sure his agent is aware of this but he just can't pick-up and go.
Definitely won't be EPL or La Liga as he and the TTFA don't fit the requirements. If anything it will have to be Belgium, Germany or France as they're the next best and their laws are a little more relaxed. Plus clubs will think twice about signing a 26+ year old player who's ranked 20 something in a league that is seen as crap generally by Europeans. I hope he does though it would be good for him even though it should have been done earlier.
I still can't believe he's so badly paid ...
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He's so badly paid,playing in a "crap" league, broke camp and omitted himself from national selection....Lol.....Man might need a bush bath yes and.......a good advisor.
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At K Molino's age the only way he should stay in the MLS is if they giving him a million dollar contract other wise is just not worth it he would get better competition even playing in the weaker leagues in Europe.
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At K Molino's age the only way he should stay in the MLS is if they giving him a million dollar contract other wise is just not worth it he would get better competition even playing in the weaker leagues in Europe.
Wow the first sensible thing that has come out your mouth.. the sky falling? :D
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Adrian Heath, left, was named as the new head coach of Minnesota United FC, Tuesday, Nov. 29 2016 at the team's headquarters in Golden Valley. At right is Manny Lagos, Sporting Director for the team. (Pioneer Press: Scott Takushi)
Adrian Heath, left, was named as the new head coach of Minnesota United FC, Tuesday, Nov. 29 2016 at the team’s headquarters in Golden Valley. At right is Manny Lagos, Sporting Director for the team. (Pioneer Press: Scott Takushi)
By ANDY GREDER | agreder@pioneerpress.com |
PUBLISHED: January 26, 2017 at 3:17 pm | UPDATED: January 26, 2017 at 4:40 pm
Minnesota United is in the process of trading for midfielder Kevin Molino from Orlando City, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
United also will acquire goalkeeper Patrick McLain and give Orlando City $650,000 from two MLS funds, according to Alicia Rose DelGallo of the Sentinel. The trade could be one of the biggest deals in Major League Soccer history, she reported.
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United reportedly tried to trade for Molino during the Major League Soccer SuperDraft on Jan. 13, but the Loons’ offer of $500,000 in allocation money was turned down, according to FourFourTwo.
Heath, United’s new coach who coached Molino in Orlando City from 2011-16, declined to discuss the pursuit of Molino when he met with the media in Golden Valley last week. A United spokesman declined comment on a trade for Molino on Thursday from the club’s preseason training camp in Arizona.
Molino, 26, had 11 goals and eight assists in 30 games for Orlando City last season. Heath, who joined Orlando City as coach in 2010, coached Molino and the Lions until he was fired last July.
Given Molino’s production, he was a bargain last season with a guaranteed compensation of $121,000, according to numbers released by the MLS players’ union in September. Molina was dissatisfied with his contract, and Orlando had been shopping Molino to other clubs, a source said.
Molino, who is from Trinidad and Tobago, was Orlando City’s first MLS signing in 2014 before the Lions made their debut as an expansion franchise in MLS in 2015. He didn’t have a goal or assist in seven games during the 2015 season.
Molino was a standout on Heath’s Orlando teams in the third-tier United Soccer League. Molino was named USL MVP in 2012 and 2014, when he set a league record with 20 goals as Orlando won the regular-season title.
McLain, of Eau Claire, Wis., is a 6-foot-3 keeper who played in one game with the Chicago Fire in 2016. He earned $72,500 last season and was acquired by Orlando in the MLS re-entry draft. He played in two games with Chivas USA in 2013 before spending 2014 and 2015 in USL and collegiate soccer at Cal Poly.
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F00ck Molino Thread needs to be created.
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No-brainer decision for Molino. Glad for him. Set your sights higher though. . .
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Orlando City trades Kevin Molino to Minnesota in record MLS deal
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-city-lions/os-orlando-city-kevin-molino-trade-20170126-story.html
and in business news... Minnesota boat cruise lines futures rally sharply in overnight trading. More at 11
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Look, let KM look after himself. That is a great move on his part. At his age, money matters. I don't see him going to Euro. to play. So good luck.
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No-brainer decision for Molino. Glad for him. Set your sights higher though. . .
Look, let KM look after himself. That is a great move on his part. At his age, money matters. I don't see him going to Euro. to play. So good luck.
Not necessarily, if as I heard he was offered a new contract to stay in Orlando. He's going from an established partnership with Kaka on a team that is working it's way up, to unfamiliar teammates on a team that's starting from scratch. Could be a recipe for more losing, and if he's got the big contract he could end up taking a lot of blame. Hopefully it works out for him.
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No-brainer decision for Molino. Glad for him. Set your sights higher though. . .
Look, let KM look after himself. That is a great move on his part. At his age, money matters. I don't see him going to Euro. to play. So good luck.
Not necessarily, if as I heard he was offered a new contract to stay in Orlando. He's going from an established partnership with Kaka on a team that is working it's way up, to unfamiliar teammates on a team that's starting from scratch. Could be a recipe for more losing, and if he's got the big contract he could end up taking a lot of blame. Hopefully it works out for him.
yes, it could be a recipe for disaster. But at his age, he has to take that chance. Look at the money he making. He worked in the trenches for Orlando when they were a USL team. The guys who are making way more than him in Orlando now, were not there then. If things don't work out in Vikings city, he can come back to the city of bachus. It have plenty boat ride.
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“Where do you start with Kevin?” Heath said in Minnesota’s release. “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. In my opinion he’s the best player in his position in the country.”
Best of luck and hopefully works out well.
Sounds like he was overs Orlando even when they tried a bit late to keep him happy. Mind was made up ...is it the same for T&T?
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is it the same for T&T?
Right now Kevin needs to straighten out his personal issue and make sure he can perform for his new team. TrinTo eh do him nothing. We eh know exactly why Kevin rebel on Hart's watch. What it is that Hart do to him that turn him sour on Hart and TrinTo football. Up to now I still cyah figure that out yet. But that is history. He should see about his club ball where he making his money. He eh have to worry about DJW and TTFA not giving him money
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The man with the million dollar legs......
One step closer to that million. Just hope he can deliver for this expansion team. I wonder if he getting a DP slot which really allows for a big pay day.
In any profession if you better than 90% of your co workers, producing more but earning significantly less, is level chest burn in that environment everyday.
Can't give him wrong for agitating for something substantial. If he is to become the fulcrum of MNUFC offense know that he will also be the focus of all opposition defenses, make or break year for him. All the best to him.
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This is good. Time to push on and not be complacent. He wasn't ever going Europe but being the fulcrum of this new team should push him to higher heights. Good luck to the young man and I hope he can bring some of that passion, work ethic and desire to the national team.
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Good for Molino, seems like he has a good bond with this coach. Preacher yuh get yuh season tickets yet?
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nice move! good to hear.
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No-brainer decision for Molino. Glad for him. Set your sights higher though. . .
Look, let KM look after himself. That is a great move on his part. At his age, money matters. I don't see him going to Euro. to play. So good luck.
Not necessarily, if as I heard he was offered a new contract to stay in Orlando. He's going from an established partnership with Kaka on a team that is working it's way up, to unfamiliar teammates on a team that's starting from scratch. Could be a recipe for more losing, and if he's got the big contract he could end up taking a lot of blame. Hopefully it works out for him.
yes, it could be a recipe for disaster. But at his age, he has to take that chance. Look at the money he making. He worked in the trenches for Orlando when they were a USL team. The guys who are making way more than him in Orlando now, were not there then. If things don't work out in Vikings city, he can come back to the city of bachus. It have plenty boat ride.
But Orlando offered him an improved contract to stay. I don't know how much more they offered or how much he's getting from Minnesota, but just the fact that an offer was on the table would give me pause.But say what, that's all done now. It's up to him to make the best of the new situation.
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I always thought dat his contribution felt undervalued but at d time, I attributed that to jus d press......didn know dat he was on d low end of salaries, Orlando always looked hopeless in attack without him or him and kaka, how exactly did Orlando define VALUE in d there salary decisions......relative marketability?
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I always thought dat his contribution felt undervalued but at d time, I attributed that to jus d press......didn know dat he was on d low end of salaries, Orlando always looked hopeless in attack without him or him and kaka, how exactly did Orlando define VALUE in d there salary decisions......relative marketability?
Sent from my SM-J105B using Tapatalk
Remember Molino was the first player they signed to a MLS contract and they gave him a contract that paid $120k/yr. At the time they hadn't signed Kaka or any other players and Molino was not a proven commodity at this level yet. Even now, he's still only had 1 good year at this level. Molino's contract is low compared to Kaka and some big earners in the league but unless I'm mistaken he's among the higher paid on the team. I could be wrong on this but that's the impression I had.
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I always thought dat his contribution felt undervalued but at d time, I attributed that to jus d press......didn know dat he was on d low end of salaries, Orlando always looked hopeless in attack without him or him and kaka, how exactly did Orlando define VALUE in d there salary decisions......relative marketability?
Sent from my SM-J105B using Tapatalk
Remember Molino was the first player they signed to a MLS contract and they gave him a contract that paid $120k/yr. At the time they hadn't signed Kaka or any other players and Molino was not a proven commodity at this level yet. Even now, he's still only had 1 good year at this level. Molino's contract is low compared to Kaka and some big earners in the league but unless I'm mistaken he's among the higher paid on the team. I could be wrong on this but that's the impression I had.
There were at least 11 Orlando players with a higher salary than Molino.
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I don't think the Orlando situation is all that straightforward
Prior to Kaka's signing, Miolino was their star player as they made their debut in MLS. There were extremely high hopes for him that he would be a major star in the MLS. His returns were frankly, underwhelming.
Coming from USL to MLS, I believe at the time that he was promised that he would be taken care of (financially) in due time.
Then he suffered a major injury. From all reports, Orlando fully supported him and provided him with the best possible medical and ancillary support to recover fully from that injury.
He came back determined to improve on his previous MLS performances and had a pretty good season.
But these factors I believe played into Molino's issues with Orlando:
1 - The firing of Adrian Heath and the advent of a new coach. Heath knows Molino well. The new coach has a different experience
2 - The advent of Kyle Larin, Orlando's top scorer. They play different roles but Orlando still has a budget under which to operate. If it came down to paying Larin or Molino, who would you go with?
3 - The disciplinary issues with T&T. Those reports would be concerning to any team. It may be relatively minor in the overall scheme of things, but with a new "sherriff" in town in Orlando....who knows how that may have factored in
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Will Kevin Molino be worth the cost for Minnesota United FC?
By Benjamin Baer (mlssoccer.com)
Adrian Heath pulled out all the stops to get Kevin Molino.
The 26-year-old attacker is joining Minnesota United FC after seeing a trade send him from Orlando City SC to the Land of 10,000 Lakes on Friday. Orlando received $450,000 in General Allocation Money and $200,000 in Targeted Allocation Money.
Heath had targeted the Trinidad & Tobago attacker for acquisition almost as soon as he was hired by MNUFC:
The $650,000 total is reportedly tied for the largest amount ever exchanged between MLS teams, which indicates that Minnesota is counting on Molino to be a cornerstone piece with the club going forward. For reference, the New York Red Bulls received $400,000 in General Allocation Money for 2015 Best XI midfielder Dax McCarty a few weeks ago. Molino came into MLS in 2015 after receiving the 2014 USL MVP award, but suffered a torn ACL early in the season. In 2016 Molino had a promising season as he returned to full health, registering 11 goals and eight assists.
With the addition of Molino, it seems Minnesota’s front four is set. Heath is expected to utilize a 4-2-3-1 formation, as he did in Orlando, and Molino, Miguel Ibarra, Johan Venegas and Christian Ramirez should fill those four spots.
Ibarra is slotted in as the left winger, with his ability to beat defenders one-v-one and pump in crosses, while also being goal dangerous. Ramirez is a classic No. 9 who has had no trouble finishing in the NASL over the past couple of seasons.
The roles that Venegas and Molino will occupy are a little less clear. Venegas has mostly struggled during his time in MLS, playing as a winger for the Montreal Impact. The Costa Rican has collected just two goals and one assist in 1,429 minutes. Many US national team fans will remember that Venegas looked very comfortable as a pressing No. 9, when he helped the Ticos defeat the US 4-0 back in November. He scored the opening goal in the 44th minute and pestered the US backline all night, forcing them into many mistakes.
While Molino’s production was more than adequate with Orlando in 2016, the Trinidadian did not always look comfortable at right wing for the club.
He played as a No. 10 for Orlando while they were in USL, but with the addition of Kaká, he was pushed out to the wing. There, he has not been able to show if he can be an elite chance creator in MLS.
In 2016, Molino created 1.63 chances per 90 minutes, which was the 49th highest rate in the league. Venegas created 1.84 chances per 90 minutes but did so in a small sample size of just 683 minutes.
What could be troubling for Loons fans is that every MLS Cup Playoff team last season had at least one player average 1.9 chances created per 90 minutes.
Ibarra, Molino and Venegas all have the potential to reach that number, and of the three it looks like Molino will get the keys to the car. With the amount of resources that Minnesota have used to acquire him, they'll certainly be hoping for an All-Star-caliber output in 2017.
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I don't see how anybody could say he was underwhelming in first MLS season. He play 6 games before injury and the team was also just trying to find themselves. It was a completely different team from the season before.
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I always thought dat his contribution felt undervalued but at d time, I attributed that to jus d press......didn know dat he was on d low end of salaries, Orlando always looked hopeless in attack without him or him and kaka, how exactly did Orlando define VALUE in d there salary decisions......relative marketability?
Sent from my SM-J105B using Tapatalk
Remember Molino was the first player they signed to a MLS contract and they gave him a contract that paid $120k/yr. At the time they hadn't signed Kaka or any other players and Molino was not a proven commodity at this level yet. Even now, he's still only had 1 good year at this level. Molino's contract is low compared to Kaka and some big earners in the league but unless I'm mistaken he's among the higher paid on the team. I could be wrong on this but that's the impression I had.
There were at least 11 Orlando players with a higher salary than Molino.
Thanks for the correction Tallman.
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I don't think the Orlando situation is all that straightforward
Prior to Kaka's signing, Miolino was their star player as they made their debut in MLS. There were extremely high hopes for him that he would be a major star in the MLS. His returns were frankly, underwhelming.
Coming from USL to MLS, I believe at the time that he was promised that he would be taken care of (financially) in due time.
Then he suffered a major injury. From all reports, Orlando fully supported him and provided him with the best possible medical and ancillary support to recover fully from that injury.
He came back determined to improve on his previous MLS performances and had a pretty good season.
But these factors I believe played into Molino's issues with Orlando:
1 - The firing of Adrian Heath and the advent of a new coach. Heath knows Molino well. The new coach has a different experience
2 - The advent of Kyle Larin, Orlando's top scorer. They play different roles but Orlando still has a budget under which to operate. If it came down to paying Larin or Molino, who would you go with?
3 - The disciplinary issues with T&T. Those reports would be concerning to any team. It may be relatively minor in the overall scheme of things, but with a new "sherriff" in town in Orlando....who knows how that may have factored in
You forgot to mention the changes in ownership. The original owner is still with the team but in a reduced capacity as there is new money backing the team, and calling the shots.
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I hope this works out for Molino but I am somewhat concerned as he is 1. now a huge part of what Minnesota will try to accomplish and 2. the weather will be totally different from Trinidad and Orlando. Minneapolis, Minnesota is damn hot in the Summer and freezing cold the winter; the beginning and end of season will be tough on him, he should be able to handle the heat.
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I hope this works out for Molino but I am somewhat concerned as he is 1. now a huge part of what Minnesota will try to accomplish and 2. the weather will be totally different from Trinidad and Orlando. Minneapolis, Minnesota is damn hot in the Summer and freezing cold the winter; the beginning and end of season will be tough on him, he should be able to handle the heat.
Well if he had designs of playing in England he would have had to deal with playing over Xmas and those extremely cold January weeknights. Just gotta suck it up and deal with it, that's the life of a professional footballer. Plus I don't think Minnesota's conditions are worse than Russia and Bateau out dey putting his shoulder to de wheel.
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The whole story: Why Minnesota United paid so much to get Kevin Molino
By Paul Tenorio (FourFourTwo)
It started with a conversation in November to gauge whether Kevin Molino might be available. The discussions meandered through late fall and into the holidays, staggered out of the combine and draft in early January and finally reached an apex last week.
When the months-long saga finally came to an end on Thursday, the result was a doozy.
Orlando City agreed to trade Molino (along with backup goalkeeper Patrick McLain) to the expansion Minnesota United for a total of $650,000 in allocation money -- $450,000 in general allocation and $200,000 in targeted allocation.
The figure matched the reported $650,000 that was fetched for Eddie Johnson when he was traded from Seattle to D.C. United in 2013. It also gave Minnesota a much-needed playmaker to serve at the heart of Adrian Heath’s 4-2-3-1 system.
Multiple general managers around the league told me they were shocked at the price tag. Others said they were surprised Orlando City couldn’t find a way to make Molino happy. The two general managers involved in the trade walked away feeling satisfied.
Both also felt exceptional circumstances led to an exceptional deal.
“I think it’s important to understand this is a unique situation from just us trying to put together an offer that showed Orlando we understood they had a player they wanted to keep, but we had assets to make a deal happen,” Minnesota general manager Manny Lagos said. “That takes time to absorb, and it takes time for us to say we are ready to commit those assets.”
Said Orlando GM Niki Budalic: “I don’t think this is a new [league] standard. It’s a unique situation ... I have no doubt Kevin will be a success in Minnesota. I expect him to do well and be a good foundation piece for them. On the flip side, from our perspective, we’ll move on and have the flexibility to add pieces now if need be. It’s a win-win situation.”
It didn’t always look like Molino would find a way out of Orlando.
A torn ACL cut the two-time USL MVP’s first MLS season short, but in 2016 Molino returned and, playing right wing, put up 11 goals and eight assists. His 19 combined goals and assists ranked him among the best midfielders in the league, especially when discounting secondary assists (he had none) and penalty kick goals (he had one).
Molino’s production far outweighed his salary. At $121,400 guaranteed, Molino was the 13th-highest paid player on the team, behind players like rookie Richie Laryea, right back Kevin Alston and center backs Seb Hines and Jose Aja.
When the front office and coaching staff met with players after the season, Molino didn’t give any indication he was unhappy, Budalic said. That soon changed. Molino and his representation reached out to the club about a new contract that would pay Molino a number closer to one that matched his 2016 production. It was clear that his asking price was too high for Orlando City’s comfort level.
“The expectations were definitely beyond reason, and we tried to reconcile the differences across two months,” Budalic said. “We do have a strong belief that players should be rewarded for their performances, but at the same time, we feel that reward shouldn’t necessarily come on the back of one season in which they perform well. We also strongly feel players should contribute to team success, it’s not just about individuals. Given the team didn’t make the playoffs the last two years, given that we needed to show improvement in the squad, we asked players to make a commitment to the team.
“That was different for, Kevin because Kevin felt he had been here seven years and contributed to the club, and we acknowledged and supported that. But given where we were and trying to improve the club into a contender, we asked for flexibility. Our hand was pushed, we tried to negotiate, we tried the best we could and unfortunately it was not enough for Kevin.”
When it was clear Molino wanted to move on from Orlando, the club started to shop him more aggressively. Minnesota was obviously among the clubs most eager to acquire the Trinidad and Tobago national team star. The trade interest started with conversations between the two clubs dating back to November.
Minnesota coach Adrian Heath discovered Molino when he was on a scouting trip to Trinidad to look at another player. He helped push Molino to new heights, from a possession-based midfielder to one who set a USL record for goals (20) from the No. 10 role. He felt Molino could thrive if given that chance as a playmaker again, something he had not been able to do because Kaká plays there in Orlando. (Kaká once told me he believed Molino could go to Europe and succeed on a top-end team if given the chance.)
Molino outperformed his expected goals and assists in 2016, according to analytics. He also would be moving from right wing in Orlando’s system to a No. 10 – and the centerpiece of a system – in Minnesota in 2017.
Three other GMs told me Orlando City also reached out to them about Molino in the last two weeks. One said his team was quickly priced out. Budalic acknowledged the team spoke with almost every club in MLS and was in serious talks with three clubs. He said Minnesota’s offer was not “out of whack with other offers we entertained” and that Orlando had “comparable offers.” Several potential deals included players. None stacked up to what Minnesota ultimately put on the table.
“In the end, we were considering going with a player instead of resources,” Budalic said. “But we felt the flexibility was important to us.”
The amount of allocation money was, frankly, shocking. The deal will be even more costly once Molino and Minnesota negotiate a new deal. Lagos and Budalic said any discussion about the trade should weigh the fact that, as an expansion team, Minnesota had plenty of allocation money and plenty of cap space. Sources earlier this offseason indicated the expansion teams started with approximately $2 million in GAM and another $1.5 million in TAM.
“We’re building a team and we have resources and assets some teams in MLS don’t have right now,” Lagos said. “In other areas, we don’t have as much because they have existing teams and players. So, it’s both an advantage and challenging. We only have certain types of assets in a deal like this.”
Lagos also insisted this deal was an indication of a quickly-changing market in which players are being valued differently within the league. My view: In a league where TAM players are at a premium, signing a midfielder you know – with proven success in the league, and with knowledge of your coach and system – should also come at a premium, especially considering the price tags elsewhere in the world.
“The league is changing fast in what the market is and what valuation is,” he said. “I don’t want to say we don’t look at the past and try to do market value, but we also know the league is changing about how it is going to value players in the future. This deal was a part of that potential transition.”
Now Molino needs to live up to the price tag.
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WATCH: Kevin Molino joins up with Minnesota United at their pre-season training camp in Arizona.
https://www.youtube.com/v/wfLY7kkumN0
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F00ck you Molino.
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Jason Kreis says Kevin Molino asked to leave Orlando City this offseason
By Simon Veness (MLSsoccer.com)
Jason Kreis knew Kevin Molino was on his way out of Orlando City when he asked the talented attacker one simple question: Are you still committed to this team?
That was the moment the Lions head coach realized he would be looking for a new midfield component, and that the Trinidad & Tobago international was headed for a different course in 2017 with MLS expansion team Minnesota United.
Last week's trade of Molino came as a shock to Orlando fans, but Kreis admitted it was an irreversible process once the team had made it clear there would be no major new contract for the player who joined the Lions back in their USL days.
“At the end of last season, we didn’t know that there was much negative about Kevin’s future here,” said Kreis. “But then things went pretty sour pretty quickly. He wanted a much increased contract and we were unable and unwilling to do that. We want to be a club that expects our players to do well for more than one year.
“We tried to do what we could in offering a contract that we felt was competitive to what he was hoping for, but the player was still unhappy. For me, what’s most important is whether a player wants to be in the team, and the last question I asked him was, ‘Kevin, do you want to be here?’ And he said, ‘No I don’t, coach. I’d like a change of scenery’. At that point, that’s who we want to be going forward, a club that wants players to desperately be a part of it.”
For Kreis, it is now a two-pronged mission to re-work the existing roster without a midfielder who scored 11 goals and added eight assists in 2016 (both second-bests on the team) while at the same time scouting for a possible new player to plug in.
“We will definitely look for the players here to pick up the slack,” Kreis said. “We have quite a few young players that we believe in that have some talents, that didn’t contribute last year as much as they could have, and if you give them some minutes, maybe they could have done the things that Kevin did.
“So we look for a solution within. At the same time, we look for a solution from without, a new player to come in and fill that role. But we won’t go and sign somebody just to sign somebody. We will be looking for the exact right fit for us to come in and make a large impact. If we can’t find that player, we will stick with what we’ve got.”
The head coach was not naming any names when it comes to players who may get the chance to fill the gap, but Carlos Rivas, 2016 draft picks Hadji Barry and Richie Laryea, midseason signing Tony Rocha, and possibly even this year’s draft choice, Danny Deakin, could be in line to make a case for the spot.
However, the departure of Molino will not – as some have suggested – move the team closer to the 4-4-2 diamond midfield formation that Kreis employed so successfully at Real Salt Lake.
“I think that would be taking a step too far,” he insisted. “Being without Kevin doesn’t really have a tactical application for us.”
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Jason Kreis says Kevin Molino asked to leave Orlando City this offseason
“At the end of last season, we didn’t know that there was much negative about Kevin’s future here,” said Kreis. “But then things went pretty sour pretty quickly. He wanted a much increased contract and we were unable and unwilling to do that. We want to be a club that expects our players to do well for more than one year.
Quite disingenuous here.
If I remember correctly, Kevin was promised by ownership that he would be "taken care of" salary wise, primarily in order to accommodate the signing of Kaka.
I believe Kevin forego other more lucrative offers to stay with Orlando. Then his coach was no longer there and there was subsequently a change in ownership.
Kevin was a big reason why Orlando made it to the MLS in the first place. He carried that team in the USL. The fans loved him and he sold more shirts than anyone not named Kaka.
To now state that you want players to do well for more than just one year is a slap in the face for Molino. Kreis doing what is best for him and his circumstances and obviously was fine with Kevin staying....but at their terms.
Best for all parties concerned that he moves on. He owes Orlando nothing now and can focus on his Minnesota career.
I don't know the story at all...other than what was reported in the media, but I wouldn't be surprised if his actions with T&T were some sort of collateral damage as a result of what was going on with his Orlando situation at the time.
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Best for all parties concerned that he moves on. He owes Orlando nothing now and can focus on his Minnesota career.
I whole heartedly agree.
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In professional football there is nothing called loyalty, only contracts
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In professional football sports there is nothing called loyalty, only contracts
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Best for all parties concerned that he moves on. He owes Orlando nothing now and can focus on his Minnesota career.
I whole heartedly agree.
:beermug:
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Jason Kreis says Kevin Molino asked to leave Orlando City this offseason
“At the end of last season, we didn’t know that there was much negative about Kevin’s future here,” said Kreis. “But then things went pretty sour pretty quickly. He wanted a much increased contract and we were unable and unwilling to do that. We want to be a club that expects our players to do well for more than one year.
Quite disingenuous here.
If I remember correctly, Kevin was promised by ownership that he would be "taken care of" salary wise, primarily in order to accommodate the signing of Kaka.
I believe Kevin forego other more lucrative offers to stay with Orlando. Then his coach was no longer there and there was subsequently a change in ownership.
Kevin was a big reason why Orlando made it to the MLS in the first place. He carried that team in the USL. The fans loved him and he sold more shirts than anyone not named Kaka.
To now state that you want players to do well for more than just one year is a slap in the face for Molino. Kreis doing what is best for him and his circumstances and obviously was fine with Kevin staying....but at their terms.
Best for all parties concerned that he moves on. He owes Orlando nothing now and can focus on his Minnesota career.
I don't know the story at all...other than what was reported in the media, but I wouldn't be surprised if his actions with T&T were some sort of collateral damage as a result of what was going on with his Orlando situation at the time.
Palos, you have summed it up perfectly. I have been living in Orlando for 25 years, follow the team closely, and attend OSC games. Kreis is new and the entire administrative and coaching structure is different from when he signed three years ago. My observation is that Kreis has no loyalty to Molino.
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WATCH: Kevin Molino’s first goal in Minnesota United’s 3-3 draw with Real Salt Lake in a pre-season game
https://www.youtube.com/v/6Yy4SMLsQQ8?start=172
WATCH: Kevin Molino’s second goal in Minnesota United’s 3-3 draw with Real Salt Lake in a pre-season game
https://www.youtube.com/v/6Yy4SMLsQQ8?start=348
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Nice goals by Molino but RSL real lapsing on defense.
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Nice goals by Molino but RSL real lapsing on defense.
Analyze that 2nd goal:
- Defence outnumbered due to counter attack. Early ball from Molino to right winger in stride
- 2 attackers move forward into penalty area drawing 2 defenders to them
- Molino is the trailer completely unmarked
- Right Winger has little to no pressure on him to cross the ball. Has time to look up and put a pin point cross to the trailer.
- Nice finish. Goal.
Put T&T in that same situation:
- Defence outnumbered due to counter attack. Early ball from Molino to right winger in stride
- 2 attackers move forward into penalty area drawing 2 defenders to them
- Molino is the trailer completely unmarked
- Right Winger has little to no pressure on him to cross the ball. Either overhits the cross, missing his attackers....or manages to play the cross into the defender
- Attackers and crowd peltin bare cuss.
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Nice goals by Molino but RSL real lapsing on defense.
Analyze that 2nd goal:
- Defence outnumbered due to counter attack. Early ball from Molino to right winger in stride
- 2 attackers move forward into penalty area drawing 2 defenders to them
- Molino is the trailer completely unmarked
- Right Winger has little to no pressure on him to cross the ball. Has time to look up and put a pin point cross to the trailer.
- Nice finish. Goal.
Put T&T in that same situation:
- Defence outnumbered due to counter attack. Early ball from Molino to right winger in stride
- 2 attackers move forward into penalty area drawing 2 defenders to them
- Molino is the trailer completely unmarked
- Right Winger has little to no pressure on him to cross the ball. Either overhits the cross, missing his attackers....or manages to play the cross into the defender
- Attackers and crowd peltin bare cuss.
:rotfl: :beermug:
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Sam, close yuh eyes. . . ;D
Heath: Molino Could Be The Best Player In MLS
http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/02/17/expectations-high-heaths-coveted-man-molino-minnesota-united
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F000ck Molino....
If was me he woulda beg to play for T&T, beg like a f00cking rabbit.
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You know, if we don't qualify for the World Cup I will blame Molino. Everything was going fine until he decided that he wanted to go boat rides. SMDH. Ruined the team.
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Minnesota United’s Kevin Molino wants to party on the field — and dispel that rap off it
By Andy Greder (Pioneer Press)
Kevin Molino built a reputation as a lethal attacker with Orlando City last year — but also for after-hours forays.
While scoring 11 goals and distributing eight assists during the 2016 Major League Soccer season, he was reprimanded twice for breaking curfew to attend parties while in training camps with the Trinidad and Tobago national team.
Molino takes responsibility for attending an August boat party during training camp. “The first time was my fault,” he acknowledged to the Pioneer Press.
But Molino denies a second alleged slip-up in October — heading out late to visit a nightclub during another camp in October. Instead of playing in Caribbean Cup qualifiers, T&T coach Stephen Hart sent Molino back to Orlando City.
Orlando City coach Jason Kreis stayed out of the issue after speaking to Molino and didn’t further discipline him. Hart was later fired in November.
“I don’t know what that next situation (was),” Molino said. “It’s life, and I move on.”
Molino, 26, has a fresh start with Minnesota United and figures to be a focal point when the expansion franchise makes its MLS debut Friday in Portland. His 11 goals ranked 16th in the league last year, and his eight assists checked in at 19th-best.
The Loons pulled off a trade in late January to acquire the coveted playmaker, along with backup goalie Patrick McLain. In exchange for that front-loaded pair, United gave Orlando $650,000 from two MLS funds — $200,000 in Target Allocation Money and $450,000 in General Allocation Money — a total believed to tie the MLS record amount given up in a trade.
“He needs to reward the club and be a difference in making the club successful,” said ESPN soccer commentator Kasey Keller, a former Seattle Sounders goalie.
New United coach Adrian Heath had sought Molino from the first day he was hired to lead the Loons in November. Heath discovered Molino in Trinidad in 2009 and then, as coach of Orlando, helped develop him from 2011 until midway through the 2016 season when Heath was fired.
Molino earned $121,000 in Orlando last season, which was 13th-most on the club. He sought a new contract based on his outsized production, but those talks stalled. Heath said that contract dispute shouldn’t raise a flag on Molino being petulant.
Heath goes further to dispel any negative connotations about Molino’s character or work ethic. He cites a five-year relationship with Molino for his strong opinion.
“I know him inside and out,” Heath said. “I certainly have no worries about Kevin on or off the field. He is a delight to work with. He is a professional and a great teammate. What other people might say doesn’t really concern me because they have probably not been in his company or met him. In terms of that, it doesn’t concern me in the slightest.”
Beginning in 2011, Heath groomed Molino when Orlando City was in the third-tier United Soccer League. Molino was the USL’s MVP in 2012 and 2014, when he set a league record with 20 goals. Together, Molino and Heath won USL titles.
Molino was eager to make the jump to MLS, but seven starts into the debut season, he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
“When I think about it, I feel like tears want to come out of my eyes,” Molino said. “It was the hardest thing that I’ve dealt with in my entire life because that was my dream, to bring the team up from USL to MLS.”
Heath shares how Molino attacked his 10-month recovery as a strong anecdote on how much he loves to play. Molino also said he welcomes another shot to play with his national team.
“I was worried about how he was going to take it,” Heath said. “After the initial shock for the first five or six weeks and trying to come to terms with it, his attitude after it was incredible. I don’t think anyone went to the training facility and didn’t see him working away. He’s worked very hard to get himself back.”
After Molino’s strong season last year with Orlando, United sought to acquire him throughout the offseason, and Molino has taken notice on how much the Loons coveted him.
“All I can do is repay them by, I wouldn’t say scoring, but the determination I show each and every day and when I put on the game shirt,” he said.
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There was a fan pool in MLS subreddit about the best XI on the league. Molino and Joevin are part of it.
(https://i.redditmedia.com/7n5CevdcxeZSVkaXpXf3qLZlmClfKS2QYXJyT82K2zQ.png?w=934&s=3cdb4a85bc9b0fd11ee89133df852263)
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http://www.mnufc.com/post/2017/03/01/portland-timbers-vs-minnesota-united-fc-2017-mls-match-preview
PORTLAND TIMBERS vs. MINNESOTA UNITED FC
Providence Park | Portland
03.03.17 | MLS Week 1 | Game 1
8:30 p.m. CT
You only get once chance to make a first impression, and this is Minnesota United’s chance. When they face off against the Portland Timbers at 8:30 pm CT at Providence Park in Portland, they’ll not only be opening their inaugural season, it will be the first match of the entire MLS season. At the very least, they should feel familiar with Providence Park after playing three matches there in the preseason, drawing all three.
Following those draws, Minnesota United dropped a pair of matches in Orlando, falling 3-0 to Toronto FC and 2-0 to San Antonio FC. Against San Antonio, Minnesota dominated possession for a majority of the opening half, but the Loons failed to hit the target on any of their long efforts. San Antonio scored late in the first half off a free kick following a yellow card. In the second half, MNUFC created opportunities off crosses that went begging, and once again it was San Antonio scoring late on the counterattack to finish it off.
Despite the draws and losses, defender Vadim Demidov is optimistic about the work the team’s already put in. “We've worked with a team spirit,” he said after practice on Tuesday. “Of course, we're a new team, so a lot of new faces, but I think we have something good going on. But we'll see on Friday. Friday's our exam. We're going to put in a hundred percent effort for Friday.”
The match on Friday will be the two clubs’ first competitive match against each other since 2010, when they faced off in the USSF D2 league prior to the Timbers joining MLS. Against Portland in the preseason, Minnesota was able to get off to an early 2-0 lead thanks to a brace from Johan Venegas, but the Timbers rallied in the final minutes to earn a draw. Portland will be seeking redemption after just missing out on the MLS Cup Playoffs last season, while Minnesota will be trying to meet Head Coach Adrian Heath’s expectations.
“I want to win every game I play,” said Heath with a smile. “That's not going to happen, but I'm going to go into every game that we play fully confident. My glass is always half-full. I always think we can achieve what people don't think we can achieve. The one thing we know we can count on before the ball's kicked is that every time they put a Minnesota shirt on, everything they've got is going to be left out on the field. I'm not accepting anything else. Never have done and never will do.”
Although the team as a whole is new to MLS, Minnesota has brought on several veterans of the league, including midfielder Collen Warner, who knows the team will likely have to play through some early jitters.
“I'm sure guys will be a bit nervous,” he said. “When there's a crowd like that, it's a special occasion. At the beginning of the game they'll probably throw the kitchen sink at us, so it'll be on us to calm down the crowd, to play past a bit of early pressure. You know, go in with that 'away' mentality where you've got to get through the first 15 minutes and then settle into the game.”
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Molino on right now with Minnesota.
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Respect to Kevin for seeking to be fairly compensated, but good lord that team bad. I hope daz just first game jitters, yes.
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Respect to Kevin for seeking to be fairly compensated, but good lord that team bad. I hope daz just first game jitters, yes.
As I am writing, Minnesota just gave a stupid foul in the area. Penal. Gol. 3-1. Yes, let's hope is first game. At east for Kevin's sake. Sometimes you have to be brave to make decisions. And you have to stick with them.
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Easily the weakest expansion team in the last few years. Jermaine Taylor at RB? 😂😂😂😂
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Yea that team weak. Molino is their best player. Even the bias commentator said it. He played really well imho. The team just wasn't up to par. Go for the paper...at the end of the day thats what it about...but I mean like no other team was interested!?? He young-ish yet. Good luck to MU tho...hopefully they get in a stride and start to play some decent ball, until then i hope being on a losing team doesn't affect his mental...he outshines his team definitely!
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Commentator say they still have money to spend. So reinforcements coming at some point.
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Yea that team weak. Molino is their best player. Even the bias commentator said it. He played really well imho. The team just wasn't up to par. Go for the paper...at the end of the day thats what it about...but I mean like no other team was interested!?? He young-ish yet. Good luck to MU tho...hopefully they get in a stride and start to play some decent ball, until then i hope being on a losing team doesn't affect his mental...he outshines his team definitely!
This is why I said leaving Orlando wasn't necessarily a no brainer! Once again, hope it works out for him and things improve before he gets frustrated with the losses!
Commentator say they still have money to spend. So reinforcements coming at some point.
Hopefully sooner rather than later!
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Venegas and Calvo are good players. So are Ramirez and Ibarra. The problem is the rest.
Philadelphia Union is weaker I think
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WATCH: Kevin Molino earns and scores a penalty in Minnesota United’s 6-1 loss to Atlanta United (http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/03/12/pk-goal-kevin-molino-converts-spot?autoplay=true). It’s the first home goal in Minnesota United’s history
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WATCH: Kevin Molino earns and scores a penalty in Minnesota United’s 6-1 loss to Atlanta United (http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/03/12/pk-goal-kevin-molino-converts-spot?autoplay=true). It’s the first home goal in Minnesota United’s history
Watched this game yesterday, MNUFC is really poor defensively, Molino is a standout but if they don't improve defensively it won't be much of a season for this expansion club. As for ATL I really can't see Jones getting regular game time in that team, the coach's tactics is speed and youth, it's a gamble when you sign for a club before the coach is signed and it may not bear out positively for him, time will tell. Whatever he gets he needs to capitalize immensely.
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Molino sees turning point for T&T.
TTFA Media.
US-based Duo look ahead to Friday’s WCQ with Panama
Trinidad and Tobago United States-based duo of Kevin Molino and Kenwyne Jones are holding strong hopes of this country being able to revamp it’s World Cup qualifying drive with a victory against Panama at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Friday from 7pm.
But for either of them, both into the MLS season with Atlanta United and Minnesota United, Friday’s encounter will be a strong test of character for the T&T outfit.
Molino is back in the team after last playing for the country in a 4-0 win over Dominican Republic last October in which he struck a hattrick, at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
“I’m very excited but humble about it. We have two games to take care of. First and foremost we have to take care of Friday’s game. All the guys have come in fit and ready to go and we are looking forward to the game. We will do our best to make the country proud and this is a turning point for us I believe,” Molino told TTFA Media on Tuesday.
With the inclusion of several new faces such as Jamille Boatswain, Alvin Jones, Hashim Arcia, Tristan Hodge and others in the World Cup squad, Molino said it was something he welcomed and was anticipating the team-building process.
“It’s always good to have new faces. They bring something new and I am very excited for them and happy for their call up to the World Cup squad. This is the opportunity for them to stay in the set up because the team is very competitive . I am happy to have them here and really excited to work with them and the new coaching staff,” Molino stated.
Molino is working under Dennis Lawrence and his coaching staff for the first time and is relishing the ongoing period of wearing the national olours with Lawrence at the helm
“It’s been bery professional since I came into camp. They are good leaders. They have been to a World Cup and they know what it takes to get there and I’m very excited and looking forward to the two games coming up.”
Jones, now with Atlanta United in the MLS, said he was confident Lawrence could have the players responding positively to what he wants of them over the next few days and also in Friday’s encounter.
“It’s very important and I think we are going to be working on that in all the training sessions leading up the to the game. Obviously for him (Lawrence) it’s going to be a work in progress and for us also. It’s all about the team buying into his ideas and philosophies and being able to go out and put that on display when the games comes around. I expect nothing different from him in terms of the things he is doing. I have known him for a long time and hopefully he shall have a successful stint and be able to push the team onwards to the goal ahead,”Jones said.
On the inclusion of Sol Campbell to the coaching setup, Jones commented “Sol has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the game in England and is a top class defender. Hopefully he will be a positive addition to the group. Without a doubt, when you have experience like that you have to take things on board because they’ve been through it all. He’s played in numerous World Cups and for the England national team for a long time as well as for top clubs in England. He’s going to bring invaluable experience to the team and hopefully the young defenders will be able to learn a lot off him,” Jones added.
The Panama team has opted to arrive in Port of Spain on Thursday and will have one session in the night at the match venue. Tickets for Friday’s game remain on sale at Lotto Locations across the nation priced at $350 (covered) and $200 (uncovered).
Videos -
Molino and Jones look ahead to Panama (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqWVo7Koro8)
Monday's Session with the Men's Team ahead of Panama clash (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Kr8BulHbH8)
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Let's see what he will do come Friday .... like I said, Cummings was the difference in both Mexico matches, it took it out of their hands..
Can Molino do this, is he really an impact player in international football?
I was one of the biggest critics of j jones when he started out and I'm happy I was wrong but I would take him and Cummings over Molino and hyland any day in the mid and pair Cummings with Boucard instead..
If Cummings didn't get shot, we wouldn't even be talking about this right now
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KM was a bit of a passenger last night.
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KM was a bit of a passenger last night.
Yuh like ting, eh? ;D
Yuh fine he too quiet lately awah?
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KM was a bit of a passenger last night.
He was mostly neat and tidy in possession until he tired. But he lacked the cutting edge and danger that Joevin offered. Whenever Joevin got the ball you could sense the crowd get excited.
For us to do well. Both of them need to be clicking offensively.
Eta. A lot of times he was coming very deep for the ball. Not the areas he would ideally be playing in.
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Molino coming.
By Shaun Fuentes (Guardian).
T&T international midfielder Kevin Molino is beginning to enjoy Minnesota more every day. The T&T player is a first team started for Minnesota United.
Scoring one and setting up a further two goals in Minnesota’s 4-2 win over Real Salt Lake last weekend has raised his spirits with the club after a less than impressive start to the season a few weeks ago.
“It was a difficult start for us with a couple of heavy losses but things are settling now.
“It’s been great for me to be in the starting team and I’ve been enjoying my playing time. Setting up goals and getting a couple myself is always good for confidence,” Molino said.
“And being back with Adrian (Heath) after the long time we spent together at Orlando City is a good thing because we understand each other.
“The club has good ingredients and it’s just about us putting in the hard work and trying to get better every week,” he added.
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Whenever Joevin got the ball you could sense the crowd get excited.
FF, you correct about that. He reminds me of Archie. When he used to come back from the NASL and play for TT or South, there used to be real buzz in the Oval.
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Molino’s production far outweighed his salary. At $121,400 guaranteed, Molino was the 13th-highest paid player on the team, behind players like rookie Richie Laryea, right back Kevin Alston and center backs Seb Hines and Jose Aja.
Well now he making more than three times as much, with a base salary of $350,004.00 and total guaranteed compensation of $402,504.00
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Molino’s production far outweighed his salary. At $121,400 guaranteed, Molino was the 13th-highest paid player on the team, behind players like rookie Richie Laryea, right back Kevin Alston and center backs Seb Hines and Jose Aja.
Well now he making more than three times as much, with a base salary of $350,004.00 and total guaranteed compensation of $402,504.00
When you see the jump you can almost justify the move to Minnesota, Orlando would have never given him that.
But they robbing Joevin, lawd $90,000.00 base and $96,166.67 total. Once he keeps his form good he won't be playing in Seattle next year at that compensation.
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Molino’s production far outweighed his salary. At $121,400 guaranteed, Molino was the 13th-highest paid player on the team, behind players like rookie Richie Laryea, right back Kevin Alston and center backs Seb Hines and Jose Aja.
Well now he making more than three times as much, with a base salary of $350,004.00 and total guaranteed compensation of $402,504.00
When you see the jump you can almost justify the move to Minnesota, Orlando would have never given him that.
But they robbing Joevin, lawd $90,000.00 base and $96,166.67 total. Once he keeps his form good he won't be playing in Seattle next year at that compensation.
Not if he has a good agent.
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K Molino put his carrier on suicide watch by going to this team the coach likes him but he might get fired and the next coach may want to squeeze him out the side with a big name player .
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K Molino put his carrier on suicide watch by going to this team the coach likes him but he might get fired and the next coach may want to squeeze him out the side with a big name player .
well for 3 times the salary he at least have 2 years to sit on his bottom and look for a new club.
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Molino's stock is fairly good within MLS ranks, meaning he will find a spot on almost any MLS roster given the talent level double digit goals and assists per season, even more so if he gets a green card which i hope he is pursuing so he no longer will claim an international roster spot. It's pretty much up to him if he wants to stay within that overall comfort zone or push for Europe.
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K Molino put his carrier on suicide watch by going to this team the coach likes him but he might get fired and the next coach may want to squeeze him out the side with a big name player .
Lol you don't have anything else better to do? Oh btw it's career not carrier.
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Molino should be fit for weekend.
By Shaun Fuentes (Guardian).
Minnesota United head coach Adrian Heath says he expects Kevin Molino to be fit for this weekend’s MLS clash with Cordell Cato’s San Jose Earthquakes. Molino hasn’t trained this week due a minor knee issue.
“We think they will all be available — certainly Burch and Molino will be available — for the weekend, but we don’t want to aggravate it early on in the week,” Heath said.
If United beats the Earthquakes on Saturday night at TCF Bank Stadium, the Loons could enter May among the Western Conference’s top six teams. In November, after the remaining 75 per cent of the regular season is played, those teams will advance to the playoffs.
“After the start that we had, people wouldn’t have thought would be possible at this stage in the season, so it’s a big game for us,” coach Adrian Heath said.
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WATCH: Kevin Molino nets a brace but Minnesota United falls 3-2 to Toronto FC. His first goal is superb.
https://www.youtube.com/v/HA0Eu5aWx90?start=110
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Keep bussing de net Molino!!!!
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Minnesota United's Kevin Molino is finding his scoring touch
By Megan Ryan (Star Tribune)
In the 62nd minute of Minnesota United’s 3-2 loss at Toronto FC on Saturday, Kevin Molino stepped up and took a terrible penalty kick that rolled right into the arm of Toronto goalkeeper Alexander Bono.
But here’s what makes Molino worthy of United’s big-money transaction that brought him to the expansion team this offseason: He strolled right back up to the blocked ball and coolly slotted home the rebound.
That goal was Molino’s second of the match and the second time he started the Loons’ ultimately unsuccessful comeback. Several other attacking players had golden opportunities to score, including rookie Abu Danladi in the first half and substitute Johan Venegas late in the second. Only Molino capitalized.
The Trinidad and Tobago native has started and played 10 matches for United, missing one because of national team duty. He has five goals and three assists this season. But before the Toronto match, his last goal was in a 4-2 victory over Salt Lake on April 1 and his last assist was in a 2-2 draw at Houston on April 15.
The reason for Molino’s sudden uptick in offense might have a bit to do with a lineup adjustment. Molino has played mostly on the right wing this season. But against Toronto, he played more centrally in a playmaking position. Danladi took his spot on the right.
“We put him underneath … to try to get him a bit more involved in the game and to try and see if he can link up with Ibson,” coach Adrian Heath said. “We’ve got the two midfield players [who] are both very good first touch, and they can find the little pockets of space in behind. And that’s when Kevin’s at his best. So I just wanted to see if we could get him on the ball a little bit more … and I thought we did a little bit.”
Molino, though, isn’t one to wax poetic about his two goals Saturday. Instead, he lamented the wasted chance of bringing the momentum of a big victory against one of the league’s top teams into Sunday’s 4 p.m. matchup with LA Galaxy at TCF Bank Stadium.
“Most important, the game is a team sport, and we all want to go home happy together, collectively, with three points,” Molino said in a team news release. “The two goals are good to keep my confidence up, and I look forward to the next game against the LA Galaxy.”
Heath said the challenge with Molino is just to give him opportunities. Because as the penalty-kick-gone-wrong-turned-right evidenced, Molino won’t squander them.
“He’s a quality footballer,” Heath said. “I expected before this season started, he’d get double figures in both categories [goals and assists]. So if he stays healthy, he’ll get his 12 to 13 goals.
“But more importantly, we need to keep him involved in the game because that’s the hardest thing with football, to score and make goals. So the more we can keep him active and in and around the game and the ball, the better he’s going to be.”
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WATCH: An incisive pass from Kevin Molino leads to Minnesota United’s second goal against Portland Timbers
https://www.youtube.com/v/fhb8uKW_rro?start=92
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WATCH: MLSsoccer.com's Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle says Kevin Molino is one of the best playmakers in the league.
https://www.youtube.com/v/4FVH9APDVxE?start=36
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Revisiting the Kevin Molino Trade
By Gavin Ewbank (themaneland.com)
From top to bottom, Orlando City’s roster has looked much different this season. It’s been nearly a year since Jason Kreis was hired to take over the coaching duties at the club, and with that has come a number of changes around the field, with players both coming and going.
Most notable during that span was the departure of Kevin Molino, who was traded to Minnesota United before the season, sending shock waves around the league. Molino went to Minnesota, where his former coach in Orlando — Adrian Heath — now resides, for the largest sum of allocation money in league history — $650,000 in total ($450,000 in General, $200,000 in Targeted).
We’re now half a season removed from that deal, and while it’s hard to say just yet whether or not it was the right deal for Minnesota because they’re still so young into their MLS phase, we can look at Orlando City and confidently say the deal has had an impact — in one way or another — on the Lions this season.
Coming off of an ACL injury he suffered in 2015, Molino was one of the bright spots for the Lions in 2016 as the club failed the make the playoffs again. A very strong season (11 goals and 8 assists) led him into the winter asking for more money on top of the $121,400 he was owed by Orlando City from his first MLS deal. A two-time USL MVP, Molino proved to many that he could translate his talents to the top flight, but still left many believing he needed more time to prove his worth before asking for significantly more money.
Regardless of what he asked Orlando City for, Jason Kreis and company were not prepared to give it to him, eventually buckling to the interest from Heath and Minnesota, leading to the deal.
One of everybody’s favorite parts of trades is being able to go back at any later date in time and judging that trade for its “winners” and “losers,” and in Major League Soccer we’ve finally received enough transparency to actually have enough information on trades to judge them for what they are.
All things considered, Minnesota has seemingly been left with the better end of the deal so far, mostly due to the fact that Orlando hasn’t found anybody to replace Molino’s production yet. He has five goals and five assists this season for the Loons. His goal total would be enough for second at Orlando behind only Cyle Larin, and his assist total would tie him with Carlos Rivas for the team lead. What we don’t know is how much — if any — of the Molino cash infusion was spent on shoring up other areas of Orlando City’s roster, including the addition of right back Scott Sutter, who was brought in a few weeks after Molino was shipped to Minnesota.
Regardless of whether or not you sit in “Molino wouldn’t have been a good fit in the 4-4-2 diamond” camp, Orlando has struggled to find anyone nearly as dynamic on the right side of the midfield. Matias Perez Garcia couldn’t find his late 2016 form and was eventually waived last month, Kaká has struggled to be Kaká at times on the left side of the field, and the Lions still don’t have an actual playmaker outside of the Brazilian in the midfield, which Molino would have done something to solve that.
So the big thing now in order for the Lions to “win” this trade or at least feel like they actually got something good out of the deal would mean having to spend some — if not most — of that $650,000 in allocation given to them by Minnesota. The summer transfer window opened up on Monday, and the Lions now have until Aug. 9 to sign a player through a league trade or international signing.
Orlando can still probably make the playoffs without adding someone this summer, but the Lions certainly won’t go far in November without an offensive addition.
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Scuffling Minnesota attack looking for more out of Kevin Molino
By Jeff Rueter (MLSsoccer.com)
Minnesota United’s attack has been woebegone in recent weeks, to borrow a term from native son Garrison Keillor.
On Wednesday, that trend continued, with the Loons holding Houston scoreless but failing to find the back of the net to draw the Dynamo 0-0 at TCF Bank Stadium. For Minnesota head coach Adrian Heath, it wasn’t a performance that deserved three points.
“Probably from that point of view, they’ll be disappointed,” Heath said after the match. “We haven’t at least scored, they had two great chances first half. Very much gave it two halves. I thought second half we were the better team. Bobby [Shuttleworth] hadn’t anything to do. Second half, we had a couple of — one off the line — a couple of good chances. So, first half was poor, second half was better. And we probably, a fair result in the end, but they’ll probably be disappointed with their chances that they created that they didn’t at least score.”
Minnesota have now earned just two points in their last four matches, with three of those fixtures taking place at TCF Bank Stadium. The Loons have struggled to make their home field a fortress, particularly for their attack. They’ve now scored seven goals in their last six home games, with three of those tallies coming in a wild 3-2 win against Portland last month.
When the Minnesota attack was at its best, Kevin Molino was pulling the strings, scoring five goals of his own in the first 11 games of the season. However, he’s run into a bit of a cold spell lately, with no goals and just two assists in his last eight games. His last goals came against Toronto on May 13. Ahead of the season, Heath said that he thought Molino could be one of the best players in MLS this year.
“I thought he did well tonight with the chance that he had,” Heath said, defending the Trinidad & Tobago international. “[A.J.] DeLaGarza did brilliantly to clear it off the line. Kev is like a few of the others at the moment. Not a lot is happening for him. He’s not getting much of a break, but we certainly need him if we’re going to pick points up in this home stand. We need him at his best.”
As for Molino himself, he knows the chances haven’t been coming easily for him lately. “This is football, you know?” Molino remarked after the match. “I have to be tough and once I get one goal, it’s going to keep flowing. This is the thing, when you’re going through a difficult time you still smile and still enjoy what you do. Football is short, and you need to enjoy whatever you do in life. If I have to assist for the rest of the season to help somebody get goals and make us move forward, so be it.”
Molino started in a central position again, but was pushed to the right wing he had dominated during his tenure in Orlando for the second half. Alongside Collin Martin, Molino was able to create chances and get into the action more, including a near-goal that DeLaGarza kept away from the back of the net.
“It doesn’t matter where the coach puts me,” Molino said when asked what his best position was. “I just have to have the right mentality to give the effort for the group. I prefer No. 10, but anything for the team. I’m going to step up and give the best effort I can.”
For Molino and Minnesota, improvement will be crucial to getting back in the win column on Saturday against the New York Red Bulls (4 pm ET | ESPN, ESPN Deportes in the US, TSN2 in Canada). A former striker in his own right, Heath replied that all it would take is one fortunate bounce for Molino to get going.
“Maybe that one like tonight going in. Maybe a break that drops into him. A couple of things that maybe drop for him tonight. But certainly need Kevin to be creative in the final third, because we’re at our best when he's playing well,” Heath said
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WATCH: Two assists from Kevin Molino paves the way for Minnesota United’s 4-0 victory over DC United
https://www.youtube.com/v/mVMftFjX85A
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That first pass jah rastafari! dat was nice. Female commentator could do a lot better than "clever pass". The pass was brilliant. Look at concentration Molino had to have. He bounce off 2 tackles and then see the pass and executed perfectly in a few seconds. Heath knows how good that was.
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My team stinking. We need some superstars. Well you know MLs only like NY and LA. But we stinking.
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Take away de crowd, take away de bells and whistles, subtract de the commentator etc. and watch that football good ... what's the overall quality of the product?
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Midfielder Kevin Molino living up to promise with Minnesota United FC
By Megan Ryan (Star Tribune)
When Kevin Molino came to Minnesota United in January through one of the biggest trades in Major League Soccer history, expectations for the midfielder were astronomical. His former club Orlando City SC banked $650,000 in allocation money in the deal for the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, with 42 goals, and assist man, with 31, since 2011.
But with United, the Trinidad and Tobago national team member hasn’t quite reached the heights coach Adrian Heath, who discovered Molino and brought him to the United States with Orlando, has hyped.
After the Loons’ 4-0 victory over D.C. United on Saturday, though, those sky-high hopes seemed more within reach. Molino assisted on United’s first two goals, from forwards Christian Ramirez and Abu Danladi. His pass over the top of the defense on Ramirez’s score made the goal “especially” excellent, according to Heath.
“The ball he put in for Christian for the first goal is as good as you’ll see,” Heath said. “But I expect that of him. That’s why we paid the money that we did for him. He can create with the best of them. He still should be getting 10 goals a season because that’s what we set him. So he’s got a long way to go to get them. But that’s the aim.”
Heath has said on several occasions that he believes Molino will end the season with a double-double in goals and assists. In 20 matches and 20 starts with United, he has five goals and seven assists.
For the past three or four weeks, Heath said, Molino has been dealing with a bad ankle that almost kept him out of matches. But Saturday was “probably the fittest he’s felt,” according to Heath, which makes his performance easy to understand.
It was Molino’s first assist since June 24 and his first multiple-assist match since April 1. Molino’s most recent goals came when he scored twice at Toronto FC on May 13.
Molino has played on the wing for United and as more of a No. 10 playmaker — an attacking center midfielder. And on Saturday, he seemed to have found his place on the pitch.
“I wasn’t even looking at him. If you watch the tape, I just took off because I knew the ball would be there,” Ramirez said on Molino’s pass on his goal. “He was staying higher up the field and centrally, which is where we need him, especially if he’s going to play the 10, so that I’m not so isolated up top. And it keeps those two center backs really honest with me and not knowing when to step to him. He got involved real early.”
As for the pressure to produce, Molino said he’s “done it in the past” so there’s no reason he can’t repeat with a new club. But the midfielder did acknowledge that it’s harder now, as “everybody knows” him and marks him, and he has to be mentally stronger to push through that.
“I think now is the turning point,” Molino said. “I haven’t scored in quite a time. But for me, the most important thing is not just I score and then we lost. The most important thing is us as a group winning and reaching close to playoffs. And now, this is going to boost my confidence.
“Just happy. Just happy to get a notch closer to where we want to be.”
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WATCH: Kevin Molino scores the game-winner deep in stoppage time as Minnesota United clinches a 3-2 win over Atlanta United
https://www.youtube.com/v/hx4lbMa4RnE
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T&T's Kevin Molino riding high into international break
By Joe Hojnacki (sbisoccer.com)
Kevin Molino is peaking at just the right time for Minnesota United and a Trinidad & Tobago national team hoping to spoil the U.S. Men’s National Team’s World Cup Qualifying run.
The Soca Warriors are calling up a forward/attacking midfielder that happens to be in playing lights out for Minnesota United in MLS. Molino scored the late, late winner for the Loons as they stunned Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Tuesday night, but that’s only the icing on the cake for his form heading into a pair of World Cup Qualifying matches against CONCACAF’s biggest teams.
He’s scored twice and notched a pair of assists over the last four matches, helping them wins in three out of their last four games.
Two of those wins came on the road against playoff contending opposition, and those matches just happened to be two of Molino’s best performances.
The run began back on Sept. 16 in a dramatic 3-2 win over the Montreal Impact. Molino started played all 90 minutes in the No. 10 role. His command of the attack was evident as he completed 34 passes and nearly created a goal off a set piece with a perfectly placed free kick that found the head of Francisco Calvo at the top of the six yard box. He also scored from the penalty spot to level the scoring midway through the first half.
Then there was Tuesday night against red hot Atlanta United in the newly christened hostile environment of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This time playing on the left wing in a 4-3-3, Molino put in a man of the match performance. He completed 31 passes, including six that set up a shot, assisted on Abu Danladi’s opening goal, and, most importantly, put the slightest of touches on Jerome Thiesson’s cross in the 96th minute to complete a stunning stoppage time comeback.
Molino’s recent contributions have not been limited to those two matches, either. He completed 88% of his passes and provided an assist in the No. 10 role in a 4-1 dismantling of FC Dallas on Sept. 23. He was subbed off after 70 minutes, but the Loons were already controlling the match with a 2-1 lead, in large part thanks to Molino’s passing prowess.
So, now he hopes to carry that form into two big international matches with Trinidad & Tobago. They travel to Estadio Azteca on Friday night to face Mexico, who may already have their World Cup spot sewn up, but are bringing their A-team to the fight anyway. Then the Soca Warriors look to play spoiler as the U.S. Men’s National Team comes to Ato Boldon Stadium to close out the Hex.
You can expect Molino to be up for the challenge. El Tri and, more importantly, the Stars and Stripes will have their hands full with him over the next week.
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Minnesota United’s Kevin Molino named MLS Player of the Week
By Dave Zeitlin (MLSsoccer.com)
Kevin Molino had a moment to remember in Minnesota United’s thrilling 3-2 win over Atlanta United on Tuesday.
And now the Minnesota midfielder has been rewarded as the Alcatel MLS Player of the Week for Week 31, as voted on by the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR).
Molino scored the dramatic stoppage-time winner in the Loons’ come-from-behind win over their fellow expansion side, handing Atlanta their first loss at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this season. He also had an assist in the triumph.
Molino, the first Minnesota player to ever earn a Player of the Week nod, helped open the scoring in the 48th minute when he collected the ball in the midfield and threaded a ball between two defenders to set up Abu Danladi’s goal.
Following a back-and-forth contest that saw the teams even in stoppage time, Molino’s heroics proved to be the difference. The Trinidad & Tobago international made a late run into the box and expertly headed home a Jerome Thiesson cross in the 96th minute to give the Loons the unlikely win.
The 27-year-old has now posted seven goals and a career-high nine assists this season, with the club posting a 6-2-3 record in games in which he's scored or assisted.
Minnesota United, who sit in ninth place in the Western Conference, return to action Sunday for a road match vs. the LA Galaxy (7:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE).
The MLS Player of the Week is selected each week of the regular season by a panel of journalists from NASR. The group consists of members of print, television, radio and online media.
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On Kevin Molino scoring three goals in first two preseason matches and his positioning on the pitch …
We’re trying to keep him further up the pitch. He wants to play so much that at times he gets too deep for me and links plays up but it’s in non-dangerous areas –– or areas that are not as dangerous. We want him in and around the penalty area. I know he can score double figures goals, double figures assists, because that’s what his ability is. Last year, I think, if you look at the Christian Ramirez highlight reel of all his goals, five or six of them are from assists from Kevin. We know he can do that. But I also know he can score, because I’ve seen him score, I’ve seen him grow into a goalscorer. That’s the one thing that we’ve spoken about, I expect him to get double figures this year. So, we’re trying to keep him higher up the field and it’s difficult for him, because he wants to get on the ball so much that at times he comes back and he wants to help people. But, I’ve told him, for us to get the best benefit out of Kevin Molino we need him in and around the penalty area where he’s most effective. So, we’ve spoken about it. Hopefully, you know, this preseason will sort of reinforce that. The more he gets in and around the penalty area the more he will contribute with goals and assists
https://www.mnufc.com/post/2018/02/08/mnufc-melbourne-catching-adrian-heath
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WATCH: Kevin Molino scores a brace, but Minnesota United fall 3-2 to San Jose Earthquakes
https://www.youtube.com/v/8y9jgyF5AVY&?start=171
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d man score those goals in Neymar fashion
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d man score those goals in Neymar fashion
And it earned him what I'm about to post. :)
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Molino named to "El Once de las Américas" on the back of his performance last week. Players are selected based on perfomances in leagues across both continents.
(https://as01.epimg.net/us/imagenes/2018/03/05/futbol/1520233540_226459_1520233692_sumario_normal.jpg)
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Congrats Molina, keep it up!
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Molino named to "El Once de las Américas" on the back of his performance last week. Players are selected based on perfomances in leagues across both continents.
And imagine he couldn't even make de bench of de MLS Team of the Week (https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/03/05/team-week-presented-audi-earthquakes-hoesen-leads-week-1).
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Molino named to "El Once de las Américas" on the back of his performance last week. Players are selected based on perfomances in leagues across both continents.
And imagine he couldn't even make de bench of de MLS Team of the Week (https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/03/05/team-week-presented-audi-earthquakes-hoesen-leads-week-1).
And of the two other MLS players in the Americas team, only Senderos features on the MLS squad. MLS picked Hoesen, Americas squad included the man who fed him the ball.
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Shutting down Kevin Molino key for Orlando City against Minnesota United
By Alek Pierce (themaneland.com)
Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017 was a _______ day in the history of Orlando City Soccer Club. I leave a blank in place of the adjective because, to be honest, there’s a wide range of applicable words. Surprising, sad, exciting, curious, angry…the list goes on. It was the fateful day that Orlando City’s brass made the move to trade fan favorite and star midfielder Kevin Molino to Adrian Heath’s Minnesota United (along with goalkeeper Patrick McLain) for $650,000 in allocation money. At the time, it was one of the highest amounts paid out from one club to another in exchange for a player’s services. The move made sense on all fronts too, with Orlando gaining financial flexibility and Molino joining his former coach.
Fast forward to City’s trip to United’s TCF Bank Stadium just five months later. Kevin Molino was out, affected by an illness, making Saturday’s home match against United Molino’s first time facing off against his former side. He’ll be gracing Orlando City Stadium for the first time since his move and one has to wonder how his reception will transpire. Will the supporters welcome him back? Or will they hold his less-than-amicable exit against him? Regardless, one thing is certain: City must remain focused on neutralizing the Loons’ star playmaker.
We all know Kevin Molino. We all know him very well. He’s versatile, tenacious, and strong, all while having an excellent touch on the ball. He can play on the wing, in the midfield, and can even feature in the final third if needed. In his preferred role, Molino is a distributing midfielder who’s also a constant scoring threat. He can turn a defender inside out on the dribble and then split a defense with a no-look through ball. To put it simply, he’s really good at soccer. In United’s season opener last weekend, Molino scored both of his side’s goals — leading a failed last-ditch charge to steal a point. There should be no doubt that he will be the linchpin of United’s attack.
How Orlando Will Stop Him
Molino has always seemed subscribed to a specific style of play, relying on feint body movements and slick layoffs to fool opposing defenders in the attacking third. Molino differs from your typical MLS midfielder because of his ability to beat you on the dribble and either score or provide the ball on a platter to a teammate. He’s a constant threat off the ball too, consistently sneaking in runs toward the box. Fortunately for the Lions, many of the team’s players and staff are quite familiar with these attributes and I fully expect Jonathan Spector and his center back pairing (hopefully that’s Lamine Sané, but Amro Tarek should also anticipate the task) to have constant tabs on Molino’s whereabouts. There will need to be an additional level of communication between the defense and midfield, and City’s defensive effort this week will heavily depend on execution in marking the former Lion.
Probably Not, But Maybe
While not quite practical, Molino is dangerous enough to warrant a somewhat personal marking, perhaps from Will Johnson. Johnson’s aggressive persistence as he careens throughout the middle third strikes me as a likely candidate for marking Molino. He might not always win his tackle, but you’ll always know he’s there. He’s the type of midfielder that you love to have on your side, yet absolutely despise playing against (See: Sacha Kljestan). He’s also a midfielder that hates being beat on the dribble. I mean, everyone hates getting beat, but Johnson is something else. It’s like he takes it personally…extra personally. He’s the kind of man I’d want marking a slippery midfielder for 90 minutes, but we’ll see if Jason Kreis shares a similar sentiment.
This possible defensive encounter also teases an interesting parallel that could fuel the battle: both Johnson and Molino are playing for coaches that they’ve played for previously. Johnson captained Kreis’ infamous Real Salt Lake side for years, taking home an MLS Cup in the process. Molino was scouted from his home country of Trinidad and Tobago by Adrian Heath and went on to help push the Lions into MLS. Both midfielders have loudly voiced their respect and admiration for their coaches throughout the years, and both have altered their career paths in the past to ensure celebrated reunions. Their commitment to these men and their sides has been unbridled, their dedication unmatched. So, what will happen when they collide?
Regardless of how Kreis decides to deal with Molino, it is irrefutable that Orlando’s defensive success against United will rely heavily on shutting him down. There should also be no denying the fact that Molino will be out for revenge against his former side. He’ll be looking to get on the score sheet.
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WATCH: Kevin Molino returns to Orlando City tonight
https://www.youtube.com/v/EwjHrd1Qn8g
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off after 50' injured or bad game edit injured ACL possibly :( :( :(
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Brilliant pass for goal. I real hope it not too bad. Man lost so much time already.
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off after 50' injured or bad game edit injured ACL possibly :( :( :(
Other knee this time. Pressure.
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off after 50' injured or bad game edit injured ACL possibly :( :( :(
Other knee this time. Pressure.
yeah boy....damn :(
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I fell asleep while watching the game. And got up just in time to see the man injured himself. No player touched him. He was going towards a player and the guy shift his body. So Kevin was coming fast and probably tried to stop and go with him. When he planted his foot and tried to turn at the same time, it appears that when it happened. He just collapsed on the ground. I wasn't sure it was serious until the stretcher came out. Man oh man, that is tough. So when players try to max their earnings, and people call them greedy. Just remember a little known player named Kevin Molino.
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Minnesota United star Kevin Molino likely lost for the season after tearing the ACL in his left knee
By Megan Ryan (Star Tribune)
Two games into the MLS season, Minnesota United’s already tenuous outlook has taken a significant blow.
Star midfielder Kevin Molino tore the ACL in his left knee and will most likely be out for the remainder of the season. He is expected to undergo surgery in the coming weeks.
The midfielder first appeared to injure his knee in the 36th minute of United’s 2-1 victory at Orlando City this past Saturday. He kicked a high ball with his left foot and then landed hard on that same leg. He immediately grabbed for his left knee, but after some treatment on the sideline, came back into the game.
But in the 49th minute in the second half, he collapsed with an off-the-ball, noncontact injury. He planted his left foot looking to change directions and again quickly reached for that left knee. He left the game on a stretcher shortly after and returned to the sideline about 10 minutes later on crutches.
Coach Adrian Heath said after the game the injury didn’t “look good” and those fears have now been confirmed. But the somewhat good news for the coach and his playmaker is that at least they know what to expect this time.
The 27-year-old endured the first major injury of his career in May 2015, back when he and Heath were embarking upon their first MLS season with Orlando City. Molino tore the ACL in his right knee and took about nine months to recover. His comeback in 2016 was the best year of his career, scoring 11 goals with eight assists.
When Molino followed Heath to the Loons for the inaugural season in 2017, he fell short of the double-digit goals and assists benchmark that Heath had set him to, finishing with seven goals and nine assists in an overall disappointing season for the club. But this year seemed off to a great start, as Molino scored twice in the season-opening loss at San Jose on March 3 before assisting on United’s first goal against his old club before his injury.
This loss also leaves a big hole in Heath’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system. Molino played the No. 10 role as the attacking midfielder who controls the team’s offense. There’s no real backup on the roster for that position, so this might be a time where Heath experiments with some other lineups, like a 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2, which he has implemented at times in the past.
In the four games without Molino last season, United went 1-2-1, and opponents outscored the Loons by a combined 9-4. United once played a 4-4-2 with strikers Christian Ramirez and Abu Danladi pairing up top. The other games were all 4-2-3-1 formations with either midfielder Ibson or loaned-out Johan Venegas playing in Molino’s spot. Ibson stepped in for Molino after he left the game Saturday. Venegas operated more as a false nine, a deep-lying forward.
Winger Ethan Finlay said after Saturday’s game that how the team responded to Molino’s injury to still manage three points showed the squad’s resiliency.
“You lose one of your best players, an offensive player going forward, in a 1-1 game on the road [at the time of the injury],” Finlay said. “It’s tough to lose a guy like that who you know is going to have his best performances, probably, against his old club. Our thoughts are obviously with Kev.”
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Terrible news, prayerful for a healthy recovery. Justifies him going to Minnesota for a pay hike as in professional sports the unthinkable can happen just like that. Look out for your best interests at every turn.
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Terrible news, prayerful for a healthy recovery. Justifies him going to Minnesota for a pay hike as in professional sports the unthinkable can happen just like that. Look out for your best interests at every turn.
Same sentiments here.
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Really sad! Looking forward to seeing you back! Keep your chin up and work hard at rehab like you did n Orlando 3 years ago.
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Molino raring to get back on the field after ACL setback
Positive Matters Media
Haven't been hearing much about young and Talented footballer Kevin Molino over the last few months? well POSITIVE (is what) MATTERS tracked down the Soca Warriors talisman in USA where he has been holed up recuperating from injury sustained earlier this year. The 28 year old Carenage native who also plays for Minnesota United FC in the American MLS boasted of an "unbelievable" tough mental capacity which has already seen him through most of this phase of his journey. Molino is determined in the very near future to get back on the field of play and once again please his many fans both home and abroad and hear them roar his name when he rockets the ball into the back of the net.
"Yeah, I have things I want to accomplish so I have to get back on that field," stressed Molino on Tuesday in a candid interview with Positive (is what) Matters.
"That is my main source of income so I must get back on the field." The father of one said he hopes to be playing football by February 2019 but however made it clear that he will not be rushing the recovery process as he wants to be sure he is fully healed before getting back into action. Back in March, Molino suffered a torn ACL while playing against his former employers, Orlando City FC.
It is almost four months since he last played ball.
When asked how was his recovery going, an upbeat Molino responded: “I good, I good, just trying to do the best I can do to get better. Actually, I am close to four months, a week and something away from four months which is good period of time for recovery. I have been doing good, I haven't been getting soreness, no pain and stuff so is really, really a good sign and I thank God for that."
Molino believes if he was not strong mentally he might not have been able to face his circumstance. "I am doing good mentally. I am in the right place even as much as I want to be out there. My mental side of it (recovery) is good and I think it is the most important thing," he went on to tell Positive (is what) Matters. "I have been blessed with an unbelievable mentality and that is the good thing as someone like me could deal with three, four, five ACLs while others can’t deal with a meniscus (A common injury in which forceful twisting causes certain tissue in the knee to tear)." It is this remarkable part of his being which has kept him buoyed during his injury. He said it was this strength of character that also helped him when a few years ago he left the safety and security of his grandma Dolores' home in Trinidad where she did everything for him and moved to America where he had to now do for himself just to follow his dream. He admitted back then it was total culture shock but he persevered with no regrets. It is what Molino wanted. He added: "I have to do what I have to do."
Football has been good to Molino and that's why he will not let the injury stress him or get the better of him. "All it has done to me is make me mentally stronger. In football, 95% is mental so I am good," he added.
He admitted that having to come to terms with the injury was for him the toughest part. Molino further told Positive [is what] Matters that he refused to dwell on his fate by questioning among other things why did it have to happen to him. He said: "It was not like that. I had to deal with it like a man because at the end of the day I am a man and I have to provide for my family." According to Molino, had he kept on "studying" his misfortune it would have "stressed me out mentally" and that is something that he doesn't ever want happen to him as taking care of his family is top priority.
"Man, I have a son I have to look after. He turns five in August. I have to see about my family, my grandmother" he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "If on the field is not a success, off the field must be. He said he continues to work on his individual growth which for him is of utmost importance.
Molino quipped: "You could be the best footballer in the world but if you don't work on your individual growth and grow as a person, you know that's a no-no."
So far Molino's daily routine includes therapy, fitness which includes jogging and gym. He said: "So is basically three sessions within two hours, sometimes two sessions. I am getting better by the grace of God. I will be back on the field by December, January but playing wise by February, that's what I am aiming at. I am taking my time." Next year February will make it 11 months away from football.
Positive {is what} Matters aims to share those ‘feel good’ stories that put smiles on faces and restores a sense of pride and feeling of joy among our citizens. The group is made up of several individuals with sound and varying professional backgrounds sharing the same vision.
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Raring Tallest? ??? :o ;D
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Raring Tallest? ??? :o ;D
Of course
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Stay strong Kevin, all the best on your journey through recovery.
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Kevin Molino on the road back from injury
By Steve McPherson (mnufc.com)
When we talk about sports’ greatest moments, we talk about them like they’re frozen in amber. A championship, a stoppage time goal, The Hand of God, The Flu Game, The Shot Heard ‘Round the World: we talk about these moments as indelible, timeless. But for all the heroics that athletes give us, the permanence of these moments is built on bodies just as frail as ours.
Despite advances in medical science, we’re still not very sure exactly how the potential for injury relates to training and preparation. Athletes in top physical condition are sidelined weekly and meanwhile: Keith Richards. At any moment, an athlete could be betrayed by their own body, as two of Minnesota United’s key players, Kevin Molino and Ethan Finlay, found out early this season.
It was just the second game of the year and Molino was facing his old team Orlando City SC in Orlando. MNUFC had suffered a tough 3-2 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes in their season opener despite a brace from Molino and he looked aggressive again early. He assisted Finlay’s goal in the 12th minute, but then went down after a knock to the knee in the 36th minute. He returned to action but came out for good in the 49th. He left the field hoping against hope that it wasn’t the same kind of injury that had stopped his season before it even began in 2015.
“I always wanted to play against Orlando, to feel the emotions and play against them,” he said. “They are a club that is really close to my heart. I did not want to come off the field. I did not know until the next morning when I woke up and felt the same set of pain that reminded me of the first time I tore my ACL. It was tough — I cried a little bit in the airport.”
As the adrenaline from the game seeped out, the realization that he would again be watching from the sidelines, this time after two strong performances for a team looking to grow in its second season, seeped in. It was a little over a month later with the Loons still adjusting to Molino’s absence and only two games into Darwin Quintero’s MLS career that the team lost Finlay to an ACL tear.
After colliding with the Seattle Sounders’ Alex Roldan, his knee felt “different.” Trainer Stacey Hardin came out to administer the Lachman test and diagnose the extent of the injury, but Finlay wanted no part of leaving his team in the lurch.
“I found out a lot about adrenaline and about guarding,” he said, referencing the medical phenomenon of surrounding muscles spasming to minimize agitation caused by injury. “We were down in that game and we were kind of getting pummeled. The last thing you want to do is come out in a game. The knee felt stable in the moment and I played another seven minutes.”
At halftime, the knee stiffened up and a scan confirmed it: Finlay would be joining Molino on the IR for the rest of the season. The physical toll of such an injury is obvious — within a week, they could be seen at training in Blaine, bulky supports wrapped around their legs, doing their best on crutches. And the loss to the club was massive as well. Here were two of the team’s best players entering the season gone before it had even really begun. But the biggest hurdle for the players themselves was mental. For players like Molino and Finlay, both 28, the game has been at the heart of who they are for well over a decade.
“This has been our lives, and soccer is all you know,” said Finlay. “The recovery is daunting. After you come to the realization that you have torn your ACL, you are most likely out for the season and you have six to eight months ahead of you, you don’t quite realize how long that time is away from the game until you start to get involved in it. You realize: I’m day one and I’ve got 280 ahead of me.”
“That is the hardest moment, to come to terms with an injury,” said Molino. “For me, football is sort of therapy. You are in your happy place, in your happy zone, you’re seeing your friends and challenging every day. To have that taken away from you is a depression and sometimes it can hurt you. When you don’t have that, it is like taking food away from you for a week.”
It might be a cliché, but the game we all watch on Saturday is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the life of a professional soccer player. We see what happens in those 90 minutes but we don’t see the way training together day in and day out can stitch a team together.
“The best teams are always those teams that off the field, on the field are really together,” said Finlay. “They really enjoy that kind of stuff. I miss that. That is the happiness of our job. People say, ‘Oh, you do a job for the paycheck,’ but we love this game and it gives us so much joy.”
“And especially, footballers have a routine,” Molino added. “We wake up in the morning, prepare, say a prayer, brush your teeth, whatever. Drive to training and then you look forward to the session. You look forward to meeting the guys and then you eat breakfast. It’s a routine. And then that’s taken away from you for four, five months.”
Into that vacuum left by the injury comes rehab, and both Finlay and Molino stressed repeatedly that the process of coming back from an injury was one of the hardest things they’ve had to deal with as a player. Instead of being out on the pitch running drills to help them get sharp for a game, they’re running through a hip series exercise to strengthen everything up and down their legs in an effort to stave off future injuries. “We’ve played years professionally,” said Finlay, “and some of the exercises we’re doing I guarantee we have never done.”
The human body is an often confusingly interlinked series of mechanisms and motors all pushing and pulling to keep us upright and — in Molino and Finlay’s case — perform incredible athletic feats of skill, timing and strength. Their experiences over the last several months have given both players a new appreciation for that, and also for the intricacies of the game seen from a different angle.
“The way I am starting to see the game, I think my soccer IQ has actually been heightened,” said Finlay. “About some of the exercises, I have never been more in tune with my body, both physically and mentally. I understand how I work, mechanically, because of going through this injury.”
Molino doubled down on the way a physical injury could actually help a player in other areas of the game, saying, “You are going to see and going to have different ideas of the game. That makes you better mentally and better in situations. When you are in that position you are going to be a step ahead. Mentally it should be a done deal.”
That optimism about not just coming back, but coming back better is a virtual job requirement for a pro athlete. When it pays off, it’s gritty. When it doesn’t, it’s quixotic. Sometimes it can come off as cocky, but listening to Molino and Finlay talk about not only their chances to work together but also the importance of working alone or very closely with a trainer one-on-one, you begin to sense that what’s at the heart of an athletic career is not those moments of singular achievement but these moments when they have to muster a mix of determination, realism, hope and confidence to keep going. As Winston Churchill is credited with saying, “Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” In its own way, their fight to come back matters as much to the fabric of the team as anything that happens on the field. Next year is coming and they are — of course — eager to fight to be a part of it.
“There will be changes even in the winter and we understand that,” said Finlay. “The best that we can do is get back to our level and go from there. There will be a challenge for jobs next year. We are not guaranteed to come back off of injury — we know there is still a test in front of us.”
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KM7
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D0BxVl4XgAAGTOW.jpg)
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Nice :beermug:
Is he expected to be back for the start of the season?
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On how it felt in his first start since the injury:
“It’s good to be out there, to be at home and play. The lift from the fans was good. We got a tie and we expected more from the game, but so be it. I’m looking forward to the next game.”
On how close you are to being 100%:
“Over time, this is why we have a [training] staff. They monitor me through the week and see how much I can play on Sunday. I feel good now."
https://www.mnufc.com/post/2019/04/25/quote-sheet-mnufc-vs-la-galaxy
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Minnesota United's Kevin Molino looking like his old self after return from injury
By Andy Greder (St. Paul Pioneer Press)
Kevin Molino was one of the last Minnesota United players to leave the training field in Blaine on Monday, May 20. The Loons midfielder did an extra two-touch juggling drill with goalkeeper Vito Mannone before calling it a day.
“This is my happy place,” Molino said.
Molino has been savoring his spot more lately because he knows how quickly it can be taken away and for how long.
In May 2015, playing for Orlando City, the Trinidad native tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Nine months later, he was back on the field for the 2016 opener.
That absence was brief in comparison to his latest knee injury, with Minnesota.
Last March, after contributing an assist against Orlando, Molino tore the ACL and both menisci in his left knee.
Molino admitted Monday he thought it was going to be a similar eight- or nine-month rehab process. But it took 13 months, with the added layoff for the menisci. When he returned in late April, he wasn’t at the top of his game.
“It was tough, but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger mentally,” Molino said. “I put in the work to get to where I am now.”
Columbus at Allianz Field on Saturday. It was the closest he has looked to the player for whom Minnesota forked over a then-MLS record $650,000 in January 2017, and the attacking midfielder who produced seven goals and nine assists in the club’s expansion season that year.
“He looks to have a bit more explosiveness back in him,” United coach Adrian Heath said Monday.
Molino sat out the first six games of the 2019 season, coming on a sub in a 4-3 loss to Toronto on April 19. He made his first start in the scoreless tie with Los Angeles Galaxy on April 24. But he looked rusty in that 60-minute shift and was subbed out. He sat out the next three games.
On Saturday, Molino was back in the starting XI, completing 30 of 34 passes, with one key pass and his first two shots of the season.
“We think Kevin is getting closer now to being the Molino we know — because we are going to need him,” Heath said. “This team needs a good Kevin Molino in it because he does offers us something a lot of the other players can’t do.”
Minnesota United sees Molino as a creative player who can beat opponents one-on-one and combine with teammates in the final third. When he was injured last season, United brought in Darwin Quintero on a transfer from Mexico’s Club America. Now, Molino and Quintero have been paired together.
“That’s the next thing,” Heath said. “… I felt that for us at home we needed that little bit of extra creativity. I thought there were some really good moments at the weekend, some really pleasing aspects.”
On Monday, Molino was named to Trinidad and Tobago’s preliminary 40-man roster for the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer. Molino said he’s focusing on the Loons' performances before going to national team camp.
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WATCH: Minnesota United's Kevin Molino scores his first goal since returning from an ACL injury that had him out of the game for a little over a year.
https://www.youtube.com/v/oX8Cg90GOtc?start=194
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That's what we want. Good finish.
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In the Moment: Kevin Molino
By Steve McPherson (mnufc.com)
Since going down with a season-ending injury on March 10 last year, midfielder Kevin Molino has been steadily working his way back to the pitch. Against the Philadelphia Union last Sunday, Molino showed he’s ready to be dangerous again, coming in off the bench in the 69th minute and combining with fellow sub Abu Danladi to score an equalizing goal in the 77th minute.
Kevin Molino: We had 20-some chances at goal and you know, first coming on, my mindset was to change the game. We needed energy and I think me and Abu [Danladi] do that. But at this point in time, I think that every time we get the ball, Romain crossed and we didn’t have numbers in good spots in the box. When I see Abu get the ball, I was like, in this situation, as a defender, I’m going to block the first post. So, I always pick up these spots [between the lines] where [Abu] could cut back the ball because all of the defenders rush to help the keeper in that instance, you know.
These are the areas that I pick up, here, or even on the D [at the top of the box] as the areas that I think are key to cross the ball. A natural defender is going to block the first post cross and the cut back is the cross that will work in that instance, especially when the ball is on the byline.
This was good IQ from [Abu], looking at the line and he was in [a] good position to see the whole line. He’s fast, so he can get there. This was more important than the goal.
It’s impossible for the defensive midfielder. Even if he [would have] come to me, there would be somebody else free. Jan or Miggy is going to be free if he comes to me. So it’s a good spot in that instance because they think Romain is going to cross because that is [his game]. We switched it up and gave it to Abu and I ended up picking up a good spot where the defender didn’t really know what to do in that instance.
I was just trying to put it on target. Anything can happen once it’s on target, even if he saves it, it can go to Angelo and Angelo [can] score but the main thing is putting it on target. The first touch is key, with the goal or with anything in football, your first touch is important. My first touch [here], set me up to score the goal because if I didn’t take the touch for the ball to raise [up], he would have blocked the ball.
So the touch raised [the ball], so it went a little bit over the outside of his foot because of the touch. If I would have taken a different touch on the ground, I was so close to him, he would’ve blocked it. It goes right over his leg. If you look at it, he is defending the post, his leg is in line with the post, it’s impossible [to score without touching the ball off the ground]. So, the touch made the goal.
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Molino: We have to evolve from this Gold Cup experience.
TTFA Media.
As the dust begins to settle following the end of this country’s 2019 Gold Cup campaign, senior squad member Kevin Molino is calling on their teammates to look within themselves and reflect on what transpired for Dennis Lawrence’s men over the past few weeks.
A positive 0-0 draw with Japan in Aichi was the curtain raiser that Lawrence and his staff were hoping would have propelled the team to achieving the results that would have pushed the team beyond the group stage. But that was not to be. A 1-1 draw with Guyana left T&T bottom of the four-team group with a solitary point.
According to Molino, the squad must evolve from this chapter.
“We leave here disappointed. There is some positive to take from this but still a lot of work to do,” Molino told TTFA Media.
“The players all go back to their clubs and we have to stay focus and reflect on ourselves. They need to keep working until the next time we come together again.”
Molino had a second surgery to repair a torn ACL last year which sidelined him for over a year. He then set goals for himself on the international stage and the performing well at the Gold Cup was high on the list of objectives for 2019.
“Being injured for 13 months I was really looking forward to this Gold Cup and coming here and doing well as a team. I’m sorry it has to end in this way with disappointment but don’t matter what happened here, you have another day to make things better and I think we will look at ourselves, take a look in the mirror and see where we have to improve, what we have to work on and I think we are going to get better eventually,” he added.
“It’s going to hurt us for a while. It’s two years we wait for the Gold Cup and now we didn’t qualify for the next round. It’s really tough but we need to stay focused and mentally strong regardless of the circumstances,” he added.
The 29-year-old now has 19 goals in 47 appearances for T&T and he intends to keep going. Next up for T&T is the Concacaf Nations league with home and away matches against Martinique and Honduras in September and November and then the 2022 Qatar World Cup qualifiers commencing next year.
“I still have a lot of football left in me. And in sport and football things happen fast. In life you don’t always get second chances. So we as players have more opportunities but have to put ourselves under significant pressure to perform at the highest level.
“E are going to work hard together as a team. Collectively we let ourselves down and we made mistakes but mistakes makes you evolve and I think we have to evolve as a team and keep working…. we are going to get better. We have to keep believing and to the fans, we are going to keep fighting and trying our best for you. To my teammates I think we have to give more, each and everyone, the right mentality and the sacrifices for the game. We have what it takes but we just have to fix our mentality,” Molino added.
The overseas-based players departed Kansas on Thursday with some of the local contingent returning to Port of Spain on Thursday night and Friday.
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WATCH: Kevin Molino completes Minnesota United's 7-1 rout of FC Cincinnati with a goal from close range.
https://www.youtube.com/v/IXkJ4I_jjCk?start=206
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I watched some of that game. Hoyte had a tough time in that game. The first goal was kind of his fault. He was marking first post. A Minn. forward draw him off the post. A hard cross came and he had to stretch, missing the ball and that was it. Did not see Molino. He came on late. But it good to see him recover from the ACL. He is not totally fit. I still think his problem is composure in the area. But he is a very good player. Just before half time the Minn. rightback let fly a screamer maybe 35 or 40 yrds and string up Cinci gk. One of the contenders for goal of the year maybe.
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Molino: We have to evolve from this Gold Cup experience.
TTFA Media.
As the dust begins to settle following the end of this country’s 2019 Gold Cup campaign, senior squad member Kevin Molino is calling on their teammates to look within themselves and reflect on what transpired for Dennis Lawrence’s men over the past few weeks.
A positive 0-0 draw with Japan in Aichi was the curtain raiser that Lawrence and his staff were hoping would have propelled the team to achieving the results that would have pushed the team beyond the group stage. But that was not to be. A 1-1 draw with Guyana left T&T bottom of the four-team group with a solitary point.
According to Molino, the squad must evolve from this chapter.
“We leave here disappointed. There is some positive to take from this but still a lot of work to do,” Molino told TTFA Media.
“The players all go back to their clubs and we have to stay focus and reflect on ourselves. They need to keep working until the next time we come together again.”
Molino had a second surgery to repair a torn ACL last year which sidelined him for over a year. He then set goals for himself on the international stage and the performing well at the Gold Cup was high on the list of objectives for 2019.
“Being injured for 13 months I was really looking forward to this Gold Cup and coming here and doing well as a team. I’m sorry it has to end in this way with disappointment but don’t matter what happened here, you have another day to make things better and I think we will look at ourselves, take a look in the mirror and see where we have to improve, what we have to work on and I think we are going to get better eventually,” he added.
“It’s going to hurt us for a while. It’s two years we wait for the Gold Cup and now we didn’t qualify for the next round. It’s really tough but we need to stay focused and mentally strong regardless of the circumstances,” he added.
The 29-year-old now has 19 goals in 47 appearances for T&T and he intends to keep going. Next up for T&T is the Concacaf Nations league with home and away matches against Martinique and Honduras in September and November and then the 2022 Qatar World Cup qualifiers commencing next year.
“I still have a lot of football left in me. And in sport and football things happen fast. In life you don’t always get second chances. So we as players have more opportunities but have to put ourselves under significant pressure to perform at the highest level.
“E are going to work hard together as a team. Collectively we let ourselves down and we made mistakes but mistakes makes you evolve and I think we have to evolve as a team and keep working…. we are going to get better. We have to keep believing and to the fans, we are going to keep fighting and trying our best for you. To my teammates I think we have to give more, each and everyone, the right mentality and the sacrifices for the game. We have what it takes but we just have to fix our mentality,” Molino added.
The overseas-based players departed Kansas on Thursday with some of the local contingent returning to Port of Spain on Thursday night and Friday.
Molino starting to sound like Dwight Yorke now.
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WATCH: Kevin Molino's goal seals a 3-1 win for Minnesota United over San Jose Earthquakes. Molino took only nine minutes to make maximum impact after coming on as a sub in the 83rd minute and scoring in the 92nd minute.
https://www.youtube.com/v/En9cZprLJqE?start=200
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I maintain that he’s our best goal threat since stern john, and himself, jovin , hackshaw and levi garcia should be the only players left to continue with the senior team, the rest simply does not have the quality to play international football and are outclassed in that regard.
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+ Bateau
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That was a sweet finish. Well done.
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I maintain that he’s our best goal threat since stern john, and himself, jovin , hackshaw and levi garcia should be the only players left to continue with the senior team, the rest simply does not have the quality to play international football and are outclassed in that regard.
I agree. But we can't overlook these guys for now.. our team isnt that deep to start excluding these guys:
- Hyland
- Cato
- A. Jones
- Williams (Meikel)
The thing is that when the above guys have good games, they really have good games. . When they have bad games, they really have bad games.
Hyland, Williams and Cato played well in the 2015 Gold cup. This time it was almost the opposite.
Back to Molino, he has 3 goals in the last 5 appearances coming on as a substitute for Minnesota. Definitely has the potential to play as a striker or forward for the national team. DL tried to convert Molino into that role. But the service needs to be good for that to happen. Despite playing as an attacking midfielder for Minnesota, he's getting good service that is still allowing him to get into space and get a goal, as if he was a forward.
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I think he should play attacking midfield for the national team. We have no midfield player who can bring the ball up the middle of the field comfortably. At least none is this past tournament.
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I maintain that he’s our best goal threat since stern john, and himself, jovin , hackshaw and levi garcia should be the only players left to continue with the senior team, the rest simply does not have the quality to play international football and are outclassed in that regard.
I agree. But we can't overlook these guys for now.. our team isnt that deep to start excluding these guys:
- Hyland
- Cato
- A. Jones
- Williams (Meikel)
The thing is that when the above guys have good games, they really have good games. . When they have bad games, they really have bad games.
Hyland, Williams and Cato played well in the 2015 Gold cup. This time it was almost the opposite.
Back to Molino, he has 3 goals in the last 5 appearances coming on as a substitute for Minnesota. Definitely has the potential to play as a striker or forward for the national team. DL tried to convert Molino into that role. But the service needs to be good for that to happen. Despite playing as an attacking midfielder for Minnesota, he's getting good service that is still allowing him to get into space and get a goal, as if he was a forward.
molino is not a striker ......
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Two assists from Molino yesterday versus Montreal.
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Two assists from Molino yesterday versus Montreal.
Tallman, see if you can compile both of these nah. They are really notable passes and a fair indictment of what we saw at the Gold Cup, considering that they emerged from Molino only days after we exited the Gold Cup in unacceptable circumstances.
(Except, of course, acceptable for some ... unacceptable for many.)
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Two assists from Molino yesterday versus Montreal.
Tallman, see if you can compile both of these nah. They are really notable passes and a fair indictment of what we saw at the Gold Cup, considering that they emerged from Molino only days after we exited the Gold Cup in unacceptable circumstances.
(Except, of course, acceptable for some ... unacceptable for many.)
WATCH: Kevin Molino's assist for Minnesota United's first goal against Montreal Impact
https://www.youtube.com/v/Vw0BbUaUk8M?start=53
WATCH: Kevin Molino's assist for Minnesota United's game-winning goal against Montreal Impact
https://www.youtube.com/v/Vw0BbUaUk8M?start=150
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Two excellent passes that lead to goals, exceptional control by his teammate to finish as well :beermug:
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Two excellent passes that lead to goals, exceptional control by his teammate to finish as well :beermug:
Look another one.
WATCH: Kevin Molino sets up the game-winning goal in Minnesota United's 2-1 victory over Portland Timbers in the US Open Cup semifinal. They will now face Atlanta United in the final on August 27th.
https://www.youtube.com/v/AFchKfBK_mk?start=101
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Minnesota move into second place in the west last night 1-0 over Colorado.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Molino's expert assist on Quintero wasn't the only dime he dropped, as he could have had another assist or two had his teammates' finishing been up to par. His cross led to the penalty, too.
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WATCH: Kevin Molino with the assist on the game-winning goal in Minnesota United's 1-0 win over Colorado Rapids.
https://www.youtube.com/v/UvSV6MYgoWM?start=81
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When is injury free he is a gem. He should be the national team main midfield player. We have no one at this moment.
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I've watched a couple Minn games on ESPN since Molino's return and in each game there was a moment or two where Molino will play an pinpoint one-touch forward pass splitting the defense for a teammate on run onto. He's been doing it consistently. Even Taylor Twellman applauded the accuracy and timing on his passes during the commentary.
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I've watched a couple Minn games on ESPN since Molino's return and in each game there was a moment or two where Molino will play an pinpoint one-touch forward pass splitting the defense for a teammate on run onto. He's been doing it consistently.Even Taylor Twellman applauded the accuracy and timing on his passes during the commentary.
Yet ...
(Why yuh think that's happening?)
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I've watched a couple Minn games on ESPN since Molino's return and in each game there was a moment or two where Molino will play an pinpoint one-touch forward pass splitting the defense for a teammate on run onto. He's been doing it consistently.Even Taylor Twellman applauded the accuracy and timing on his passes during the commentary.
Yet ...
(Why yuh think that's happening?)
He spends more time with his club. He practices much more with his club.He is much more familiar with his club players than the national team players. Like Messi with Barca and Messi with Argentina.
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I've watched a couple Minn games on ESPN since Molino's return and in each game there was a moment or two where Molino will play an pinpoint one-touch forward pass splitting the defense for a teammate on run onto. He's been doing it consistently.Even Taylor Twellman applauded the accuracy and timing on his passes during the commentary.
Yet ...
(Why yuh think that's happening?)
He cannot do it for us, because it doh have nobody to pass it to. Plus, we tend to use him more as a major goalscoring threat, so he does be de one looking to receive de pass.
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I've watched a couple Minn games on ESPN since Molino's return and in each game there was a moment or two where Molino will play an pinpoint one-touch forward pass splitting the defense for a teammate on run onto. He's been doing it consistently.Even Taylor Twellman applauded the accuracy and timing on his passes during the commentary.
Yet ...
(Why yuh think that's happening?)
He cannot do it for us, because it doh have nobody to pass it to. Plus, we tend to use him more as a major goalscoring threat, so he does be de one looking to receive de pass.
:beermug: :beermug: :beermug: Special agent Tallman
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I've watched a couple Minn games on ESPN since Molino's return and in each game there was a moment or two where Molino will play an pinpoint one-touch forward pass splitting the defense for a teammate on run onto. He's been doing it consistently.Even Taylor Twellman applauded the accuracy and timing on his passes during the commentary.
Yet ...
(Why yuh think that's happening?)
He cannot do it for us, because it doh have nobody to pass it to. Plus, we tend to use him more as a major goalscoring threat, so he does be de one looking to receive de pass.
In our GC games I remember a few occasions where he will receive the ball in the midfield and try to play a forward pass and no one available so he had to look for another option. To me it looked like we weren't dynamic enough with forward movement off the ball. And yes he was our main scoring threat, in fact he scored our only goal.
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I've watched a couple Minn games on ESPN since Molino's return and in each game there was a moment or two where Molino will play an pinpoint one-touch forward pass splitting the defense for a teammate on run onto. He's been doing it consistently.Even Taylor Twellman applauded the accuracy and timing on his passes during the commentary.
Yet ...
(Why yuh think that's happening?)
Why is it happening?
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I've watched a couple Minn games on ESPN since Molino's return and in each game there was a moment or two where Molino will play an pinpoint one-touch forward pass splitting the defense for a teammate on run onto. He's been doing it consistently.Even Taylor Twellman applauded the accuracy and timing on his passes during the commentary.
Yet ...
(Why yuh think that's happening?)
He cannot do it for us, because it doh have nobody to pass it to. Plus, we tend to use him more as a major goalscoring threat, so he does be de one looking to receive de pass.
In our GC games I remember a few occasions where he will receive the ball in the midfield and try to play a forward pass and no one available so he had to look for another option. To me it looked like we weren't dynamic enough with forward movement off the ball. And yes he was our main scoring threat, in fact he scored our only goal.
Everybody talking about Molino precision passing in the MLS, etc, etc. Like I said before, with his team is practice, practice, practice to perfection. This goes on for weeks on end with top class amenities. . For TT is about 4 or 5 days at the "home" of football. Where do you think the results will come to fruition? With his club obviously.
In the GC, a half-fit Molino look better than all our attacking players(if you call them attacking). I honestly think he should be spearheading our midfield attack in the future. The other person who I would like to see in the middle with him is Atuallah. But then there is Dennis!!! What are we going to do :( ?
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I've watched a couple Minn games on ESPN since Molino's return and in each game there was a moment or two where Molino will play an pinpoint one-touch forward pass splitting the defense for a teammate on run onto. He's been doing it consistently.Even Taylor Twellman applauded the accuracy and timing on his passes during the commentary.
Yet ...
(Why yuh think that's happening?)
Why is it happening?
There are several ways to respond to this. Since some have already been touched on, I will go this route:
In organized football, play either develops (1) with intentionality (2) organically/instinctively or (3) opportunistically. The identity of a team is discerned from intentional play. The team's quality is assessed (in part) on the organic elements.
While intentional play and its opposite (haphazard play) can both produce opportunistic moments, the haphazard approach can't achieve the level of cohesion (organic, instinctive) that comes from intentional play and intentional preparation.
A team (or subset of players) consistently doing something (passing patterns, movements off the ball etc) or not consistently doing something (say, eliminating the midfield through use of the long ball) are hallmarks and components of an identity and intentionality.
Even if a team has placed greater intentional emphasis on defending, the supreme moment of intention on a field is a direct attempt to score a goal. It is the sum of all other intentions. It is the sum of intentional play.
A one-touch vertical pass intended to break lines and nullify numerical disadvantage is a high order example of intentional play. Where players have exploiting attributes of that nature, it is the coach's job to maximize those exploiting attributes and even if he doesn't have the benefit of rehearsing such activity with the same frequency as one would have in a club environment, one has the responsibility of setting the conditions/stage for players with those attributes to impose themselves in those game situations (cue Pulisic for the US). You only get intentional play from intentional expectations.
The NT has shown what is emphasized as intentional in its play and verticality with the ball and positioning have not been notable highlights.
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There's a quote I will add to this discussion. I stumbled across it in someone's Twitter feed about two weeks ago, but can't recall precisely whose (it was a retweet on the main feed I was reviewing). I remember it as being a quote attributed to Marcelo Bielsa.
It is appropriate to this thread.
When I read it, I thought it vindicated my views. I certainly think its relevant to how our U-13 and U15 representatives have approached football and I think there has to be a [cultural] sea-change in how our players are taught the game, on the evidence of these showings. They need more than one [traditional] solution to resolving how the ball moves from their half into the opposing half.
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There's a quote I will add to this discussion. I stumbled across it in someone's Twitter feed about two weeks ago, but can't recall precisely whose (it was a retweet on the main feed I was reviewing). I remember it as being a quote attributed to Marcelo Bielsa.
It is appropriate to this thread.
When I read it, I thought it vindicated my views. I certainly think its relevant to how our U-13 and U15 representatives have approached football and I think there has to be a [cultural] sea-change in how our players are taught the game, on the evidence of these showings. They need more than one [traditional] solution to resolving how the ball moves from their half into the opposing half.
the biggest issue with a lot the problems we face in our football and other larger issues in TT is d lack of critical analysis and with that our tendency to chase trends or ideals that do not suit us wholly or in part and often a stubborn unwillingness to accept that something we want may not be what we need.....dennis trying possession football with personnel that mostly don't fit, at any one time we field 2-3 players dat not comfortable on the ball and putting dem under unneeded pressure....similarly SCF "converting" midfielders to defenders...we have ah unfortunate habit of shoehorning to match our outlook instead of building something based on d quality of d parts at our disposal
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at any one time we field 2-3 players dat not comfortable on the ball and putting dem under unneeded pressure....
These players should not be on any national team
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at any one time we field 2-3 players dat not comfortable on the ball and putting dem under unneeded pressure....
These players should not be on any national team
deeks, most ah dem is defensive players and sadly dais ah theme in our system at all levels...many of our defenders are poor footballers with a very few exceptions, our best ball winning mid need to have a very close outlet to pass to or is problems.....dem kinda ting
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at any one time we field 2-3 players dat not comfortable on the ball and putting dem under unneeded pressure....
These players should not be on any national team
deeks, most ah dem is defensive players and sadly dais ah theme in our system at all levels...many of our defenders are poor footballers with a very few exceptions, our best ball winning mid need to have a very close outlet to pass to or is problems.....dem kinda ting
I find all that hard to believe. Yuh saying that the best and selected National team defenders cannot control, distribute or dribble, we know they rarely have shut-out, to put it mildly. Defensive lapses and mis-markings. So how they even making a club team. Why are they selected, why not the 2nd best midfielders, don’t play defenders for the National team. Nah, it can’t be that easy.. the selectors cyah be so dotish. I feeling foolish cause I had to have misunderstood allyuh . Allyuh was talking bout SSFL, right ? Orrr, the coach and his ... nah, nah.. the selection has to be biased a certain way, which is something I always said. Our best in all positions are not selected at the junior levels.
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It's not clear to me who that comment is about. Up to lefty to name who he has in mind, but as a general comment it raises the eyebrows as phrased. Comfortable on the ball has technical and psychological elements.
Triston Hodge, for example, is a defender that could NEVER fall into the category of not being comfortable on/with the ball. Some players may be susceptible to the charge of being too comfortable with the ball, but on the NT in matches there haven't been glaringly frequent examples of players (as far as I recall as I write) being dispossessed of the ball because their playing speed and mental speed don't coincide in that sense. Many of our defensive blunders either involve recovering late, incorrectly assessing threats in the development of play, a lack of communication and coordination, goalkeeping errors etc.
Granted, not all our defensive players are especially technical but its possible to have good technique yet be not a particularly technical player.
To refer to a player ppl like to see light it up: Caesar. He is comfortable on the ball but not especially technical in a classic sense. Cato, also comfortable on the ball and more technical, although not the complete article.
Some ppl keep being mystified by Cyrus and his selection, but if you see the player there ought to be no mystery about him being selected to the NT.
As far as goalkeepers, it should be common knowledge who lacks tools with the ball at their feet. There can be no argument that this aspect of developing young keepers needs to be emphasized more.
Cruyff said: ""Choose the best player for every position, and you’ll end up not with a strong XI, but with 11 strong 1’s."
Think about it.
Every coach is faced with finding/striking a selection balance between what he wants done and the player's gifts and ability to execute the plan (intentionality again).
Is there room to boost our technical play in the context of a tactical reorientation of how we play? Yes. This is tied to my previous post. However, three players on the field not being comfortable on the ball would be a starter in killing any coach's plan. I don't think that's the primary issue. There is generally consensus on our NT call-ups from the domestic game.
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I don't know maybe I watch d wrong GC, but d amount a miscontrols, wayward passing and discomfort I recall under pressure and even not under pressure, mirrored what was seen in u20 backline, and other youth backlines that came before
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Aye aye aye....
... this is the Kevin Molino thread ;D
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Minnesota United wouldn't mind a little more selfishness from Kevin Molino
By Jerry Zgoda (Star Tribune)
Minnesota United veteran midfielder Kevin Molino has three assists this season after creating Darwin Quintero’s goal in Wednesday’s 1-0 victory over Colorado Rapids. He also has three goals.
But Loons coach Adrian Heath wants more — and less: more goals from a player he has coached since 2011 with the United Soccer League’s Orlando City team and a little less unselfishness.
“He’s had a hand in our last three, four goals,” Heath said. “When he’s on good form and he feels confident about himself and his body, he’s a really, really good player.
“My only grumble has been he doesn’t score enough goals for his ability. A little bit more selfish, a little bit more greedy at times would help. That’s the nature of him. He gets as much satisfaction making a goal as scoring a goal. He has been creating for us.”
Molino said Friday his body has caught up with his mind in his return from knee surgery last season, when he tore his left ACL in just the second game, in Orlando of all places.
“For me, it’s the group that’s important,” he said. “If I score every game, but we don’t win, it’s not important. We win, I assist, I don’t assist [doesn’t matter]. I know I should be selfish at times, but if I see a player in better position, why not give them the ball? I have to play for the team.”
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I've watched a couple Minn games on ESPN since Molino's return and in each game there was a moment or two where Molino will play an pinpoint one-touch forward pass splitting the defense for a teammate on run onto. He's been doing it consistently.Even Taylor Twellman applauded the accuracy and timing on his passes during the commentary.
Yet ...
(Why yuh think that's happening?)
Why is it happening?
There are several ways to respond to this. Since some have already been touched on, I will go this route:
In organized football, play either develops (1) with intentionality (2) organically/instinctively or (3) opportunistically. The identity of a team is discerned from intentional play. The team's quality is assessed (in part) on the organic elements.
While intentional play and its opposite (haphazard play) can both produce opportunistic moments, the haphazard approach can't achieve the level of cohesion (organic, instinctive) that comes from intentional play and intentional preparation.
A team (or subset of players) consistently doing something (passing patterns, movements off the ball etc) or not consistently doing something (say, eliminating the midfield through use of the long ball) are hallmarks and components of an identity and intentionality.
Even if a team has placed greater intentional emphasis on defending, the supreme moment of intention on a field is a direct attempt to score a goal. It is the sum of all other intentions. It is the sum of intentional play.
A one-touch vertical pass intended to break lines and nullify numerical disadvantage is a high order example of intentional play. Where players have exploiting attributes of that nature, it is the coach's job to maximize those exploiting attributes and even if he doesn't have the benefit of rehearsing such activity with the same frequency as one would have in a club environment, one has the responsibility of setting the conditions/stage for players with those attributes to impose themselves in those game situations (cue Pulisic for the US). You only get intentional play from intentional expectations.
The NT has shown what is emphasized as intentional in its play and verticality with the ball and positioning have not been notable highlights.
Did not have to wait long for an example to pop up. Here's a rundown on Real Madrid's match versus Celta Vigo, played yesterday. In the game Modric was sent off. Zidane doesn't train for 10 v 11 situations, unlike Mourinho and Benítez during their RM tenures.
"El Real Madrid, que no entrena situaciones de 10 contra 11, reaccionó de manera instintiva a la roja a Modric y revivió en su victoria en Vigo el aroma de fútbol coral de la época dorada de Zidane."
"A diferencia de Mourinho y Benítez, Zidane no entrena situaciones en las que su equipo se queda con diez frente a once. Pero, a partir de la roja, y ante lo que calcularon que podía ser un “golpe mayúsculo”, el fútbol del Madrid fluyó de manera natural hasta desembocar en un gran tercer gol."
https://elpais.com/deportes/2019/08/18/actualidad/1566139306_518590.html
Real Madrid 3 Celta Vigo 1
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WATCH: Kevin Molino with the assist during Minnesota United's 2-1 loss to Atlanta United in the 2019 US Open Cup Final
https://www.youtube.com/v/9HXXkFG1MMo?start=96
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Molino supplies again! I forgot this game was on last night too.
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Minnesota United's Kevin Molino looking better in second year after injury
By Jerry Zgoda (Star Tribune)
Minnesota United teammates Kevin Molino and Ethan Finlay returned last season from knee surgery each underwent the year before.
Now they’re back, a distinction that United coach Adrian Heath knows well.
Finlay started 22 of 33 games he played last season and scored seven goals after he was sidelined nearly 11 months by a torn anterior cruciate ligament sustained in April 2018 at Seattle.
Molino started 11 of 17 games he played last season and scored three times after he had sustained the same injury six weeks before Finlay did.
Born less than two months apart, both now are 29 amid signs in preseason play that each is getting back to the player he was before surgery.
“I went through an ACL myself and I know that first year you get back on a lot of enthusiasm, but you don’t feel quite as sharp,” Heath said. “The one thing that has been abundantly clear to everybody now is Ethan and Kevin are back looking like their old self again.”
Heath has praised both players’ performance in three training games in Florida. United left Friday for Portland, Ore., where it will play three preseason games against MLS opponents New England, Vancouver and the hometown Timbers.
Heath was particularly taken with the instant connection Molino made with newly signed striker Luis Amarilla in a single half they played together in Florida.
He called Amarilla’s connective play with Molino “top-class to watch.”
Molino studied video of Amarilla’s play, which he called “research” that helped create that quick connection even though Amarilla’s native language is Spanish and Molino’s is English.
“Football is one language,” Molino said.
Molino has played the “No. 10” position — an attacking midfielder spot that was star Darwin Quintero’s the past two seasons — throughout this preseason even though Heath said Molino can play all across the front. He might need to if his team succeeds in acquiring Emanuel “Bebelo” Reynoso from Argentina’s famed Boca Juniors club.
If not, Heath is prepared to go into the season with Molino as his No. 10.
“I don’t know what the future holds in position,” Molino said. “Anywhere the coach wants me to play, I will do the best I can. It doesn’t matter where I play, for the team is most important.”
Molino so far has exhibited the kind of the form that persuaded Heath to bring Molino with him from Orlando City to Minnesota in 2017.
“I’m getting there,” Molino said. “I still have to push and keep doing more. I come in much fitter than last year. Coming off an ACL was difficult. I had some niggling injuries — hamstring, ankle — and missed a couple games. This season, I’m looking forward to playing a lot of games. Look after my body, do the work and be ready to play a lot of games.”
As did Molino, Finlay first worked to rehabilitate his knee, his body. His soccer skills came after that.
“You have these days you’re not feeling great,” Finlay said. “You’ve done a whole bunch of other stuff on your body and you haven’t done a lot of soccer stuff. It took me a little bit longer to get my sharpness from a soccer standpoint.
“As the year went on, I started to get a little better. By mid- to late fall, I was really feeling back. I was feeling a sharpness. My strength and power were all there. Now it’s year nine for me and it’s all about managing your body, managing your workload. Working smarter than harder at time, just doing what I’ve always done.”
Both are in their primes, MLS veterans in a midfield group out front that includes last season’s newcomers Robin Lod and Thomas Chacon.
Heath called Finlay “terrific” so far in preseason training and called Molino, well, the player he has coached since 2011.
“He just gets the game, and players like playing with him,” Heath said. “It’s a big year for him. If we can get him back to where I know he can produce, he’ll be one of the best in the league. Kevin, Ethan, the way those two have come back, it’s like signing two new players.”
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Molino with a double today in Minnesota's MLS opener
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Molino with a double today in Minnesota's MLS opener
Yeah, he played well. I hope he hold down that #10 spot. Looked good tonight.
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WATCH: Kevin Molino's brace leads Minnesota United to a 3-1 victory over Portland Timbers
https://www.youtube.com/v/13rcdNKv2ss?start=40
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Starman tonight! That second one was a gift but take composure.
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I was pleased to see we boy starting and playing well.
He just calm and composed, making good passes and getting into dangerous areas.
He coulda up the intensity when it was time to win it back a couple times.
Very good performance.
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WATCH: Kevin Molino's pinpoint cross leads to Minnesota united's third goal in their 5-2 win over San Jose Earthquakes
https://www.youtube.com/v/vEeDGHCfXmc?start=291
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He was subbed out in the 42nd min due to injury. I can't find no news about it.
Hope is nothing serious.
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He was subbed out in the 42nd min due to injury. I can't find no news about it.
Hope is nothing serious.
Slight hamstring strain
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WATCH: Kevin Molino's COVID-19 message
https://www.youtube.com/v/xY1JuI6X5-o
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Kevin Molino: The chance to breathe
Kevin Molino (pushinglimits.net)
Almost two months after being stuck at home, it brought great joy and a bit of relief to return to the training field with my teammates at Minnesota United last week after the go ahead was given for us to restart some individual training . Meeting up with the boys and the staff again was like seeing your old school mates after the August vacation. Only this time it was a vacation where you had to be quarantined inside your home where all you could do was stay fit on your own and take in everything there was on television.
Luckily I had my Trinidadian teammate and friend Joevin Jones with me and we got the chance to analyze ourselves, look back at where we came from and think about where we want to go. We spent some of the days looking back at some of our old games for the national team that we were able to source from the TTFA Media and we also assessed some matches from the last World Cup campaign to see where we went wrong and also take in some of the good stuff we did like the two home game against Panama and Mexico. I still can’t believe how unlucky Joevin was to have his goal called for offside in the first half.
Minnesota has been my home for three and a half years now after the club brought me over from Orlando City in January of 2017. It was an important move for me as I saw the ambition that the club had and my old manager Adrian Heath was someone I knew well and who I’d play for throughout my career in the US. He knew me better than any coach. So in a nutshell I was delighted to be starting a new chapter.
I faced another obstacle with a second ACL injury and that was another challenging period for me but I’d been through this same nightmare before and this time I knew what to expect so I made up my mind that I would wake up better from it. The surgery went well in 2018 and I slowly started to build myself back. Coming into the new season in 2020 I felt like I was getting back to my old self again. There was the feeling that the boss may be using me as the “Number 10” but I was prepared to play wherever he wanted me to and do my best for the team.
Coming back from an ACL injury is no easy ride as any athlete who has been through would tell you. But my mind was made up and my hopes were high to play as many games as possible in the season.
But the Almighty had other plans and not just for me but for everyone. Who’s to judge him? All we could do was sit by and try to do all the right things to ensure we come away from this pandemic as best and safe as possible. Many people have suffered. A lot have died, lost loved ones and many are jobless and have to fight hard to make ends meet. The news over here said there are now 899 deaths in Minnesota.
I have friends in Trinidad who are fighting to stay in good shape. I’ve seen and heard about persons in Minnesota who are struggling to stay up. Right at the club I know there are so many people we would normally see on the weekends for matches who haven’t been able to be part of something that brought so much life and hope to us.
All in all, I thank God for where we are now being able to tell a story and being able to live to fight another day. But in all of this, there have been some very, very sad and disheartening things happening and I was shocked and angry to see on my social media pages what occurred to the gentleman in Minneapolis this week.
This has been on the television all day and night for the past forty eight hours or so and it all went down in a place that became my home for the past three years. It’s tough to see it. We stay home as much as we can and go out only for the necessary stuff and for training. But now I feel like staying away even more because of the scenes taking place here in Minnesota.
I stand strong as a Black athlete from the Caribbean and everyday we strive to overcome hurdles and face our challenges. When we fight, whether on the field or in our private spaces we do it in order to bring our best game that represents millions of people. We do it to bring some sort of stress relief or joy to them. We go out there to fight for better and fulfill our dreams.
My teammates and I, and the staff, everyone, are like a family trying to set the right example. It’s the same thing when I get together with the national team. George Floyd was the same. He had a family and he represented people. The way he went out could never be right. It’s scary to be honest. Try covering your face and preventing yourself from breathing and see how it feels after two minutes. Wearing a facemask is enough of a struggle and we have to do it to stay alive in this situation we are in today. But we have the option to take the mask off whenever we want. George didn’t have that option. Imagine what it was like for him not having the chance to breathe properly.
It’s important for us to stand up and stand together to make a better place for ourselves and for our children. I hope we all come out of a difficult situation in a positive frame of mind. We all want life to return to normal but nobody really knows what it’s going to be like in six months or a year. We don’t even know what the MLS season will be like. I don’t know when next I will be wearing the Red, Black and White again proudly for my country. I am still trying to imagine what it will be like playing a match with no fans in the stands. But what I do know, is that together as one we can still have a life worth fighting for.
One Love
Kevin
This was written for Pushing Limits by Kevin Molino, a Carenage-born professional football player. He played at the 2007 FIFA Under 17 and 2009 FIFA Under 20 World Cups for his country. He is now waiting for the next opening whistle in American Major League Soccer.
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Molino saddened by death of George Floyd.
By Jelani Beckles (Newsday).
T&T and Minnesota United midfielder Kevin Molino joined thousands who are mourning the killing of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Monday.
Floyd, 46, died after being handcuffed and pinned to the ground by a police officer’s knee, in an incident that was recorded on video and led to protests in Minneapolis.
In an article on pushinglimits.net, Molino said, "There have been some very, very sad and disheartening things happening and I was shocked and angry to see on my social media pages what occurred to the gentleman in Minneapolis this week."
Molino said it was "tough" to see what has been happening "in a place that became my home for the past three years."
Molino said he is proud to be of African descent and he will continue pursuing his dreams.
"I stand strong as a black athlete from the Caribbean and everyday we strive to overcome hurdles and face our challenges. When we fight, whether on the field or in our private spaces we do it in order to bring our best game that represents millions of people. We do it to bring some sort of stress relief or joy to them. We go out there to fight for better and fulfill our dreams."
Molino said playing for T&T and Minnesota United for several years is like being part of a family, something Floyd also had.
"George Floyd was the same. He had a family and he represented people. The way he went out could never be right. It’s scary to be honest."
Molino said it can be difficult to breathe while wearing a mask during the covid19 pandemic, but people can take it off for comfort. The T&T footballer said Floyd did not have that luxury. "Wearing a face mask is enough of a struggle and we have to do it to stay alive in this situation we are in today. But we have the option to take the mask off whenever we want. George didn’t have that option. Imagine what it was like for him not having the chance to breathe properly."
Molino urged people to stay strong during these times. "It’s important for us to stand up and stand together to make a better place for ourselves and for our children. I hope we all come out of a difficult situation in a positive frame of mind."
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De boss with the winner in the 97th minute!
ESPN man of the match. Keep it up Molino
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De boss with the winner in the 97th minute!
ESPN man of the match. Keep it up Molino
Missed that game...so much football these days it's hard to keep up with everything.
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WATCH: Kevin Molino wins it at the death for Minnesota United, scoring the game-winner in the 97th minute, to earn a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Sporting Kansas City.
https://www.youtube.com/v/7rDop2PlImA?start=240
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Right now I will take a half-fit Molino over any of our current players.
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RSL highlight Kevin Molino as "top player" ahead of Group D clash.
By Jonathan Sigal (mlssoccer.com).
Real recognizes real.
Kyle Beckerman, ahead of Real Salt Lake’s Group D matchup Friday (10:30 pm ET | ESPN, ESPN Deportes; TSN in Canada) at the MLS is Back Tournament, highlighted Minnesota United midfielder Kevin Molino as a top player.
Beckerman, fresh off appearing in his 21st MLS season, offered praise for Molino, who has three goals and one assist on the year, including a stoppage-time winner in the Loons’ 2-1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rDop2PlImA&feature=emb_title) win over Sporting Kansas City.
“When he’s healthy he’s a top player and extremely silky, can score, can assist,” Beckerman said via video conference call. “So, he’s definitely somebody to keep an eye on, but they have numerous players and I think they’re also playing with a lot of confidence, they have a lot of momentum coming from the first two games of the season. Now with a late win the other day, I’m sure the confidence is flying high.”
Molino entered MLS with Orlando City during their 2015 expansion season, and then was traded to Minnesota in 2017. He tore his ACL early in the 2018 campaign, but has since recovered and proven dynamic centrally or out wide.
RSL head coach Fredy Juarez said he’s been tracking the Trinidad and Tobago international since his USL days.
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Is Molino injured. Surprised he’s not starting .
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Is Molino injured. Surprised he’s not starting .
I think they mentioned a hamstring injury. The same thing I was saying when they were playing Columbus. He was suited up but did not play. Our best attacking player at the moment. Ah boy!!!!!!!!
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WATCH: A brace from Kevin Molino leads Minnesota United to a 3-2 win over FC Dallas.
https://www.youtube.com/v/PAJwMMLdxH4
https://www.youtube.com/v/gp7dXKf5F2o
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Tallman still have a special love for a brace.
Molino also hit the right hand post with a placed curling shot, and had another shot from close in that the keeper performed a miracle to stop.
We boy is in good form right now, he hardly loses the ball and the defenders doh really know what to expect when he has possession.
Endless creativity.
There was also a play where he had to use pace and strength to hold off 2 defenders and cross it in.
He also set up 2 in the last game and made MLS team of the week.
I not sure if it was 2 direct assists, I saw him make the 2nd to last pass on a play that was scored. I have to check the highlights.
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Tallman still have a special love for a brace.
Allyuh f**king man doh forget eh? :rotfl:
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WATCH: On the back of his double against FC Dallas, midfielder Kevin Molino talks about his passion for further development, bringing happiness to those in his life and what he thinks is needed to help bring results in Trinidad and Tobago football.
https://www.youtube.com/v/zPt5umo0ATs
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Molino scored early on a shot from the left side and then hit the right side upright from a sliding volley which unfortunately caused him to get injured. It look like his hamstring. Too bad it didn't go in, it would been a great goal. That injury come at a bad time, right when he was on a hot streak. I wish him a speedy recovery.
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WATCH: Kevin Molino finishes a Minnesota United counter attack with his sixth goal of the season during a 2-2 draw with Houston Dynamo
https://www.youtube.com/v/mQMqLgm2B_I
RELATED NEWS
Molino nets sixth of season, but Loons held to draw
By Nigel Simon (Guardian).
T&T’s Kevin Molino and Robin Lod scored for Minnesota United in the first half, but Darwin Quintero and Maynor Figueroa struck back for the Houston Dynamo in the second, forcing the sides to split the points in a 2-2 draw in the US Major League Soccer at BBVA Stadium on Saturday.
Minnesota struck for the opener 11 minutes into the contest after getting loose on the break following a Dynamo giveaway at midfield when Jan Gregus put Molino in on goal, down the left side and the T&T international midfielder lashed home the finish to the far post.
The Dynamo got a chance to equalise just five minutes later, as Minnesota’s Michael Boxall was called for a foul in his own area for bringing down Memo Rodriguez.
But Quintero had his look from the spot denied by Minnesota goalkeeper, Canada-born T&T player Dayne St Clair, who made a kick-save while sprawling out to his left, allowing the Loons to retain the first-half advantage.
Minnesota would then double their lead right on the stroke of halftime courtesy of Lod, who pounced on a rebound and slid home a shot that Houston goalkeeper Marko Maric couldn’t quite keep out of the goal.
Houston pulled one back just before the hour mark after St Clair came off his line to punch away a cross from Zarek Valentin, only to see it land at the feet of Quintero, who alertly lofted a gorgeous chipped ball into the net.
Molino came within inches of a second and his fourth in two matches in the 66th minute, collecting a cross and uncorking a curling distance shot that looked bound for goal, only to see it denied by a diving Maric to keep Houston within a goal.
It would prove consequential as the Dynamo equalised on 69 minutes when Quintero whipped in a free-kick that was saved by St Clair but headed home on the rebound by Figueroa.
Minnesota were put down a man as the match neared second-half stoppage time after Gregus was sent off by referee Victor Rivas on Video Review for swinging his arm at a Houston player. The 10-man Loons managed to see out the match, however, and escape with the point.
Elsewhere, Molino’s close friend Joevin Jones failed to add to his two goals showing from their previous match, but Seattle Sounders still recorded a straightforward 3-0 win over LA FC thanks to Nicolas Lodeiro converting two penalty kicks in the first half and Raul Ruidiaz adding the third.
The three points put Seattle in the top spot in the Western Conference standings, while LAFC continue to struggle with finding consistency (and wins) since the restart.
USA-born midfielder, Nick De Leon, the son of former T&T standout Leroy De Leon played for 82 minutes in Toronto FC’s 2-2 draw with DC United.
DC United’s 17-year-old academy product Griffin Yow scored his first MLS goal, volleying home a dramatic equaliser two minutes from time to help DC United salvage the draw for his team.
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WATCH: Kevin Molino finishes a Minnesota United counter attack with his sixth goal of the season during a 2-2 draw with Houston Dynamo
https://www.youtube.com/v/mQMqLgm2B_I
RELATED NEWS
Molino nets sixth of season, but Loons held to draw
By Nigel Simon (Guardian).
T&T’s Kevin Molino and Robin Lod scored for Minnesota United in the first half, but Darwin Quintero and Maynor Figueroa struck back for the Houston Dynamo in the second, forcing the sides to split the points in a 2-2 draw in the US Major League Soccer at BBVA Stadium on Saturday.
Minnesota struck for the opener 11 minutes into the contest after getting loose on the break following a Dynamo giveaway at midfield when Jan Gregus put Molino in on goal, down the left side and the T&T international midfielder lashed home the finish to the far post.
The Dynamo got a chance to equalise just five minutes later, as Minnesota’s Michael Boxall was called for a foul in his own area for bringing down Memo Rodriguez.
But Quintero had his look from the spot denied by Minnesota goalkeeper, Canada-born T&T player Dayne St Clair, who made a kick-save while sprawling out to his left, allowing the Loons to retain the first-half advantage.
Minnesota would then double their lead right on the stroke of halftime courtesy of Lod, who pounced on a rebound and slid home a shot that Houston goalkeeper Marko Maric couldn’t quite keep out of the goal.
Houston pulled one back just before the hour mark after St Clair came off his line to punch away a cross from Zarek Valentin, only to see it land at the feet of Quintero, who alertly lofted a gorgeous chipped ball into the net.
Molino came within inches of a second and his fourth in two matches in the 66th minute, collecting a cross and uncorking a curling distance shot that looked bound for goal, only to see it denied by a diving Maric to keep Houston within a goal.
It would prove consequential as the Dynamo equalised on 69 minutes when Quintero whipped in a free-kick that was saved by St Clair but headed home on the rebound by Figueroa.
Minnesota were put down a man as the match neared second-half stoppage time after Gregus was sent off by referee Victor Rivas on Video Review for swinging his arm at a Houston player. The 10-man Loons managed to see out the match, however, and escape with the point.
Elsewhere, Molino’s close friend Joevin Jones failed to add to his two goals showing from their previous match, but Seattle Sounders still recorded a straightforward 3-0 win over LA FC thanks to Nicolas Lodeiro converting two penalty kicks in the first half and Raul Ruidiaz adding the third.
The three points put Seattle in the top spot in the Western Conference standings, while LAFC continue to struggle with finding consistency (and wins) since the restart.
USA-born midfielder, Nick De Leon, the son of former T&T standout Leroy De Leon played for 82 minutes in Toronto FC’s 2-2 draw with DC United.
DC United’s 17-year-old academy product Griffin Yow scored his first MLS goal, volleying home a dramatic equaliser two minutes from time to help DC United salvage the draw for his team.
when did he decide to play for us?
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Tallman still have a special love for a brace.
Allyuh f**king man doh forget eh? :rotfl:
Neva!!! :rotfl:
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Molino is back after a few games out through injury. He came on early in the 2nd half.
And he just scored!
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WATCH: Kevin Molino makes an instant impact to give Minnesota United a 2-0 lead over FC Cincinnati. Molino comes on as a substitute in the 61st minute and scores in the 69th minute.
https://www.youtube.com/v/blxNyqcW8sE
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WATCH: Kevin Molino makes an instant impact to give Minnesota United a 2-0 lead over FC Cincinnati. Molino comes on as a substitute in the 61st minute and scores in the 69th minute.
https://www.youtube.com/v/blxNyqcW8sE
your million dollar legs are showing mate.
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WATCH: Kevin Molino makes an instant impact to give Minnesota United a 2-0 lead over FC Cincinnati. Molino comes on as a substitute in the 61st minute and scores in the 69th minute.
https://www.youtube.com/v/blxNyqcW8sE
If he could stay injury free he could become a great player in this league.
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Kevin made his 100th MLS appearance tonight.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EkpnbCnXUAAAomb?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
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Kamara's Sierra Leone was banned by FIFA in 2018, lifted in 2019. Rarely a permanent thing when there is money to be made both ways.
Molino turn. Keep letting ppl know we exist, we'll be back, hopefully on our terms- add 0 and feet , and not on our knees.
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In the game vs Dallas Minnesota looked tired. They had some covid issues that prevented them from training properly and they missed some games. Molino looked tired and could have driven the offense more. Dallas played all over them in the 2nd half.
I expect more energy from Minn next game.
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Molino, St. Clair shortlisted for MLS awards
By Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian)
T&T midfielder Kevin Molino of Minnesota United and his Canada-born T&T team-mate, goalkeeper Dayne St Clair have both been shortlisted for individual end-of-season 2020 US Major League Soccer (MLS) awards as announced on Wednesday.
The voting for this season's end-of-year awards, including the newly-announced Young Player of the Year Award, will run from October 29 through November 9, with the finalists to be announced on November 11.
The nominees for the awards were submitted by the clubs, and the winners will be determined through voting from three groups inclusive of current players: clubs coaches, technical directors and general managers, and selected media members; representing local and national outlets who consistently covered this year's MLS regular-season.
Molino who has been in good form for Minnesota has been nominated for the 2020 Landon Donovan MLS MVP award as well as the Comeback Player of the Year while St Clair, has been shortlisted for the Allstate Goalkeeper of the Year award.
Minnesota United's Adrian Heath was also nominated for the Sigi Schmid Coach of the Year.
Additionally, MLS will recognise the top plays of the season with the AT&T MLS Goal of the Year and MLS Save of the Year presented by Allstate, with voting for both awards set to run from November 12-18 on MLSsoccer.com. of Minnesota United and his Canada-born T&T team-mate, goalkeeper Dayne St Clair have both been shortlisted for individual end-of-season 2020 US Major League Soccer (MLS) awards as announced yesterday.
The voting for this season's end-of-year awards, including the newly-announced Young Player of the Year Award, will run from October 29 through November 9, with the finalists to be announced on November 11.
The nominees for the awards were submitted by the clubs, and the winners will be determined through voting from three groups inclusive of current players: clubs coaches, technical directors and general managers, and selected media members; representing local and national outlets who consistently covered this year's MLS regular-season.
Molino who has been in good form for Minnesota has been nominated for the 2020 Landon Donovan MLS MVP award as well as the Comeback Player of the Year while St Clair, has been shortlisted for the Allstate Goalkeeper of the Year award.
Minnesota United's Adrian Heath was also nominated for the Sigi Schmid Coach of the Year.
Additionally, MLS will recognise the top plays of the season with the AT&T MLS Goal of the Year and MLS Save of the Year presented by Allstate, with voting for both awards set to run from November 12-18 on MLSsoccer.com.
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WATCH: Kevin Molino scores twice to help Minnesota United beat FC Dallas 3-0.
https://www.youtube.com/v/UACVgvWGZj4
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Congrats Kevin. The best TT player at the moment.
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Minnesota United FC midfielder Kevin Molino voted MLS Player of the Week
MLS Communications
Minnesota United FC midfielder Kevin Molino was voted the Major League Soccer Player of the Week for the final week of the 2020 MLS season.
Molino was involved in all three of Minnesota’s goals in a 3-0 victory over FC Dallas at Allianz Field on Decision Day 2020 presented by AT&T, contributing with two goals and an assist in Sunday’s match. The Trinidad and Tobago National Team member finished the regular season with nine goals and four assists. Minnesota finished the year in fourth place in the Western Conference standings with 34 points and 1.62 points per game (9-5-7 overall record), securing home-field advantage in Round One of the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Minnesota took a 1-0 lead in the 17th minute when Emmanuel Reynoso sent a ball just inside the top of the box, where Molino finished with a right footed shot to the bottom left corner of goal (watch goal). Molino would then assist on Reynoso’s 47th minute goal to give Minnesota a 2-0 advantage (watch assist).
Molino completed his brace in the 79th minute, the sixth multigoal game of his MLS career, when Reynoso found him in the center of the box for an open right footed finish to cap the Loons’ 3-0 win (watch goal).
Minnesota continues its season when hosting the Colorado Rapids in Round One of the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs at a date and time to be announced in the coming days.
The MLS Player of the Week is selected each week of the regular season through both media and fan voting in a process conducted by MLS Communications. A panel of journalists from the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) comprises 75 percent of the vote, while a Twitter fan vote represents the remaining 25 percent of voting. NASR consists of members of print, television, radio and online media.
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Congrats Kevin. The best TT player at the moment.
You mean for a while.
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Congrats Kevin. The best TT player at the moment.
You mean for a while.
That too!!
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WATCH: Kevin Molino scores two against Colorado Rapids
https://www.youtube.com/v/M3Z2usvDotQ
https://www.youtube.com/v/M4GLkm6wJkg
Molino leads Loons to first MLS playoff win.
T&T Guardian Reports.
T&T international Kevin Molino scored a brace and Canada-born T&T goalkeeper Dayne St Clair kept a clean sheet as Minnesota United FC secured their first Audi MLS Cup Playoffs win in club history, convincingly knocking off the visiting Colorado Rapids 3-0 Sunday night in Round One to book a spot in the Western Conference Semifinals.
The 30-year-old Carenage-born Molino’s first goal came in the 22nd minute when the attacking midfielder sent a low, left-footed shot past Rapids goalkeeper William Yarbrough. Emanuel Reynoso was fouled in the buildup, but the referee played the advantage and Minnesota capitalised for a 1-0 lead.
The Loons then made it 2-0 in the 54th minute through Robin Lod, who collected a Reynoso through ball and curled a left-footer perfectly into the far corner. Lod patiently set up Colorado’s Danny Wilson atop the 18-yard box, then made no mistake with the delicate finish.
Molino got his brace in the 79th minute, his 11th goal of the season, collecting a defence-splitting pass from Jan Gregus before sinking his finish over Yarbrough to put the game out of reach at 3-0.
Colorado generated several quality chances, but couldn’t get one past Minnesota goalkeeper St Clair in their first playoff appearance since 2016. Loons’ centre back Bakaye Dibassy blocked a Cole Bassett effort from close range in the 48th minute and Gregus denied Nicolas Benezet a tap-in at the 52-minute mark with a last-ditch, goal-line tackle.
The scoreline could’ve been more lopsided, though Reynoso hit the post in the 31st minute, the Argentine gathered Lod’s layoff, then couldn’t finish into the open net.
Tonight (November 24), Molino's close friend and fellow Carenage-resident, Joevin Jones and defending champions Seattle Sounders will start their title defence with a blockbuster Round One showdown with LAFC at Lumen Field, a year after both teams met in the Western Conference Final.
The two MLS heavyweights have met three times in the regular season in 2020, with Seattle winning both matches at home and LAFC taking the lone matchup at the Banc of California Stadium.
The teams also met in the Round of 16 at the MLS is Back Tournament when LAFC were the emphatic 4-1 victor.
Last year, the Sounders booked a ticket to MLS Cup for the third time in four years with a 3-1 win in the Western Conference Final at Banc of California Stadium.
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Yes, I saw the first goal. It was great. His striker's intuition has evolved. He could have scored a second goal after that. But he pass the ball to his left and the player in turn passed it back to the incoming mid-fielder whose shot hit the post. It is a real joy to watch Kevin play. Now I have to find a way to get him to Old Trafford ;D.
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But Minnesota defense needs some work. At one time in the second half, Colorado was shredding them to pieces, and the ball would not go in the net.
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Anyone thinks he'll move to a European team? Maybe Belgium or Holland ,even Germany?
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Anyone thinks he'll move to a European team? Maybe Belgium or Holland ,even Germany?
At 30 years old, with two ACL injuries? I highly doubt it. In any event, Minnesota currently trying to extend his contract.
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Anyone thinks he'll move to a European team? Maybe Belgium or Holland ,even Germany?
At 30 years old, with two ACL injuries? I highly doubt it. In any event, Minnesota currently trying to extend his contract.
Agree, but he most certainly deserve a substantial raise, as I beleive his contract expires this year.
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Molino threatens to hang up T&T boots.
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday).
IF the TT Football Association (TTFA) is unable to get its house in order before the start of the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers in March 2021, talismanic midfielder Kevin Molino plans to omit himself from national senior team selection.
The US-based Minnesota United footballer believes T&T’s players have “suffered” for the past decade, under several administrations, and is considering watching the upcoming World Cup qualifiers from the stands, if the local fraternity does not improve its business affairs. Molino returned to the US in January but carefully followed the legal dilemma between the TTFA and FIFA which resulted in the former being indefinitely suspended, on September 24, by the sport’s global governing body.
The eight-month feud between the two organisations saw much division within the ranks of the local association. The dispute climaxed with the TTFA membership voting in favour of the normalisation committee and agreeing to revoke all legal claims against FIFA.
In the end, FIFA’s removal of the William Wallace-led administration and appointment of a normalisation committee, in March, to run T&T’s football affairs was made official and the FIFA-ban lifted, on November 19.
Molino, however, is cautious of his next step. His future, as arguably T&T’s most decorated midfielder of this era, hangs in the balance of the TTFA’s dawning decisions.
With an impressive 11 goals and four assists to his name from the 2020 Major League Soccer (MLS) season thus far, his potential absence in the red, white and black for the upcoming qualifiers would be a devastating blow to T&T’s chances.
“The people at the top have to do things right. If they don’t do things right, I don’t see myself being a part of the team (for the qualifiers) and that’s my honest opinion. I’m not going to say this now and do something else later on. I would like to continue playing but only if things are done the right way,” he said.
Molino continued, “As players, we suffer a lot. We’ve been struggling for over a decade and now we need to do things right for the betterment for the game. Once they make the right decisions and look after the most important asset of the team, the players, I’m open to be a part of the team.”
The creative attacker thinks players should not have to worry about financial and administrative transparency while on national duty. According to him, national representatives must enter tournaments with a clear competitive mindset to increase player efficiency.
Internal off-field issues can only bring harm to an individual player, and by extension the team. He also believes once these distractions are removed, T&T can easily regain its position as one of Concacaf’s top-ranked teams.
“It would be great to just be able to come into a game and think about performing and coming to train and not thinking about the things outside. Once we can do that, and be professional about everything, I don’t see why we can’t compete against the top teams once more,” he added.
Molino said he was deeply hurt when T&T was banned by FIFA. At 30, Molino accepts his professional career may soon be over in the next couple years.
While adamant to exclude himself from national team selection if no real change comes to the TTFA’s operations, he still expressed desire to drape himself in national colours once more, more so, at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Previously, Molino represented T&T at the World Cup qualifiers in 2011 and in 2015/2016. Throughout his international career, he helped T&T lift the Caribbean Cup in 2012 and 2014, was ousted in the quarter-finals of the 2013 and 2015 Gold Cup, competed at the Concacaf Nations League in 2019 and played an array of friendlies.
To ensure continuity for himself and other seniors, especially the youths, he wants all administrative issues ironed out for the overall development of this nation’s future stars.
“This is about preparing the younger generation of national players. I’m almost on my way out. These changes need to be made, not for the seniors, but for the youngsters who are coming up. It’s important that we put things place now as it’s crucial for our progress,” he said.
Although stern with his words, Molino anticipates a return to national duty and the possibility of achieving his dream World Cup debut.
“My dream to play at the senior World Cup will never change. There’s no other feeling like walking out to your national anthem and seeing your people in the stands cheering you on. It’s almost unexplainable. The emotion, the passion.
“I was happy when I heard the ban was lifted. I saw this as an opportunity for all of us to come back and expose our talent and put T&T back on the map. I will try to do what it takes to get there. Now, it’s just the beginning. But I need to keep going and get everybody on the same page. Once we work hard together we can produce for the national team,” Molino concluded.
Molino and his Minnesota United outfit will square off against Sporting Kansas City in the Western Conference semi-finals of the Audi 2020 MLS Cup playoffs on either December 1 or 2 at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City.
This is the first time that Minnesota United have progressed to this stage of the competition. Molino, however, is intent on going all the way to capture the coveted crown and create club history. This is his fourth year at the club.
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Fair enough by Molino. However, if we get our house in order and he's satisfied, is called up for a crucial game he should not be sneaking out to boat rides!
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Fair enough by Molino. However, if we get our house in order and he's satisfied, is called up for a crucial game he should not be sneaking out to boat rides!
https://youtu.be/CcH6ZliaHWo
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Molino aiming for MLS crown
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday)
AN IN-FORM Kevin Molino plays an integral role in Minnesota United’s historic Audi 2020 Major League Soccer (MLS) Playoffs Western Conference semi-finals against Sporting Kansas City (SKC) on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old midfielder scored 11 goals and four assists in 18 games this season and, like the club, will make his first appearance at this stage of the competition.
Molino has consistently improved and worked his way back into the team, coming off the second ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear of his career, which kept him out of action from March 2018 to April 2019.
He finished second to Los Angeles FC’s Bradley Wright-Phillips for the 2020 MLS Comeback Player of the Year.
This is, however, the T&T player’s final leg of his four-year contract with Minnesota. He is intent on finishing this season with his best performance ever.
“I need to bring intensity and the Caribbean flavor. Work hard, make and score a goal, show my quality on the field, work together for my teammates and we’ll see what God has in store for the team,” he said.
Molino joined Minnesota United in 2017 and has 14 goals and nine assists overall in 37 games. The fourth seeded 'Loons' are expected to face a competitive clash against SKC, the conference’s top seed.
Molino, though, believes his squad has the depth and determination to pull off a victory against a formidable SKU unit.
“The (team) mindset is good with the guys in the locker room. We just need to keep our heads and feet down and let our boots do the talking. It’s going to be a tough game but once we prepare, we have a chance,” he added.
Having already achieved a historic club feat by reaching this far in the MLS Playoffs, Molino is not satisfied and wants to climax a “challenging” year by lifting the coveted 2020 title. Last year, Minnesota United lost the quarter-finals against LA Galaxy.
“The vibes is good but the guys are humble about it. We always want more. We want the Championship crown. I think what I’ve been doing is not good enough, I need to do more. I need to always put in my mind that I can do better.
“Sometimes players misunderstand my passion and think that I argue but that’s my mentality, I want more, for everybody. This semi-final is not enough, it’s for an average player. You cannot compare yourself with average, you have to always think you are the best in whatever you do,” he added.
If Minnesota emerges victorious on Wednesday, Molino may lock horns with close friend and T&T midfielder Joevin Jones in the conference final. Jones plays for Seattle Sounders and contests the other Western Conference semi-final against FC Dallas on Tuesday.
During the downtime, the T&T pair linked up on a few occasions to train together and support each other through the coronavirus pandemic. Molino hasn’t returned home in over a year and as inspired as he is to play in Wednesday’s semi-final, the T&T player is also excited to return home.
He expressed pleasure in having the opportunity to fly the red, white and black in the US and hopes to be an inspiration to younger nationals seeking pro careers.
He continued, “Just like the Championship, it’s my dream to return to my country. However, I want to be an example to show the world that T&T still has a lot of talent. I want to represent T&T and serve as a model to the young ones. Like back in the days, when Dwight Yorke was a hero.”
Having been injured for over a year, Molino described this season as his best one yet. Owing to his ACL injury, the experienced midfielder admitted there were many trying times during his journey to recovery.
Being unable to play was the most hurtful part for Molino. He, however, was inspirited by the three-month recovery of Kieron Pollard from a similar ACL injury back in 2016. According to Molino, Pollard’s speedy comeback served as added motivation for him to mentally and physically get through his downtime.
“I was out almost for a year and a half, I didn’t play. Sometimes the meniscus acts up and irritates the hamstring a lot. Thank God I sacrificed and put in the work to strengthen my hamstring and do what is necessary to help my team.
“I’m also a big fan of cricket and of Kieron Pollard. He tore an ACL just like me and came back to become one of the best T20 cricketers. This is what we have to do as sportsmen, take a page out of our fellow athlete’s books and he’s a player I look up to,” said Molino.
The Eastern Conference semi-finals kicked off with Orlando City versus New England Revolution and Columbus Crew versus Nashville SC on Sunday.
Molino concluded, “It’s about the bunch of players (at Minnesota) and we work for each other. We just want to continue doing this, enjoying the team’s success and see where it takes us. But we’re not going to do it without pushing each other and a lot of hard work.”
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Molino gettin' on bad again
Half Time
Minn 3 SKC 0
Two clinical finishes by the man on fire
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:beermug: :beermug: :beermug: :beermug: :beermug:
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He reads the game well. :beermug: :beermug: :beermug: :beermug:
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WATCH: Kevin Molino scores two goals against Sporting Kansas City to lead Minnesota United to the MLS Western Conference Final.
https://www.youtube.com/v/g6M3kR4l3KI
https://www.youtube.com/v/pi9QZ4AB7ME
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Yea two excellent goals. He sees the space and the #10 was on his wavelength and had the vision to provide him with quality assists. I was hoping they interviewed him after the game since he was man of the match but FOX dropped the ball. Seattle in the conference final on Monday night, should be another good one.
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Molino vs Jones for MLS Western crown
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday)
FORMER MUCURAPO Secondary School teammates Kevin Molino (Minnesota United) and Joevin Jones (Seattle Sounders) will meet in the Audi 2020 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup Playoffs Western Conference final on Monday.
A brace from Molino in the opening half of Thursday’s conference semi-final spearheaded Minnesota’s 3-0 triumph over top seed Sporting Kansas City.
One day earlier, Jones helped defending MLS Cup champions Seattle Sounders into their second straight conference final, courtesy a 1-0 victory over FC Dallas.
Seattle are one win away from making their fourth final in the last five years while Minnesota are into their first Western Conference final in only their fourth year as an MLS club. In 2019, Minnesota exited the MLS Playoffs in round one.
Molino is a contender for the MLS Playoffs MVP, having bagged two goals against the Colorado Rapids in a similar 3-0 round one rout two weeks ago. The 30-year-old midfielder has now tallied 13 goals and four assists in 19 games this season.
National men’s coach Terry Fenwick has been closely following the pair’s competitive exploits on the US circuit and is eager to witness Monday’s conference final. He dubbed the pair “a breath of fresh air” to climax an unsettling year for TT football.
“After all of the issues regarding football, these two guys are flying the flag high for T&T. They alone, and without the national team, are putting TT on the map because of their professionalism, energies and positivity moving football forward,” said Fenwick.
The English coach considers Molino and Jones role models for the younger generation of national footballers.
He is in constant contact with the pair, among other foreign-based senior nationals, via WhatsApp. Fenwick rues the fact that Molino and Jones will be going up against each other and will not be able to share the title as teammates.
He added, “The goals Molino have scored have been fantastic. They were great goals with good buildups that he was also involved in. He’s done a remarkable job and it’s absolutely a good look for him.
"It’s a shame they’re not on the same team so they can both win.”
On September 24, FIFA suspended the T&T Football Association (TTFA) after ex-president William Wallace and his former executive challenged the global governing body’s decision at the local courts, instead of the Switzerland-based CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) to remove them, on March 17, and implement a normalisation committee, headed by Robert Hadad.
FIFA’s decision to remove the TTFA executive was due to the $50 million debt accumulated by the local body.
The suspension was lifted on November 19 after an October 23 decision by the Court of Appeal for all legal claims brought against FIFA by Wallace, former vice-presidents Clynt Taylor and Joseph Sam Phillip) to be terminated.
In a recent interview with Newsday, Molino threatened the TTFA that he would hang up his boots if the fraternity does not get its house in order before the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers in March 2021.
Because of the eight-month legal wrangling between the sports’ global governing body and TTFA, Molino said the players have suffered the most.
Arguably T&T’s most talismanic striker of this period, Molino serves as a key asset to T&T’s chances of securing qualification for both the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup.
Fenwick understands the player’s frustration and called on the powers that be to observe the short- and long-term repercussions of TTFA’s power struggle.
“It’s a big statement from a big player. His sentiments are right, because we all want to move the game on positively in T&T. We’re all hoping he returns to the national team.
“Football is not a corner-shop business any more. It’s a huge conglomerate. World football is huge today. We’ve got to take it seriously.
“Unfortunately the warring factions on the ground here in T&T are not seeing it for the magnitude of how the game’s being played around the world and how it’s affecting players,” Fenwick said.
The national coach acknowledged T&T football is going through a difficult time. He believes the squad will approach the coming competitive season with enthusiasm and clear intent to return the national team to a competitive standard in Concacaf.
“We’ve come to a very difficult time in T&T football and we’re trying to move it ahead. The best we can do at the moment is take it step by step. We’re still looking at resources and finances coming from the normalisation committee and remain optimistic.”
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"Molino is the undisputed playoffs MVP" (http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/12/04/three-takeaways-minnesota-united-set-western-conference-final-seattle-sounders-steve)
(https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/styles/image_landscape/s3/images/f43rfacesa.png)
It was the Bebelo Reynoso and Kevin Molino show as Minnesota United brushed Sporting Kansas City aside to book a Western Conference Final date with the Seattle Sounders. Here are my takeaways.
Molino is the undisputed playoffs MVP
The first half of this game was one of the weirdest 3-0 games I’ve ever seen. It’s not that Minnesota didn’t deserve it, they did — it’s that Sporting had enough chances to put the game to bed long before the Loons got going. The first 25 minutes of this game left me wondering how on earth Minnesota were still in the game. And then Molino woke up and continued to make his case for MLS Playoffs MVP, and just like that, Minnesota punched their ticket to the Western Conference Final.
Molino is a player I’ve always liked but at times he has flattered to deceive. The talent is there, but he can be great one game and then anonymous the next. For one reason or another, he’s found a zone right now that very few athletes reach. He’s in a place where everything he tries is coming of, things that take years to perfect look effortless for him, and he is putting the ball in the back of the next with an efficiency that any fox in the box would be proud of.
He’s been the best player in the playoffs — bar none. Minnesota as a whole look incredibly deadly going forward and it’s not just Molino, it’s their entire attacking quartet of Robin Lod, Ethan Finlay, Reynoso and of course Molino. I absolutely love the way they get out on the break — they attack with pace and purpose and look like they have a clear plan for what they want to do. Sporting didn’t help themselves defensively, but this was more about how well Minnesota took their chances when they arrived.
The first goal was exceptional. The quick passing and off the ball movement was top notch as was the timing of both Molino’s run and the pass from the ever-impressive Reynoso. That was Adrian Heath’s team at their attacking best — fast, precise, purposeful and deadly.
Watch: Reynoso and Molino combine for first two Minnesota goals
The Reynoso-Molino combination is eerily similar to the Lodeiro-Morris one that has worked wonders for the Sounders. You can know what they want to do, but it’s very difficult, if not outright impossible to stop it when it’s in full flow. They are not quite at the level of the Sounders duo yet because those two have produced performances that have translated into silverware. But, given time, and the current trajectory they’re on, this is a duo that can dominate for a while.
They are the perfect pair because their skill sets complement each other so well. One likes to run off the ball and get in behind, while the other seemingly has eyes at the back of his head and can pick a pass through any defense. Again, very similar to the Sounders duo. Reynoso has been a revelation. I judge players based on how good they make those around them and he is top-notch when it comes to that. Molino is a similar player to what I was: good on the dribble, can go left or right, but he is more than just a winger — he is goal dangerous and also able to come inside and play-make at times. There aren’t many tandems I’d take over Molino and Reynoso right now, they are absolutely flying.
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WATCH: Catching up with Minnesota United's Kevin Molino and Seattle Sounders FC's Joevin Jones ahead of Monday's MLS Cup Western Conference Final.
https://www.youtube.com/v/6dF6myIM5a8
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There have been a couple tackles during this first half that made me grimace in concern for Molino.
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There have been a couple tackles during this first half that made me grimace in concern for Molino.
Yep, especially knowing his history.
But he is a very intelligent player. . .he has learned a lot from them.
I'm wondering what is Jones' role. I mean what did the coach tell him. Where is his creativity? Several times it seemed beter to take on his man instead of forcing a pass,
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There have been a couple tackles during this first half that made me grimace in concern for Molino.
Yep, especially knowing his history.
But he is a very intelligent player. . .he has learned a lot from them.
I'm wondering what is Jones' role. I mean what did the coach tell him. Where is his creativity? Several times it seemed beter to take on his man instead of forcing a pass,
Seems they were looking to generate the opportunity from outside.
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Tough!
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Minnesota just did not have the fire power to sustain and attack tonight. Give it to Seattle, they were brilliant, in that they grinded out a come from behind victory. Hard luck Kevin. Good luck Joevin. This game was a win-win for TT players. At least one in the final.
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Molino told take new deal... or leave it
T&T Express Reports.
$$ ISSUES
Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Kevin Molino has been basically told he is free to accept the new deal offered by his American Major League soccer (MLS) club Minnesota United or go elsewhere.
Molino enjoyed perhaps his best-ever season in the MLS with nine goals and four assists in 1,264 minutes. He kept form in the playoffs, with four goals in three appearances. However, now, he’s out of contract.
Minnesota head coach Adrian Heath, the former Everton midfielder, was quite open in discussing next season with the media recently, after losing the MLS Cup Western Conference final. The ‘Loons’ fell painfully short in the MLS Cup after taking a 2-0 lead against the Seattle Sounders after 65 minutes before the defending champions stormed back for a memorable 3-2 win.
However, there is doubt over two key pieces to Minnesota’s continued success in 2021, since the futures of both Osvaldo Alonso and Molino are still undecided.
Now with their focus fully trained on the off-season and making additions, Minnesota have a number of decisions to make, with negotiations continuing with key players like Alonso, Molino and Luis Amarilla.
Before heading back to AC Milan, forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic topped the list as the highest-paid player in the MLS in 2019, earning US$7.2 million in annual basic compensation playing for the LA Galaxy. Although the fifth-highest paid Minnesota player, Molino’s base salary stood at just US$500,004 per annum, less than one-third of the US$1,750,000 Minnesota paid designated player Darwin Quintero in 2019, before the Colombian moved on to Houston.
Based on his season, Molino expected to be among the best paid in America. But in talking to the media, Heath suggested that Molino was being offered the best deal the club was willing to give him, but was free to move on if he wanted. At age 30, Molino is unlikely to attract a big deal with a European club.
“The offer is there for Kev,” Heath said. “It’s the max deal he can get in America, so we can’t do an awful lot (more). We’re hoping. I get it if he wants to see what’s out there, I understand, but we’re hoping he accepts and decides to come back...If he doesn’t, nothing we can do about that and it’s the player’s prerogative.”
Like Molino, defensive midfielder Alonso (US$650,000.00) is also holding out for more money and has not yet signed a new deal. Alonso, who just turned 35, was restricted to nine starts in 2020 due to injuries. He has made 37 appearances in two seasons with Minnesota after a decade with the Sounders and is regarded as one of the league’s best-ever defensive midfielders. Both player and coach had a conversation about the future and Alonso’s long-term goals whenever he retires. No decision is imminent.
“He needs a little bit of time to take it all on board and we said we’d re-visit it again after the weekend,” Heath said. “We think he can still play. Whether that’s every game, that’ll be something we’ll discuss...We would like to bring him back. We’ll just have to work out how that looks.”
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Kevin Molino says goodbye to Loons, which will ‘spark’ other moves for club
By Andy Greder (twincities.com)
The last remaining Minnesota United player to be on the field for the club’s first game in MLS has said so long.
Midfielder Kevin Molino, who is out of contract after a resurgent year with the Loons, made an overnight post Wednesday on Instagram.
“Goodbye Minnesota. To everyone with Minnesota United … the owners, management, coaches, backroom staff, office staff, the ball boys, the fans and most of all my teammates… from my heart to yours Thank You for embracing me and showing me all the love and support for the last four years of my life.
“It’s been a journey filled with so much emotion and experiences. You showed me how to come back from being sidelined with injury and how to love the game again. I want to wish this great club all the best!
“On to another chapter now. Your favorite Hot Boy.”
The Loons made Molino’s new deal its first offseason priority, with manager Adrian Heath saying last week the club offered Molino the best contract it could. Heath said they have spoken consistently with his representatives and said during the season he felt they were very close to a new deal.
“I get it if he wants to see what’s out there; I understand,” Heath said Friday. “But we are hoping that he accepts it and decides to come back.”
Now without Molino, United has to go down another path. Molino, 30, was the Loons hottest goalscorer last season and developed great chemistry with playmaker Emanuel Reynoso.
The Trinidad native scored 13 goals, including four in the run to the Western Conference final. This outpaced the 12 combined goals he had with club from 2017-19, which had two years interrupted by ACL and menisci tears.
Heath addressed the option of what Molino’s exit would trigger. “Obviously we are in a situation where, Kevin’s situation could spark an awful lot of other things to go down,” Heath said. “If Kevin were to leave, then we know we would have to sort of fill, plug that hole in and that dictates what we are looking for and what we’ve got to spend.”
Heath expressed a desire to have Molino’s situation sorted soon because that would give the club a better idea of its priorities need to be for 2021.
Molino played 72 MLS games for United, scoring 25 goals and dishing 19 assists. He was acquired in a then-MLS record trade from Orlando City before the 2017 season and played in the club’s inaugural game at Portland that March.
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Molino told take new deal... or leave it
T&T Express Reports.
$$ ISSUES
Before heading back to AC Milan, forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic topped the list as the highest-paid player in the MLS in 2019, earning US$7.2 million in annual basic compensation playing for the LA Galaxy. Although the fifth-highest paid Minnesota player, Molino’s base salary stood at just US$500,004 per annum, less than one-third of the US$1,750,000 Minnesota paid designated player Darwin Quintero in 2019, before the Colombian moved on to Houston.
Based on his season, Molino expected to be among the best paid in America. But in talking to the media, Heath suggested that Molino was being offered the best deal the club was willing to give him, but was free to move on if he wanted. At age 30, Molino is unlikely to attract a big deal with a European club.
NEVER
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Molino told take new deal... or leave it
T&T Express Reports.
$$ ISSUES
Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Kevin Molino has been basically told he is free to accept the new deal offered by his American Major League soccer (MLS) club Minnesota United or go elsewhere.
Molino enjoyed perhaps his best-ever season in the MLS with nine goals and four assists in 1,264 minutes. He kept form in the playoffs, with four goals in three appearances. However, now, he’s out of contract.
..........................................
However, there is doubt over two key pieces to Minnesota’s continued success in 2021, since the futures of both Osvaldo Alonso and Molino are still undecided.
...... But in talking to the media, Heath suggested that Molino was being offered the best deal the club was willing to give him, but was free to move on if he wanted. At age 30, Molino is unlikely to attract a big deal with a European club.
“The offer is there for Kev,” Heath said. “It’s the max deal he can get in America, so we can’t do an awful lot (more). We’re hoping. I get it if he wants to see what’s out there, I understand, but we’re hoping he accepts and decides to come back...If he doesn’t, nothing we can do about that and it’s the player’s prerogative.”
Like Molino, defensive midfielder Alonso (US$650,000.00) is also holding out for more money and has not yet signed a new deal. Alonso, who just turned 35, was restricted to nine starts in 2020 due to injuries. He has made 37 appearances in two seasons with Minnesota after a decade with the Sounders and is regarded as one of the league’s best-ever defensive midfielders.....
....... Both player and coach had a conversation about the future and Alonso’s long-term goals whenever he retires. No decision is imminent.
“He needs a little bit of time to take it all on board and we said we’d re-visit it again after the weekend,” Heath said. “We think he can still play. Whether that’s every game, that’ll be something we’ll discuss...We would like to bring him back. We’ll just have to work out how that looks.”
??? ??? ???
Kevin Molino says goodbye to Loons, which will ‘spark’ other moves for club
By Andy Greder (twincities.com)
The last remaining Minnesota United player to be on the field for the club’s first game in MLS has said so long.
Midfielder Kevin Molino, who is out of contract after a resurgent year with the Loons, made an overnight post Wednesday on Instagram.
“Goodbye Minnesota. To everyone with Minnesota United … the owners, management, coaches, backroom staff, office staff, the ball boys, the fans and most of all my teammates… from my heart to yours Thank You for embracing me and showing me all the love and support for the last four years of my life.
“It’s been a journey filled with so much emotion and experiences. You showed me how to come back from being sidelined with injury and how to love the game again. I want to wish this great club all the best!
“On to another chapter now. Your favorite Hot Boy.”
>>>>>>>
Now without Molino, United has to go down another path. Molino, 30, was the Loons hottest goalscorer last season and developed great chemistry with playmaker Emanuel Reynoso.
The Trinidad native scored 13 goals, including four in the run to the Western Conference final. This outpaced the 12 combined goals he had with club from 2017-19, which had two years interrupted by ACL and menisci tears.
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“If Kevin were to leave, then we know we would have to sort of fill, plug that hole in and that dictates what we are looking for and what we’ve got to spend.”
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Molino played 72 MLS games for United, scoring 25 goals and dishing 19 assists. He was acquired in a then-MLS record trade from Orlando City before the 2017 season and played in the club’s inaugural game at Portland that March.
:applause: :applause: Would never get highest paid in America, but #5 at the club, and even with one raise last year still not in the top 100 (I only count to 75). I applaud that decision, without even knowing the offer, just the tone of the offer. I think his resume good enough to get in a door with a substantial raise. If I'm wrong, he couldn't get less, barring an unfortunate injury. I'm sure his handlers already had their ducks in a row.
Lil disappointed in Heath to be the bearer of that news doh, a man he stuck with and who did with him. Oh well, business for the lil Island 'boy' ain't business for the European or South American- some gets a holiday with perks. Some get a pat on the back. Even doh everybody put down the same work.
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Another TnT player - Indian League calling 😊
Our National player stock not so high in the big leagues!!!
We eh that hot after all-
Another one plagued by - "I good enough"
Best of Luck to one of our brightest star boys - humility is a lesson - ca t turn yuh back on where the journery started .
The fight starts back from the origin- time for all aspiring players to look and learn
Allyuh push the reset button and develop some pride mentall toughness
This is one area where ah hope current coach TF could instill in players or else pelt some wake up clout buff dem up and infuse some frigging sense in men that to be a professional and to play at a certain level requires daily discipline and work
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500k US a year is a lot of money, just short 4 million TT even when taxed. If he has been getting that for 4 years plus what he earned previously its not bad at all. If he was offered a 100k increase per year on that it still would be great. I just hope these fellas saving/investing wisely
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I wonder if he was get another higher offer from another MLS team.
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I wonder if he was get another higher offer from another MLS team.
The current rumor is that he has an offer from Montreal Impact
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not the middle east?
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I wonder if he was get another higher offer from another MLS team.
The current rumor is that he has an offer from Montreal Impact
Henri does need all the help he can get.. plus I adding,weekends Macaroni pie and Crab Callao, Friday doubles , and Choice of meat Roti every other week,stew meats, pelau and bake and buljol as requested, all specially home made and delivered, post Covid can be picked up. I throwing that in with the Mtl offer. If wifey not impressed, Fridge (caterer) and me go handle it. Message me when yuh coming for talks, will chauffeur.
We need help bad.. even the old lady say, I could make that team.
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I wonder if he was get another higher offer from another MLS team.
The current rumor is that he has an offer from Montreal Impact
Henri does need all the help he can get.. plus I adding,weekends Macaroni pie and Crab Callao, Friday doubles , and Choice of meat Roti every other week,stew meats, pelau and bake and buljol as requested, all specially home made and delivered, post Covid can be picked up. I throwing that in with the Mtl offer. If wifey not impressed, Fridge (caterer) and me go handle it. Message me when yuh coming for talks, will chauffeur.
We need help bad.. even the old lady say, I could make that team.
Dahis a kictchen sink. Where de curry poutine? I think he could call down a Mexican goat stew and without salary cap issues.
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I wonder if he was get another higher offer from another MLS team.
The current rumor is that he has an offer from Montreal Impact
Henri does need all the help he can get.. plus I adding,weekends Macaroni pie and Crab Callao, Friday doubles , and Choice of meat Roti every other week,stew meats, pelau and bake and buljol as requested, all specially home made and delivered, post Covid can be picked up. I throwing that in with the Mtl offer. If wifey not impressed, Fridge (caterer) and me go handle it. Message me when yuh coming for talks, will chauffeur.
We need help bad.. even the old lady say, I could make that team.
Dahis a kictchen sink. Where de curry poutine? I think he could call down a Mexican goat stew and without salary cap issues.
:D True true...but is Thierry Henry we talkin about..besides Fridge and Mammy cooking..beat out any under-paying club with Pozole, burrito and Taco any day.. besides he done accustom to cold weather. ent ?
Plus 1 Intl spot still open
https://www.mlssoccer.com/rosters/2020/montreal-impact
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Molino, Ranjitsingh, Jones among MLS free agency top players
T&T Guardian Reports.
T&T senior football team internationals, and Carenage-residents, Kevin Molino and Joevin Jones are among the top players available from a list of 65-plus layers named by Major League Soccer as free agents.
The list was posted on the MLS.com website on Wednesday and stated that: The MLS offseason is in full swing with the free agency now open following the End-of-Year-Waivers process, allowing veterans throughout the league to engage with and sign with any club.
Eligible players are 24 years of age and older, have five MLS service years and are out of contract or have had their option declined. Free Agents can negotiate a new contract with any MLS club, including their previous team, subject to certain restrictions. There is no limit on the number of Free Agents a team may sign each year
Out of Contract Players who receive a bona fide offer from their current team can still participate in Free Agency. Option Decline Players may re-sign with their current team at any compensation subject to league approval in its discretion at any time before the beginning of Stage Two of the Re-Entry Draft (Dec. 22 at 1 pm ET).
It should make for some interesting movement around the league, with this year's list of Free Agents containing many proven talents across MLS. Check out the full list of this year's eligible Free Agents below.
In the case of Molino, it seems, without doubt, his time with Minnesota United has come to an end.
This after the winger posted on Instagram a goodbye to Minnesota on December 16, 2020, thanking everyone at the club as he moves onto a new chapter.
A source told MLSsoccer.com Molino and his representative haven't notified the club that they've rejected the contract offer yet. Head coach Adrian Heath noted last week the Loons offered Molino the maximum amount the club could offer.
“The offer is there for Kev," Heath told media. "It’s the max deal he can get in America, so we can’t do an awful lot (more). We’re hoping. I get it if he wants to see what’s out there, I understand, but we’re hoping he accepts and decides to come back. … If he doesn’t, nothing we can do about that and it’s the player’s prerogative.”
Molino, 30, enjoyed perhaps his best season in MLS with nine goals and four assists in 1,264 minutes. He kept form in the playoffs, with four goals in three appearances.
He has 32 goals and 27 assists in 104 MLS appearances between stints with Orlando City and Minnesota. Molino suffered ACL injuries to both knees, first in 2015 with the Lions and then with the Loons early in the 2018 season.
And on December 14, Seattle Sounders FC announced that it was declining the contract options of 29-year-old Jones as well as Justin Dhillon, and Miguel Ibarra Seattle Sounders FC fell in the 2020 MLS Cup Final.
Jones was in his second spell with the club has been part of their 2016-2017 squad before moving to Germany’s Darmstadt and returning in 2019 to help the team lift the Audi Cup before they fell short in the final this year.
The Sounders were beaten 3-0 by Columbus Crew SC in the MLS Audi Cup final at MAPFRE Stadium. Lucas Zelarayán scored twice and Derrick Etienne added one for Columbus, as Crew SC won its second league championship in franchise history. The loss snaps an eight-match Seattle winning streak in the MLS Cup Playoffs, as the Rave Green finish their 2020 campaign with a 14-7-8 record across all competitions. It marked the fourth MLS Cup appearance for Sounders FC in the last five seasons, having previously won in 2016 and 2019, and losing in 2017.
Loons axe goalkeeper Ranjitsingh
Meanwhile, Minnesota United on Thursday that it was still in discussions with Molino regarding his future while they declined the contract option for his international team-mate, goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh.
The 27-year-old Pickering, Canadian-born Ranjitsingh has represented T&T once at senior international level and featured three times for the Loons in the regular-season conceding eight goals before he was replaced by another Canadian-born goalkeeper and T&T target Dayne St Clair.
Ranjitsingh joined the Loons during End-of-Year Waivers process on November 25, 2019.
He was the starting goalkeeper for Louisville's City FC back-to-back United Soccer League-winning teams and was hoping to become Tyler Miller's primary backup in Minnesota.
But when given his chance he failed to stand out and was replaced by 23-year-o;d St Clair who led the team to a first-ever Western Conference Final.
During his stint with Louisville, he made 81 appearances in goal and recorded 33 shutouts since signing in 2015. At Collegiate level he was a four-year starter at Mercer College, playing 81 matches with 363 saves and 27 clean sheets.
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MLS champions Columbus Crew sign Molino.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).
T&T footballer Kevin Molino will remain in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the US as he has signed with Columbus Crew.
Molino spent the last four years at Minnesota United where he helped the club advance to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference final, last month. In that match Molino faced his fellow countryman Joevin Jones who played for Seattle Sounders.
Weeks ago, Molino announced on social media that he would be leaving Minnesota United.
According to the Columbus Dispatch, “The Crew has signed free agent midfielder Kevin Molino to a multi-year deal ahead of the 2021 season.”
Molino will follow in the footsteps of prolific T&T striker Stern John. John played for Columbus from 1998 to 1999, scoring 44 goals in 55 matches.
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Columbus Crew signs free agent midfielder Kevin Molino to multi-year deal
By Jacob Myers (The Columbus Dispatch)
The Crew has signed free agent midfielder Kevin Molino to a multi-year deal ahead of the 2021 season, a league source confirmed to The Dispatch.
The Athletic was the first to report the signing Wednesday.
Molino had been in conversations with the Crew for the last few weeks. In the last week, the two sides were able to make progress toward a deal that would bring the winger to Columbus.
Molino, 30, is coming off one of his most productive seasons in Major League Soccer, scoring nine goals with four assists in 18 games in the regular season with Minnesota United. He added four goals in three games during the 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs.
A Trinidad and Tobago international, Molino is one of the better attacking midfielders in MLS. He mostly plays on the wing, but has shown an ability to play centrally in the attack as well.
Molino joins a group of wingers with Pedro Santos, Luis Diaz and Derrick Etienne Jr. Santos and Diaz entered the offseason as the presumptive starters at left and right wing, respectively. Molino will likely enter preseason camp as the starter on the right wing in coach Caleb Porter’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system.
In 104 appearances in six MLS seasons with Minnesota and Orlando City, Molino has scored 32 goals with 27 assists.
He said goodbye to Minnesota United fans via Instagram on Dec. 16. In his past, Molino has had ACL surgery on both knees, once in 2015 and again in 2018. This past season, however, Molino proved he has plenty left in the tank and might be in the prime of his career entering his first season with the defending MLS Cup champions.
The Crew now has 25 of 30 roster spots filled for 2021.
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Good Move. Wished he come to DC
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Molino excited at new challenge at Columbus Crew.
By Walter Alibey (Guardian).
New Columbus Crew signing, T&T midfielder Kevin Molino is looking forward to the new challenge he will be presented with at the club in the United States.
Molino confirmed signing a multi-year contract yesterday, which would ensure that he continues plying his trade in the Major League Soccer (MLS) for yet another year. He was signed as a free agent.
The multi-talented midfielder who has scored many goals for his previous club- the Minnesota United, including up to recently where his goals helped the United to the Audi Cup Western Conference finals against the Seattle Sounders, told Guardian Media Sports yesterday that, "I feel good, I am looking to the new challenge, I kicked off 2020 good so I just want to continue. I am looking forward to meeting the team, the coaching staff, and everybody."
Molino, 30, who has been the go-to man for the T&T Soca Warriors in the past has scored 13 goals for the Minnesota United and had been having an enjoyable time, said that his move to a new club was inspired by his desire for a new challenge.
He said, "There was no problem at Minnesota. I just wanted a different challenge, to go somewhere and win some trophies and then represent Trinidad to the best of my ability."
He admitted that in Columbus Ohio, he has a lot of friends there, with who he has played with and against, and with who he has developed a close relationship. "Even before I signed, they messaged me to say they were looking forward to playing with me, so I am looking forward to the challenge."
The Carenage resident will be a key piece of national coach Terry Fenwick's puzzle for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers beginning in March. T&T will open against regional rival Guyana on March 25, bt will also face-off with Puerto Rico, Bahamas, and St Kitts/Nevis in Group F.
Despite Molino's exploits, he said that he has been preparing for his club and his country as he expects a very tough season this year.
"There will be a lot of games so I am just trying to keep myself as fit as possible and be prepared for whatever comes my way," Molino said.
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Why Kevin Molino checks all the boxes for the Crew
By GR Torres (Massive Report)
When the Columbus Crew announced its end-of-season moves just two days after winning the 2020 MLS Cup, it was clear that the Black & Gold were looking for an improvement at the winger position. And they probably couldn’t have done any better than they did with the signing of Kevin Molino, who checks all the boxes for the team heading into 2021.
The Trinidad & Tobago international was part of our list of five potential free agent targets for the Crew ahead of the 2021 season for good reason and the club’s decision to let Youness Mokhtar and Emmanuel Boateng walk cleared the path for what could easily be the defending champions’ most impactful signing in the new year.
“If you watch this league over the years, you know he’s one of the best wingers and attacking players in the entire league,” Crew president and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said about the signing. “He’s one of those players that when the lights are shining brightest, he steps up and delivers.”
“If you watched the playoffs, it showcased Minnesota’s ability to advance largely on the backs of a player like Molino. He has pace, he has the skill, he can play on both right and left sides and he can threaten the backline and that’s what you need in a league like MLS where defenses are getting stronger. Teams are going to sit back on us and when the ball swings by we’re going to need to have players who can beat opponents 1 v. 1.”
There are several reasons to like Molino’s signing from a Crew standpoint and the most obvious and clear one is his production. The 30-year-old winger generated 13 goals and four assists in 21 matches for Minnesota United in 2019 and those numbers would put him in the top-three in that department on the Columbus roster last season.
The Crew also had a highly-productive winger in Pedro Santos in 2020 — eight goals and eight assists in 25 matches — and the prospect of having two players in the position who combined for 21 goals and 12 assists last season is certainly exciting and should provide a strong boost to the team’s offense.
Molino’s skill set allows him to score and set his teammates up consistently, which is not always easy to find in wingers, especially in those who can be obtained without a transfer fee, which was the case with Molino.
More than the production, Molino’s arrival should also offer the Crew and head coach Caleb Porter a great deal of flexibility up front. As with Santos, the Trinbagonian can play anywhere on the attacking trio of positions, either as a right or left winger or in the center.
Molino’s strong campaign in 2020 happened with him on the left, which is great news for Columbus as it allows Santos to play on his preferred right side and gives Porter his dream combination of a wide winger (the Trinbagonian) and a pocket winger (the Portuguese) who can interchange their roles and sides during matches with ease. This is because as capable as Molino is as a wide player, he can also tuck into the pocket productively, as Santos did throughout the last two seasons.
At the start of Molino’s MLS career, he played centrally for Orlando City, a role he also plays frequently for his national team, and, even is his playing style is different than Lucas Zelarayan’s, he could return to that spot when the Argentinean is eventually unavailable, giving the team a different look.
The 2021 season is one in which Columbus is expected to contend for trophies again and Molino’s background indicates he can provide significant help with that too. He’s familiar with the players and stadiums the Crew is expected to face in the CONCACAF Champions League and has proven he can deliver when it matters with the four goals he scored in Minnesota’s three MLS Cup playoff matches in 2019, making some pick him as the best player of last year’s postseason.
The only concern regarding Molino’s signing could be his injury history, which includes tearing his both ACLs in a three-year period. However, the new Crew player bounced back strongly on both occasions, having arguably the best year of his career in 2016 with Orlando, when he scored 11 goals and registered eight assists, and playing 17 matches for Minnesota in 2019, with three goals scored.
Every signing comes with a little bit of unpredictability but it’s undeniable the Black & Gold did their homework and minimized the risks of this one backfiring as Molino checks every box with the Crew.
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Bravo, Molino. Congrats! :applause: :applause: :applause:
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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2021/01/09/how-kevin-molino-signing-takes-columbus-crew-sc-another-level-extratime
How the Kevin Molino signing takes Columbus Crew SC to another level | Extratime
January 9, 2021 3:14PM EST
Ari Liljenwall Contributor
Columbus Crew SC are still basking in their MLS Cup victory, but as they look ahead to the 2021 season, general manager Tim Bezbatchenko hasn't been resting on his laurels.
On the contrary, the Crew have made a couple of the more notable moves of the offseason, first with the signing of legendary striker Bradley Wright-Phillips, then the news that they had signed former Minnesota United standout Kevin Molino. It makes the Crew that much more dangerous as they eye their title defense, with the Extratime crew digging into the implications of the moves on the latest episode.
Regarding the significance of Molino's arrival, host Matt Doyle said he expects the veteran to slide in as the starter immediately, even with the talent Columbus already has on the wing.
"If he’s healthy and he’s playing anything like he did last year during the stretch run and into the playoffs, then he’s the starter," Doyle said. "No disrespect to Derrick Etienne or [Pedro] Santos or Luis Diaz, all of whom have proven to be really good players for winning teams. Kevin Molino’s better than any of them, but this gives Caleb Porter now the flexibility to rotate, to keep guys fresh, to be sort of matchup dependent. You could also slide either Santos or Molino inside a little bit, play as a No. 10 directly next to [Lucas] Zelarayan – different style No. 10, obviously, but you play a little bit more counterattacking, a little bit more linear with those two guys.
"It’s a great signing for Columbus and I just want to point out, they got BWP, who was the league leader in goal and assists per 90 during the regular season. And they got Molino, who I believe was second overall in goals and assists per 90 during the postseason. That’s a really, really good offseason from Tim Bezbatchenko and Caleb Porter."
It's certainly some crafty work from Bezbatchenko, who has established himself as one of the league's top executives during his time with Columbus and Toronto FC. Doyle said that in his mind, Bezbatchenko and Seattle Sounders GM Garth Lagerwey seem to be in their own league when it comes to knowing how to build an MLS roster that can take you deep into the playoffs.
"I kind of tossed this out maybe six months ago, like, what would you trade for Garth Lagerwey? What would you trade for Tim Bezbatchenko?" Doyle said. "Because these two guys have their teams going deep into the playoffs every single year. They’re able to refresh their rosters, they’re able to get guys like Zelarayan or like [Nicolas] Lodeiro, but then they’re also able to go further down the budget list and add guys like a Kevin Molino or like a Joao Paulo.
"So this has been just a masterclass of an 18 months from Tim Bezbatchenko, it’s an MLS Cup-winning roster that has only just gotten better, which is spectacular if you’re a Crew fan. And it’s absolutely what they deserve as a fanbase given what they did in 2017 and 2018."
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New Columbus Crew SC signing Kevin Molino talks leaving Minnesota United, Trinidad and Tobago future
By Charles Boehm (mlssoccer.com)
Life is pretty good for “Hot Boy” these days.
Always supremely gifted, widely loved by teammates and opponents alike, but all too often injury-blighted, Kevin Molino knit it all together last season. The Trinidadian attacker produced a career year with nine goals and four assists, finally – at least it seems; knock on wood – moving past the two torn ACLs and devastating litany of other injuries that had so hampered his progress.
His creativity and flair was key in Minnesota United’s runs to the semifinal stage of both the MLS is Back Tournament and the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, a welcome return to the spotlight for a player who’s overcome great tragedy and tribulation to reach this point.
“I keep working. I keep working, I never give up. Because I know where I come from,” the soft-spoken Molino told MLSsoccer.com this week from his offseason home base in his sunny homeland, where “gym-field-pool” is his daily fitness regime. “Trinidad, it's hard to get out as a professional footballer, and I keep that in the back of my head. I keep working, grinding, do extras. I always work to put myself under difficult [conditions]. I am my biggest competition, so to say, I always put myself under a lot of pressure. This year, I've really come through, but I want to keep on going, keep mashing the gas.
“I want to lift trophies this year.”
That’s certainly a realistic objective. Molino’s move from Minnesota to Columbus Crew SC is the biggest free-agent deal of the MLS offseason so far, a head-turning reinforcement for the newly-crowned league champions that earned him the wisecracking tribute of “the MLS Kevin Durant” from D.C. United’s Bill Hamid on Instagram.
He elected to close the book on his lengthy stint with Loons head coach Adrian Heath – a booster of his going back to their time together with Orlando City, starting in that club’s USL days – in favor of a new start. This is a star who knows his history, though: Molino frames his choice of Crew SC with a nod to some accomplished countrymen who’ve thrived in central Ohio over the years.
“I worked for Adrian for a decade,” he explained, “and I just wanted something different. I’m following the footsteps of one of the best Trinidadian footballers that ever played, Stern John. Also Ancil Elcock was there, Julius James, a lot of Trinidad players – but more so Stern John, the record he set there and the platform he left for Trinidad players in MLS and in Columbus. That was one of the main reasons why I moved.
“The club, the direction they want to head to, they just won a championship and want to win more. I was keen on them and I’m just happy to be part of it now,” he added, praising the Crew’s fluid playing style and the personality of new teammates like Darlington Nagbe and Gyasi Zardes, acquaintances he’s long admired and now will go to battle with.
Unfortunately for his national team, Major League Soccer’s most prominent present import from Trinidad and Tobago won’t be on hand at Exploria Stadium on Sunday (7 pm ET | FS1, UniMas, TUDN) when the US men’s national team host the Soca Warriors for both teams’ first match of the new year.
Molino elected to focus on rest and recovery this month, but speaks positively of T&T’s English coach Terry Fenwick, and will answer his country’s call when 2022 World Cup qualifying kicks off for them with first-round action in March. He won’t forget the myriad off-field problems that have long bedeviled the program and led to the federation being suspended by FIFA last year, though.
He calls on the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association to make sure “things are set right for the players, for the whole team, not just me, but each and every one on the national team because in the past, we have suffered, the players, for over a decade … Let’s set up a proper structure where we can also be competing against the US and Canada” and the rest of Concacaf.
“If the national team call me up, I'm always open to represent my country,” explained Molino. “But first I just want to stay healthy, focus on my new assignment I just signed and just focus on my club. When that time reach in March, I’m going to accept with open arms.”
The island nation has work to do. Both the TT Pro League and the national team have yet to return to play during the COVID-19 pandemic and Fenwick has taken a young and unproven squad to Florida for this friendly. Molino’s friend and former Seattle Sounder Joevin Jones has called the USMNT match “a death trap,” another sign that the TTFA and Fenwick – a former England international who is the Soca Warriors’ fourth coach in five years – haven’t won over the doubters just yet.
Molino is pragmatically optimistic, you might say.
“People have ifs and buts, but as the coach says, it’s a good kickoff for the game coming up in March. The results don't matter, I think it’s getting the players going again,” Molino said. “Most of the guys don't play football for maybe almost a year, let's be honest. … if I put myself in a fans’ standpoint, we have to have patience with a new coach and I think he’s going to do good with the mindset he’s going to bring to the table for us.
“We have to use all the resources as possible we have at this moment. Because the last qualification, the last staff that we have, and most of the core of the players, we didn't do well, and we have to be honest with ourselves.”
Molino is a patriotic Trinbagonian for whom the emotions of national-team duty run deep. The youngest of six brothers – one of whom, Kevon Cooper, is a pro cricketer – he grew up in humble circumstances in the Arima and Carenage communities, separated from his mother for long periods from age 12 onward after she emigrated to the United States in search of greater opportunities. Playing in the streets for hours on end, soccer was joy, obsession and escape all rolled into one.
A chance encounter with gun violence took the lives of two of his brothers during childhood, a searing trauma he still finds it difficult to discuss to this day.
“My family was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he said. “Where I grew up was really, really tough. I’m very, very glad that I could compete at a truly high level, play international football – and not just for me and my family, but to inspire other young players all over the world, and in Trinidad more so. Because sometimes some people don't have the belief, and when you see somebody doing good, they could feed off of that. I just want to be that guy to set the trend for the young players in Trinidad football, who want to pursue the dream.
“No matter where you come from, you can make it.”
The pain and pride of the past is a driving force in Molino’s professional journey as he enters a new chapter in Columbus at age 30.
"In life, if you don’t really face obstacles, when obstacle come you don't know how to deal with it,” he said. “You have to be mentally strong, especially coming from the Caribbean, knowing the opportunities are very thin. But you need to keep going and fight for your dream just like anything else.
“Yes, God blesses all of us with talent. But the stronger your mind is, the better.”
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WATCH: Kevin Molino talks about what drew him to the Columbus Crew as part of Molino's first interview since joining the club in January.
https://www.youtube.com/v/yVeB7XTnWdU
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Kevin Molino's ‘easy move’ to Crew driven by new challenge and championship
By Jacob Myers (The Columbus Dispatch)
Last month's signing of free agent forward Kevin Molino on a multiyear deal requiring targeted allocation money was a clear flex of strength by the Crew.
It signaled to the rest of Major League Soccer that the MLS Cup champions are gunning for another title in 2021.
The Crew already had one of the best front fours in the league in Gyasi Zardes, Lucas Zelarayan, Pedro Santos and either Luis Diaz or Derrick Etienne Jr.
But when looking at Columbus, the 30-year-old Molino, one of the top targets in MLS free agency, saw opportunity rather than competition for playing time.
“With the history of the club and (they) just won the championship, they're still looking to make moves to stay atop the league and to win again,” Molino told The Dispatch recently. “It was an easy move for me to make.”
Since entering MLS with Orlando City in 2015, Molino has been one of the most productive wing midfielders in the league. His first season was shortened by a torn knee ligament, but he rebounded to score 11 goals with eight assists in 2016 before moving to another expansion club, Minnesota United.
He tore a ligament in his other knee in his second year with Minnesota, then had the most productive season of his MLS career in 2020. With nine goals and four assists in 1,264 minutes, Molino finished second among all midfielders and in the top 10 of all players with an average of a goal or assist in every 97.23 minutes.
Molino added four goals in three games in the 2020 playoffs.
“We've added one of the best wingers in the league,” Crew coach Caleb Porter said of Molino last month. “What made him so desirable is just how multifaceted he is and how complete he is. When you're looking at wingers and what we need, he really brings it all."
Molino spent 10 seasons with the same coach, Adrian Heath, in Orlando — beginning in the United Soccer League in 2011 — and Minnesota. He said he felt it was time to look for new challenges. Molino also is not shy in saying that he believes he’s joining a more talented team.
The native of Trinidad and Tobago told Caribbean network Sportsmax.tv that the Crew has “more quality players,” which irked some Minnesota fans. He stood by his comments but clarified that it wasn’t a dig at Minnesota.
"When you look at the players like (Darlington) Nagbe, Zardes — these are the top players in the league,” Molino said. "This is why they won the championship, let's be honest.”
He has long admired the way teams play under Porter, saying he had interest in playing for his Portland teams in the past. Molino also has strong relationships with Nagbe and Zardes, formed from matches between the U.S. men’s national team and Trinidad. Molino said Nagbe texted him shortly after Molino signed, telling him to reach out if he needed anything.
But the pitch to join the Crew was as important to his decision over other clubs as his personal connections to players on the roster. Molino said the conversation wasn’t about soccer at all, and more focused on him as a person.
“It was a different conversation,” Molino said. “A conversation that you would want to hear as a player coming into a new environment, and make me feel more excited than anything to come."
Molino has been a part of two expansion teams, and helped open Minnesota’s new stadium in 2019. His challenge then was to be part of the building of a franchise with no history — quite different than joining the league’s first franchise.
Molino also is aware that he’s following the path of Stern John, one of his favorite Trinidadian players and the Crew’s fourth all-time leading scorer. The expectation is Molino will be a starter and a consistent scoring threat. But he’s not entering Columbus like he’ll be handed the role.
“I can't wait to fit in, but first I put in my work to be on the team,” he said. “It's not going to be a walk in the park. I'm going to have to work harder than I normally work to always stay on top of my game to fit in with this group.”
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Molino on signing with the Crew: ‘The ambition there is to shoot for the stars and I want to be part of that’
By Nick Hudak (massivereport.com)
There was a bevy of Cinderella stories that played out throughout the course of an unusual 2020 Major League Soccer season. One of the more eye-opening was the run of fourth-seeded Minnesota United making a postseason sprint to the Western Conference Final. While United eventually lost MLS Cup runners-up Seattle Sounders in a thrilling 3-2 match, it was just an accomplishment to reach the conference final in the club’s first season.
While he didn’t score or get an assist in the West Final, Loon’s star playmaker Kevin Molino managed four MLS Cup playoff goals in 2020, the first four of his career. That conference final game, as it turned out, was his final with the club after four seasons.
After the Columbus Crew sealed the signature of free agent forward Bradley Wright-Phillips in January, the league’s sixth-highest goal scorer all-time, the defending MLS Cup champions, who beat Seattle 3-0 to win their second league title in early December, soon added yet another attacking option in Molino, a winger and creative midfielder, to a group that will be arguably the best in the entirety of MLS this season.
“The quality, you can go on and on,” Molino said of Crew’s attacking options in a recent interview with Black & Gol analyst Jordan Angeli. “Me and Nagbe have a good relationship we talk and message. ‘Anything you need let me know,’ he told me. He was part of it, (Nagbe’s) one of the best midfielders in the league. (Lucas) Zelarayan, too.”
While Molino may not be as flashy as the LA Galaxy’s Javier Hernandez and as big of a box office hit as LAFC’s Carlos Vela, his talent is undeniable. In 22 appearances throughout 2020, the 30 year old finished as Minnesota’s leading scorer with 13 goals and was pivotal in their runs to both the West Final and the MLS is Back Tournament semifinal.
What Columbus achieved didn’t go unnoticed by Molino. The squad that the Black & Gold built, including the aforementioned Nagbe and Zelarayan who were acquired last offseason and key cogs in the championship wheel, was enticing to play with but the intrigued of coming to play under a proven head coach in Caleb Porter, despite never working together, was a major pull for Molino as well.
“I’ve been a fan of Porter since Portland. I watched that team play,” Molino added in talking about what he enjoys about the prospect of playing for the Crew. “The good relationships he has had with Nagbe, (Gyasi) Zardes and the other players (I enjoy), I’m looking forward to being in Columbus and training with them.”
Since debuting with Orlando City SC in MLS in 2015, Molino has appeared in 104 league games while scoring 32 goals and contributing 27 assists. He averages a goal or an assist every 131 minutes of play throughout his career and Molino’s only gotten better with age.
In Minnesota, the midfielder made 67 regular season appearances (58 starts), notching 21 goals and 18 assists, which made him one of the most sought-after free agents available this offseason.
“Throughout his time in this League, Kevin Molino has been one of the most talented and explosive wingers in Major League Soccer, and he proved that not only throughout the 2020 regular season, but most recently when it mattered most, in the playoffs, on a team that was minutes away from an MLS Cup final,” Crew president and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko in a statement after the signing was made official. “Kevin will bring individual game-changing ability, with his smart and technical play, which will aid in our team chemistry with our other top quality attackers.”
Molino joins an attacking group loaded with talent, which includes Wright-Phillips, Zardes, Pedro Santos, Zelarayan, Luis Diaz and Derrick Etienne Jr. With a new downtown stadium on the horizon in 2021 and the club’s inclusion in the CONCACAF Champions League, the decision to come to Columbus wasn’t a hard one for Molino.
Looking for a club that had ambition was really all it came down to for the club’s newest Trinidad international.
“The new stadium, signing one of the best strikers in the history of the league, Bradley, and they just signed (Perry) Kitchen,” said Molino. “The ambition there is to shoot for the stars and I want to be part of that. I want to be the best and I try to think that I am the best. That’s how you have to play and not to be second-best. It fit my mentality and personality.”
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Molino on signing with the Crew: ‘The ambition there is to shoot for the stars and I want to be part of that’
By Nick Hudak (massivereport.com)
There was a bevy of Cinderella stories that played out throughout the course of an unusual 2020 Major League Soccer season. One of the more eye-opening was the run of fourth-seeded Minnesota United making a postseason sprint to the Western Conference Final. While United eventually lost MLS Cup runners-up Seattle Sounders in a thrilling 3-2 match, it was just an accomplishment to reach the conference final in the club’s first season.
While he didn’t score or get an assist in the West Final, Loon’s star playmaker Kevin Molino managed four MLS Cup playoff goals in 2020, the first four of his career. That conference final game, as it turned out, was his final with the club after four seasons.
After the Columbus Crew sealed the signature of free agent forward Bradley Wright-Phillips in January, the league’s sixth-highest goal scorer all-time, the defending MLS Cup champions, who beat Seattle 3-0 to win their second league title in early December, soon added yet another attacking option in Molino, a winger and creative midfielder, to a group that will be arguably the best in the entirety of MLS this season.
“The quality, you can go on and on,” Molino said of Crew’s attacking options in a recent interview with Black & Gol analyst Jordan Angeli. “Me and Nagbe have a good relationship we talk and message. ‘Anything you need let me know,’ he told me. He was part of it, (Nagbe’s) one of the best midfielders in the league. (Lucas) Zelarayan, too.”
While Molino may not be as flashy as the LA Galaxy’s Javier Hernandez and as big of a box office hit as LAFC’s Carlos Vela, his talent is undeniable. In 22 appearances throughout 2020, the 30 year old finished as Minnesota’s leading scorer with 13 goals and was pivotal in their runs to both the West Final and the MLS is Back Tournament semifinal.
What Columbus achieved didn’t go unnoticed by Molino. The squad that the Black & Gold built, including the aforementioned Nagbe and Zelarayan who were acquired last offseason and key cogs in the championship wheel, was enticing to play with but the intrigued of coming to play under a proven head coach in Caleb Porter, despite never working together, was a major pull for Molino as well.
“I’ve been a fan of Porter since Portland. I watched that team play,” Molino added in talking about what he enjoys about the prospect of playing for the Crew. “The good relationships he has had with Nagbe, (Gyasi) Zardes and the other players (I enjoy), I’m looking forward to being in Columbus and training with them.”
Since debuting with Orlando City SC in MLS in 2015, Molino has appeared in 104 league games while scoring 32 goals and contributing 27 assists. He averages a goal or an assist every 131 minutes of play throughout his career and Molino’s only gotten better with age.
In Minnesota, the midfielder made 67 regular season appearances (58 starts), notching 21 goals and 18 assists, which made him one of the most sought-after free agents available this offseason.
“Throughout his time in this League, Kevin Molino has been one of the most talented and explosive wingers in Major League Soccer, and he proved that not only throughout the 2020 regular season, but most recently when it mattered most, in the playoffs, on a team that was minutes away from an MLS Cup final,” Crew president and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko in a statement after the signing was made official. “Kevin will bring individual game-changing ability, with his smart and technical play, which will aid in our team chemistry with our other top quality attackers.”
Molino joins an attacking group loaded with talent, which includes Wright-Phillips, Zardes, Pedro Santos, Zelarayan, Luis Diaz and Derrick Etienne Jr. With a new downtown stadium on the horizon in 2021 and the club’s inclusion in the CONCACAF Champions League, the decision to come to Columbus wasn’t a hard one for Molino.
Looking for a club that had ambition was really all it came down to for the club’s newest Trinidad international.
“The new stadium, signing one of the best strikers in the history of the league, Bradley, and they just signed (Perry) Kitchen,” said Molino. “The ambition there is to shoot for the stars and I want to be part of that. I want to be the best and I try to think that I am the best. That’s how you have to play and not to be second-best. It fit my mentality and personality.”
If he could bring the same ambition to the National team we would be in a better place- All dem star boyz does fuhget the TnT air which give dem birth- Once they head get too big- they does be clouded with personal ambition- little do you hear them proclaim the glorification of playing on the National team and going for glory.
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Molino: Sportsmen must support women.
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday).
National footballer Kevin Molino expressed sadness with the recent increase of gender based violence in T&T.
The former Minnesota United midfielder has been vociferous on the recent spate of violence against women in T&T and called on men to do better.
Molino’s comments come after the recent murders of 18-year old Ashanti Riley, in December 2020, and 22-year court clerk Andrea Bharatt two weeks ago.
After Riley’s death, Molino and former Seattle Sounders player Joevin Jones used the December 7 Major League Soccer (MLS) semi-final to highlight this problem by wearing custom jerseys appealing to T&T to protect their women and children.
He thinks athletes and sport personalities have a duty and platform to set a positive example for young men and women to follow.
In a recent interview with TT Football Association media, he said, “It’s heartbreaking. We as sportsmen have the platform to push it and support the women fully. Women are very important in our lives. I hope we continue protect the women as best as possible.”
Molino, who recently signed for MLS squad Columbus Crew, added that sport is important since it unifies and brings people together.
“We have the platform so whatever it takes for us to do to push it and support, we are here to do it,” he added.
He also expressed pleasure to be back training with then national team on their journey through the FIFA World Cup qualifiers which gets underway on March 25, against Guyana.
This is Molino’s first time working under head coach Terry Fenwick. He joined the squad, in December, after returning home from a hectic MLS season.
“I agreed to join (the team), be with the guys and new staff and the positive vibes. I’m looking forward to the game. Progress by progress and we’re working hard every day to get where we want to be and we’re looking forward to the game,” he said.
On his recent selection to represent Columbus Crew, Molino said, “(I’m) excited and looking forward to it. I represent a lot of Trinidadians who play there, especially Stern John. I’m just excited to go there and partake with the team and looking forward to a good season and win trophies.”
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Columbus Crew SC's Caleb Porter: New signing Kevin Molino on a "different level"
By Tom Bogert (MLSsoccer.com)
It hasn't taken new Columbus Crew SC signing Kevin Molino to leave a positive impression on his new bosses.
Molino signed with the Crew this winter after a number of years with Minnesota United and was widely regarded as the top free agent on the market. The winger has been battling a minor hamstring injury this preseason, making his friendly debut on Saturday against Orlando City SC, but the early signs are strong.
“When you see some of the things he does in training, it’s a different level," head coach Caleb Porter told media on a virtual press conference. "Some of the ideas, the stuff he pulls off. Once we get him fit and sharp, he’s just got a little different individual creativity. The combination with him, Lucas [Zelarayan] and Pedro [Santos] has been fun.”
Molino enjoyed one of the best years of his career in 2020, with nine goals and four assists in 18 appearances (15 starts) then another four goals in three playoff games. The 30-year-old has 32 goals and 27 assists in 104 career MLS matches and was twice named USL PRO MVP before making his MLS debut.
He was a sought-after free agent, and Minnesota didn't want to see him leave, but Molino is excited about his future.
“Just watching the way how Columbus played was really exciting," Molino said. "It was an easy choice for me to come over.”
Molino adds to an already deep and talented attacking core, led by MLS Cup MVP Zelarayan and Santos, as well as Gyasi Zardes. Molino is expected to start at left wing amid that quartet when he's fit and the club are at full strength.
“He’s a very creative player," Porter said. "He brings a little bit different of a profile. He can unbalance teams off the dribble, plays a lot of combinations and one-twos. He’s a really good final third player, very clever. I’ve seen a lot of nice interplay with him, Gyasi, Lucas and Pedro. We just have to give that time to gel.”
CCL fever
Molino could be in line for his competitive debut with the club on April 8 as they embark on their Concacaf Champions League run. They face Nicaraguan side Real Esteli and are big favorites.
“We’re not where we want to be yet, but we just need time," Porter said. "That first game, I hope we’ll have a good performance. Not as good as we want but hopefully good enough to win.”
While the Crew haven't participated in CCL since 2011, backup goalkeeper Evan Bush is a player with more recent experience in the competition. He was the starting goalkeeper for CF Montreal in their memorable run to the final in 2015, losing to Club America in the final. He thinks Columbus has what it takes to mount a run.
“You need depth, which I think this club has," Bush said. "When healthy, our roster is up there with the top roster in the league. You need quality, which we also have.”
That's not all an MLS team needs to have to navigate the CCL, particularly on trips south when playing away from home.
"You need to be able to play the game that Concacaf demands you play, if that makes sense," Bush said. "A lot of teams are going to try to do things to get under your skin, make the game choppy, bait you, tackle you, those sort of things. You can't let it affect you."
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Columbus Crew SC midfielder Kevin Molino sidelined for approximately six to eight weeks
Crew SC Communications
Columbus Crew SC today announced that after additional evaluation, midfielder Kevin Molino is expected to be sidelined for approximately six to eight weeks due to a recurring hamstring injury.
A six-year MLS veteran, the Trinidad and Tobago international was signed by Crew SC on January 7, 2021, joining from Minnesota United FC. To date, the forward has made 104 MLS regular-season appearances (91 starts), scoring 32 goals and registering 27 assists.
Crew SC is set to host Real Esteli at Historic Crew Stadium for the Second Leg of the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League Round of 16 on Thursday, April 15 [8:00 p.m. ET/FS1, TUDN]. Following Thursday’s contest, the Crew begins the 2021 MLS regular season at home on Sunday, April 18, against the Philadelphia Union [5:30 p.m. ET/FS1, FOX Deportes/ 97.1 The Fan (English), ColumbusCrewSC.com (Spanish)].
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Not again!!! :(
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Oh no 🤦♂️
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Molino the crack egg, he’s never around when we really need him.....no fault of his of course, what else can I say.
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Molino the crack egg, he’s never around when we really need him.....no fault of his of course, what else can I say.
Spot on here mate but I'm not even bothered this time. Good chance to see if we can rope in Mckenzie at Kilmarnock. He plays the very same position. 🤷🏾♂️
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Molino the crack egg, he’s never around when we really need him.....no fault of his of course, what else can I say.
Spot on here mate but I'm not even bothered this time. Good chance to see if we can rope in Mckenzie at Kilmarnock. He plays the very same position. 🤷🏾♂️
If getting a passport is involved, see him next GC. :devil:
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Molino the crack egg, he’s never around when we really need him.....no fault of his of course, what else can I say.
Spot on here mate but I'm not even bothered this time. Good chance to see if we can rope in Mckenzie at Kilmarnock. He plays the very same position. 🤷🏾♂️
If getting a passport is involved, see him next GC. :devil:
Haha I can't even doubt you here pal.
It's typical, the incompetence in our administration in TnT, no matter who's there, it's the same problems 🤦🏾♂️
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Molino the crack egg, he’s never around when we really need him.....no fault of his of course, what else can I say.
Spot on here mate but I'm not even bothered this time. Good chance to see if we can rope in Mckenzie at Kilmarnock. He plays the very same position. 🤷🏾♂️
If getting a passport is involved, see him next GC. :devil:
Haha I can't even doubt you here pal.
It's typical, the incompetence in our administration in TnT, no matter who's there, it's the same problems 🤦🏾♂️
Well if a man could live out 27 years of he life and never see it fit to apply for a T&T passport..I ent go really toss that whole egg in the basket you throwing it into bro. Men does want you to bow and kneel to dem.
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A history of serious Kevin Molino injuries have the Crew being patient
By Thomas Costello (massivereport.com)
On Monday, the Columbus Crew announced that new signing, winger Kevin Molino, will miss six to eight weeks with a hamstring injury. Columbus is taking precautions because of a fear that this most recent injury is linked to past injuries. One that, if it returns, could sideline Molino for much longer.
Molino has only been with the Crew for a short time but injuries have already become and issue. The first-year winger, who signed as a free agent this offseason, missed a sizable chunk of the preseason with hamstring issues that kept him from joining his national team and meant he only played in the team’s final scrimmage.
In 2018, during his second year with Minnesota United, Molino tore his ACL on March 10. An injury of that magnitude left Molino out of the Minnesota lineup until April 19, 2019. A crucial piece of an ACL tear, and surgery, is the recovery time and regiment needed to get back to 100 percent. Talking with the media on Monday, head coach Caleb Porter said these most recent issues think there’s a connection.
“It’s probably a little bit tied to his ACLs as well and the rehab of that,” said Porter.
While it may appear cautious to keep Molino sidelined for up to two months, ACL injuries are known to recur if not handled correctly the first time. Molino is no stranger to this, as 2018 wasn’t his first tear.
Molino played for then USL side Orlando City from 2011 to 2014. When Orlando made the jump to Major League Soccer, Molino played just the first seven matches of the season. On May 7, 2015, he tore his ACL for the first time in an early season friendly.
He returned for the beginning of the 2016 season, and proved he was healthy. During 2016 and 2017, Molino played the most minutes of his Major League Soccer career. He started 56 of 60 matches across time with Orlando in 2015 and Minnesota in 2016. This was also the most productive period of his career, scoring 18 goals and assisting on 17.
Since 2017, Molino hasn’t played a full season. In his return from his second ACL tear, he made 11 starts in 17 appearances. Last season’s COVID-19 impacted season saw an increase for the Trinidad & Tobago international. He played 18 games and was part of 11 goals scored (nine goals and two assists). While he was trending positively, Molino also missed time for a hamstring injury.
During the 2020 MLS is Back tournament, in Orlando, Florida, Molino left Minnesota’s second group stage match at halftime. He missed United’s final group stage match and the Minnesota penalty kick victory against Columbus. However, the winger returned to the side as a substitute in its 3-1 tournament semifinal loss to Orlando City and played much of the Phase 2 and 3 restarts, starting the final seven matches of the year.
While his first months with Columbus hasn’t been what he expected, Porter believes Molino it’s worth the wait.
“He’s a great player,” said Porter. “He’s an unbelievable talent. It’s just too bad that he’s going to be out for the next couple of months because he does have a lot to offer our team and he brings some different things in terms of creativity.”
The focus for Columbus’ medical staff is strength and conditioning. Their goal during his time away from match action is to bring his legs and hamstrings to a strength level so these recurring problems don’t turn into something worse. Columbus doesn’t want to repeat mistakes that led to the first and second ACL tears or see Molino continue to miss games with minor hamstring issues.
Luckily for Columbus supporters, the 2020 MLS Cup winning team still has a strong core. The entire starting 11 from the 3-0 victory against the Seattle Sounds in the MLS Cup Final are back. Once Molino’s strength is up to a level that is comfortable for Porter and medical staff, the team will get even better.
“These are tricky, these injuries, and we certainly want him in now but it’s really important that we get him right,” said Porter.
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Molino the crack egg, he’s never around when we really need him.....no fault of his of course, what else can I say.
Spot on here mate but I'm not even bothered this time. Good chance to see if we can rope in Mckenzie at Kilmarnock. He plays the very same position. 🤷🏾♂️
If getting a passport is involved, see him next GC. :devil:
Haha I can't even doubt you here pal.
It's typical, the incompetence in our administration in TnT, no matter who's there, it's the same problems 🤦🏾♂️
Well if a man could live out 27 years of he life and never see it fit to apply for a T&T passport..I ent go really toss that whole egg in the basket you throwing it into bro. Men does want you to bow and kneel to dem.
The Jamaicans don't seem to have a problem with who has a passport at that age or not. And they have more options that us. Why should that be an issue now. What should be important is that he wants it now and we want it - mutually agreed situation.
His grandmother was the one born in TnT apparently, he's clearly never been so why would he have grand designs of getting a TnT passport before when he clearly had plans of making the Scotland squad (which he's said in an interview 5/6 years ago).
Again if he's available, get him, we need all the personnel we an get!
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I guess this is it for him ...... he may be a bit to old for 2026
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I guess this is it for him ...... he may be a bit to old for 2026
you are so morbid mate I swear.
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WATCH: Kevin Molino talks about his journey to becoming a professional football player
https://www.youtube.com/v/LzA7JyQzJgk
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Kevin Molino could make Columbus Crew debut after international break
By Jonathan Sigal (MLSsoccer.com)
Columbus Crew head coach Caleb Porter had a positive update on Kevin Molino earlier this week, noting the winger may make his debut with the defending MLS Cup champions upon their return from the June international break.
The Crew will look for their third straight win when hosting Chicago Fire FC on June 19 for the final match at Historic Crew Stadium, and Molino seems to be progressing well. Porter disclosed that the 30-year-old is back in team training and appears on the mend from a hamstring injury that’s forced him to miss their first seven matches of the 2021 campaign.
“He was obviously a big signing for us and brings a lot to the table in terms of chance creation, goals, assists,” Porter said, as relayed by The Columbus Dispatch. “We’re hoping he can play a role [against] Chicago, [but it] may be too soon. He’s going to be a guy now in this second quarter of the year that hopefully will play a big role and help us create more goals and bring a different dimension to our team.”
Molino was deemed one of the signings of the offseason, joining Columbus as a free agent after sparking Minnesota United FC toward the Western Conference Final during the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs. The Trinidad and Tobago international has 32 goals and 27 assists across 104 career regular-season MLS games.
Porter’s also monitoring the health of winger Luis Diaz, who was replaced on Costa Rica’s Concacaf Nations League roster after suffering a knee injury. But the head coach doesn’t expect Diaz to miss too much time, assuaging concerns about the 22-year-old speedster’s status.
“It’s not serious, but serious enough where he’s not able to train right now,” Porter said. “Might be out a week, maybe two, but nothing more than that, but it’s a knock. Little bit of an MCL kind of light sprain.”
Columbus have been slammed by injuries in the season’s opening stage, with homegrown midfielder Aidan Morris tearing his ACL during Concacaf Champions League play. Left back Milton Valenzuela has also missed time, as have midfielder Perry Kitchen and several others.
But the Crew appear to be rebounding, knocking off New York City FC and Toronto FC in back-to-back weeks before MLS paused for the June international window.
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Kevin Molino is ready to send the Crew offense to new heights
By Orri Benatar (MSN Sports)
It’s known that the Columbus Crew’s 2021 offseason was productive and successful. The 2020 MLS Cup champions signed a healthy mixture of MLS veterans and new youngsters to add depth to its already strong squad.
The biggest signing made by the club last winter, however, was winger Kevin Molino from Minnesota United. He was expected to help increase an offense that finished middle of the pack last year after being the catalyst for the Minneosta attack in recent seasons. But a hamstring injury suffered in preseason had him sidelined for two months.
No longer. Last Saturday, Molino made his first appearance for the Crew as a substitute for 19 minutes in the 2-0 win against the Chicago Fire. Two days later, he was officially off the injury report, although his fitness continues to be a question.
With two matches this week for the Black & Gold, a Wednesday match at the Philadelphia Union and a Sunday road trip to Austin FC, Molino is ready to make an impact with his new club and finally kickstart the offense to greater heights.
“I have to thank the medical staff for doing a tremendous job,” said Molino on Tuesday. “I am happy to be here and happy to be in the game and get my first couple of minutes. I just want to build from here.”
The Trinidad and Tobago winger has been a productive winger in Major League Soccer since 2016 when he made 30 appearances and scored 11 goals for Orlando City SC. In 2017, he moved to Minnesota United and in his four seasons, he scored 21 goals for the Loons in 67 appearances.
“He’s a very good and talented player,” said teammate Pedro Santos. “He can help us with his qualities and he is getting better and getting minutes. I am happy for him.”
The expectations are high for Molino considering his 2020 campaign. Last season was his most productive year from a numbers standpoint, averaging a goal every other game for Minnesota and helping lead the team to the Western Conference Final. His 2020 MLS Cup playoffs was remarkable with four goals in three games, the leading scorer in the postseason.
As a winger, it’s not just his goalscoring the Crew look to add into the offense. It’s also some defensive responsibilities that head coach Caleb Porter requires of his wingers.
Throughout his career, Molino hasn’t been in a system that might require him to press high and play defense. He won’t have to live up to Santos’ remarkable defensive instincts or play fullback but it’s a new role that he will need to adjust to.
“I think that will be the biggest adjustment for him here is that side of the ball,” said Porter of Molino. “He wasn’t asked to do a ton defensively in Minnesota’s system but he was able to float in and out of games. He’s a very good attacker and yet in our system, he is going to have to play both sides of the ball enough.”
The defensive side of the game will be important for Molino but the Crew signed him for his offensive impact primarily. His Black & Gold teammates have seen what he can do on the training ground and are ready for him to get full game time to help propel the Columbus offense further than it has been in some time.
“He’s an incredible player,” said Gyasi Zardes. “He has so much flair and a lot of confidence. When he gets the ball, you know something is going to happen. I’m excited to see him back with the team. Once you see him on the field, you’ll see exactly what I am talking about.”
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WATCH: Molino wants to go the distance at the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup
https://www.youtube.com/v/v5Id1vsYppk
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WATCH: Kevin Molino shows great awareness and anticipation to score his first goal for Columbus Crew.
https://www.youtube.com/v/3sbJ9nqa8Ek
WATCH: Post-game interview with Kevin Molino after Columbus Crew's 4-2 loss to DC United
https://www.youtube.com/v/JFcMmnH8i3s
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Columbus Crew's Kevin Molino set to miss 9-12 months with right knee injury
MLSSoccer.com
Columbus Crew midfielder Kevin Molino is expected to be sidelined for the next nine to 12 months after suffering a right knee injury during training on Tuesday, the club has announced. Molino will undergo Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction on his right knee in the near future.
The 31-year-old is in his first season with the Crew after joining from Minnesota United in January following a career year with the Loons in which he scored 13 goals and added four assists in MLS play to help them to the brink of MLS Cup.
This is the third time in his career that Molino has suffered a serious ACL injury. In 2015, he missed most of the season for Orlando City SC after tearing the ACL in his right knee. Then, in 2018, he was again forced to sit out almost the entire year after suffering the same injury in his left knee while with Minnesota.
The news is the latest blow for a Columbus team that is currently battling a series of injuries amid a six-match losing streak. The 2020 MLS Cup champions return to action on Friday in the latest installment of the Hell is Real Derby against Ohio rivals FC Cincinnati (6:30 pm ET | ESPN, ESPN Deportes).
RELATED NEWS
Molino suffers third ACL injury, misses rest of MLS season and Nations League start.
Wired868.com
Ace Trinidad and Tobago attacking midfielder Kevin Molino is set to miss another year through injury, after going down clutching his right knee in training for United States Major League Soccer (MLS) team Columbus Crew on Tuesday.
Club officials confirmed today that Molino ‘will undergo anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction on his right knee in the near future’ and is expected to be out for between nine to 12 months.
The anticipated time-frame not only rules Molino out for the remainder of the MLS season but is likely to also keep him out of Trinidad and Tobago’s opening Concacaf Nations League assignments in March 2022.
Crew, the defending MLS Cup champions, signed Molino from Minnesota United in the pre-season. However, the former Mucurapo Senior Comprehensive schoolboy missed the start of the season with a hamstring injury and managed just 11 outings and one goal before his ACL gave out.
It is the third time that Molino has suffered a major ACL injury. In 2015, he missed most of the season for Orlando City SC—as well as the 2015 Concacaf Gold Cup and the semifinal round of the 2018 World Cup qualifying series—after tearing the ACL in his right knee.
He then suffered the same injury in his left knee with Minnesota in 2018 and lost another year of football.
Each time, Molino returned with a flurry of goals which ensured his services remained in high demand in the club and international game.
Molino is Trinidad and Tobago’s joint sixth-highest scorer of all time with 23 goals alongside former Stoke City forward Kenwyne Jones. (Molino’s goals came in 55 appearances, while Jones got his from 90 international outings.)
Stern John, a former Crew striker, leads Trinidad and Tobago’s all-time scoring list with 70 international goals, followed by current interim head coach Angus Eve (34), Russell Latapy (29), Arnold Dwarika (28) and Cornell Glen (24).
Molino was unavailable for the entirety of Terry Fenwick’s spell as Men’s National Senior Team head coach, owing to a hamstring injury. But in July, he featured in all five outings for Eve at the Gold Cup—where he scored twice from three starts and two substitute appearances.
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In training is probably the worst place to sustain a recurring injury.
Time to think carefully about the future.
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In training is probably the worst place to sustain a recurring injury.
Time to think carefully about the future.
At 31 years of age, a recurring injury like this may be a sign that it is time to hutb (Hang up the boots). I doubt any team in the MLS will be interested after the latest blow to him. Speedy recovery. I hope it isnt as bad as it is. Maybe he can work towards an early return for June 2022.
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Damn that's terrible for him. I hope he can make a comeback but yeah, time to look at his plans beyond playing.
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WATCH: Columbus Crew's Kevin Molino scores his first MLS goal in over a year when he runs unmarked on the left side of the Portland Timbers defense, collects a pass, and strokes the ball past the goalkeeper into the far corner of the net.
https://www.youtube.com/v/HYPQAcUBURA?start=75
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Happy for Molino, nice movement and finish.
I would love to hear what the coach had to say about the defending!
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Molino: I was really looking forward to playing for T&T
T&T Guardian
Talented T&T midfielder Kevin Molino has been ruled out of T&T’s CONCACAF Nations League matches against the Bahamas and Nicaragua due to injury.
Molino, who has not played for T&T for some time because of injuries, picked up the knee injury last week while training with his club Columbus Crew and was expected to miss his club’s game Saturday evening against the New York Red Bulls. He is expected to return in two weeks.
Yesterday, Molino told Guardian Media Sports that he didn’t want to talk about the injury, only to say that he will be out for the short term.
“I will be out for the matches against the Bahamas and Nicaragua,” Molino said.
With nine points in the second position in Group C, T&T will be away to the Bahamas on March 24 before returning home at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet, Tobago, to face the Nicaraguans in their final match, needing to win the group to be promoted to group A.
Nicaragua leads the group with 10 points after beating T&T in the first match between the teams in Managua in June last year. Molino said the coming two matches can determine the future of T&T football which is why he really wanted to be in the team.
“I was 100 per cent looking forward to these games, more than before because it’s so important, these two games. It’s important in the short term and it’s important for the long term, in terms of qualifying for tier 1, which is Group A if we win the two games, qualifying for the Gold Cup and also the World Cup that is coming up.
“We have to improve our rankings to be in the Hex stage. These two games can determine our future both in the short term and the long term,” Molino said.
Meanwhile, Molino praised the T&T team and its staff for the 1-0 series win against Jamaica in two international friendly encounters last week.
T&T beat the Jamaicans, 1-0, courtesy of a 67th-minute Reon Moore goal on March 11 and later held their counterparts to a goalless draw on Tuesday.
Molino said: “It was a good showing when you look at players who haven’t been active for quite some time to still go out there and give a good showing of themselves. I think the people at the front desk of the office deserve a little credit for keeping the group together for quite some time, since November, and to get a couple of games in, which is good.
“Unfortunately, now, we have injuries and hopefully, the guys who got selected can pull it off,” Molino said.
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FFS! :cursing:
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That's some tough luck boy. Molino please see about your future, yuh can't keep playing forever.
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Blessings to Molino. Hang in there. 🙏🏿
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The Crew’s Kevin Molino to be sidelined for 6-8 weeks following knee surgery
By Austin_Mucchetti (Massive Report)
Kevin Molino had played in every game in the 2023 season for the Columbus Crew prior to Saturday’s 2-1 loss at the New York Red Bulls. Molino was not on the bench as an available substitute at Red Bull Arena for the first time this year and, as it turns out, this was because of an unfortunate reason.
The Crew announced on Tuesday afternoon that Molino underwent a meniscectomy of his knee on March 17. He is expected to be sidelined for the next six to eight weeks while he recovers from the surgery.
While he played more of an inverted winger role under previous head coach Caleb Porter, current manager Wilfried Nancy has used Molino as one of his two attacking midfielders when coming off the bench so far this season.
Prior to his time with the Crew, the 32 year old had spells with Minnesota United from 2017 to 2020, in which he scored 21 goals and provided 18 assists in 67 appearances, and Orlando City SC from 2015 to 2016, in which he scored 11 goals and provided 9 assists in 37 appearances.
Unfortunately for Molino, injuries are nothing new. The midfielder tore his ACL in 2015 while playing for Orlando and then again in 2018 with Minnesota. During his first season with the Black & Gold, Molino suffered the same injury, after which he spent about 10 months sidelined.
Molino joined Columbus as a marquee free agent in 2021, coming off a remarkable postseason with United and was expected to be a key part of the Crew’s MLS Cup title defense that year. Since his move to the Black & Gold, the Trinidad and Tobago international has made 25 appearances for Columbus, with 11 starts, and has logged two goals and two assists in 1,027 minutes of play. Molino made substitute appearances in the Crew’s opening three matches of the 2023 season, seeing the field for 14 minutes.
Also on the Black & Gold’s injury list is defender Josh Williams, who has been out with an ankle injury, and midfielder Christian Ramirez, who has yet to make his debut for Columbus since signing with the team this winter from Aberdeen F.C. in the Scottish Premier League as he recovers from a foot injury. Designated Player Cuch Hernandez also missed last week’s game in New York with a knee injury, although that is not expected to be serious.
Defender Milos Degenek, goalkeeper Eloy Room and midfielder Lucas Zelarayan will not be available for selection for Saturday’s match against Atlanta United after earning call-ups to represent their respective national teams during the FIFA international window. With both Zelarayan and Molino out, Nancy is likely to have to get creative with his attacking midfield position.
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Kevin Molino, 33, makes surprise exit before Nations League
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)
The end of a journey and the end of a dream.
Veteran Soca Warriors playmaker Kevin "Nash" Molino took to social media to announce his retirement from T&T's men's football team on Friday, bidding his goodbye to local supporters.
Molino, 33, who is T&T's joint-second highest scorer with 23 goals in 59 appearances, chronicled his football journey in national colours.
"It has always been about passion and pride – from my first days with the under-15 team, to being part of a special group in the Under-17 World Cup and Under-20 World Cup," Molino said via an Instagram post.
"I've been able to make lifelong friends, face fierce rivals and lead the nation as a captain of the senior team. Now, that dream has come to an end. It's time to say goodbye for now," Molino said.
Molino, who has battled several injuries during the course of his career, captained the T&T team at the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup. Molino started the first fixture vs St Kitts and Nevis as T&T got their lone win in the group stage. He then featured from off the bench in a 4-1 defeat against Jamaica, before returning to the starting lineup for T&T's 6-0 defeat to the United States.
The Carenage-born attacker currently plays in the Major League Soccer for Columbus Crew.
Molino is known to be lethal in the box, possesses quick feet, and has the ability to find space between the lines to receive the ball.
In an immediate reaction to Molino's announcement, former national players Hutson "Baba" Charles and Densill Theobald both expressed shock at the playmaker's retirement, suggesting that he had still something to offer to the senior setup.
Theobald said, "He served his country with his heart. He served his country well and he will be sorely missed for his creativity, composure, experience and just being able to have that impact and influence on proceedings."
Theobald, who played a handful of games with Molino at senior level, added, "He's someone I enjoyed watching play and watching develop into an impactful player. It's just unfortunate that he suffered injuries that kinda curtailed his career. But at the same time, he is someone I would've paid money to watch play."
Charles, who served as head coach of the T&T team from 2012 to 2013, before operating as an assistant coach to Stephen Hart until 2016, also commented on Molino's injury struggles.
"Because of injuries over the years, I don't think we saw the best of him, or he didn't get to play consistently," Charles said. "His career was kind of stop-start throughout, even from his days with Orlando (City). He had some injuries and every time he came back into his own he kept breaking down. I think we would've been in a better position if we had him fully fit for all those years because of that creative mind he had."
Having represented his country admirably at the Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups in 2007 and 2009 respectively, Molino would go on to make his senior team debut at age 20 under coach Russell Latapy.
For the better part of a decade, Molino served as the "number ten" in the T&T setup, and he enjoyed a particularly good understanding with former powerhouse striker Kenwyne Jones, who also ended his career with 23 goals at the international level for T&T.
The first of Molino's 23 international items came in a World Cup qualifier away to Bermuda in a 2-1 loss for T&T. Molino would go on to be a key member of the T&T squad which got to the finals of the 2012 and 2014 Caribbean Cups, losing to Cuba and Jamaica respectively.
Molino also played a role in T&T's quarterfinal run at the 2013 Gold Cup, but he would miss the quarterfinal run at the subsequent 2015 Gold Cup due to the first of three ACL injuries.
Despite his injury struggles, Molino was always seen as T&T's chief playmaker once fit.
He seemed to have a particular liking for the Dominican Republic during his career, twice netting hat-tricks versus that opposition in Caribbean Cup play in 2014 and 2016 respectively.
His national career was not without hiccups, breaking camp twice under former coach Stephen Hart in 2016 before a World Cup qualifier and Caribbean Cup qualifier. The first infraction, for attending a boat ride, incurred a fine, but the second incident resulted in him being dropped from the squad.
On Wednesday, Molino was one of 40 players listed in coach Angus Eve's provisional squad for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League matches vs Curacao (September 7) and El Salvador (September 10).
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Thank you for your service.
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Blessing Molino. All the Best.
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Molino just drop a nuclear bomb on Angus head.
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Molino: Eve has lost the locker room! 95% of the players don’t want him.
By Lasana Liburd
Trinidad and Tobago international midfield ace Kevin Molino says he will not represent his country again under Soca Warriors head coach Angus Eve and gave a stinging review of Eve’s stewardship of the Men’s National Senior Team.
“For me I am done—I don’t want to be a part of this mess,” the 33-year-old Columbus Crew player told Wired868. “I don’t want to be part of a [set-up where the] national coach is using the national team for his own benefit. I don’t want to be part of that.
https://wired868.com/2023/09/02/molino-eve-has-lost-the-locker-room-95-of-the-players-dont-want-him/
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Molino: Eve has lost the locker room! 95% of the players don’t want him.
By Lasana Liburd
Trinidad and Tobago international midfield ace Kevin Molino says he will not represent his country again under Soca Warriors head coach Angus Eve and gave a stinging review of Eve’s stewardship of the Men’s National Senior Team.
“For me I am done—I don’t want to be a part of this mess,” the 33-year-old Columbus Crew player told Wired868. “I don’t want to be part of a [set-up where the] national coach is using the national team for his own benefit. I don’t want to be part of that.
https://wired868.com/2023/09/02/molino-eve-has-lost-the-locker-room-95-of-the-players-dont-want-him/
A player plays and a coach coaches. Now it is difficult to ascertain what the facts are and what these allegations suggest . There is a vagueness to this. What is the so called 'mess'? - naming of coach? practice? team selection? coaching decisions?
what self benefit is there for this coach?
In my opinion, given this payer's age, and the injuries he has been dealing with, his impact on the field has not been noticeable. I think to avoid risk of injury and to ensure a job and livelihood , I think it would be best at age 33 to just ride out ; Is not like Molino is ah Messi.
Nothing to be ashamed of- KM has done yeoman service to his country and has been a willing call up to represent when healthy. All the best-
Playing for TnT at this time relative to the progress of others in the region, you need to know when the time is up :
On a Tnt Team
bound for nowhere
looking for glory
but only finding more stories
Ineptitude overtook us,
and man starting to cuss
ah know, he made a life
Out of playing in many places
Knowin' what the cards were
By the way the coaches are
So he don't mind sayin'
he can see TnT out of aces
so he making ah choice
"If you're gonna play the game, boy
You gotta learn to play it right
The man believe that he
got to know when to hold 'em
and Know when to fold 'em up
Know when to walk away
And know when to run
cyar count your money
When you're playing for nutting
There'll be time enough for countin'
When the playing days are done done
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A player plays and a coach coaches. Now it is difficult to ascertain what the facts are and what these allegations suggest . There is a vagueness to this. What is the so called 'mess'? - naming of coach? practice? team selection? coaching decisions?
what self benefit is there for this coach?
All of the above ABtrini , Yes self benefit he is getting a salary with no results to show for it.
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Sancho to TTFA: Address Molino's claims, find solution
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)
T&T's Fifa 2006 World Cup defender and former English-based professional Brent Sancho is calling on the T&T Football Association's (TTFA) Fifa-appointed normalisation committee to address the startling claims being made by former men's captain Kevin Molino.
The 33 year-old Molino, who was appointed captain by coach Angus Eve for the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, announced his international retirement on Instagram on Friday.
"I've been able to make lifelong friends, face fierce rivals and lead the nation as a captain of the senior team," Molino said on Friday. "Now, that dream has come to an end. It's time to say goodbye for now."
However, in an interview with Wired868, Molino said that Eve has lost the dressing room and he no longer wished to be a part of his team. He also alleged that players were forced to haggle for proper match fees for the Gold Cup, there was no clear strategy of play and there was a lack of respect for players.
Sancho said the Robert Hadad-led normalisation committee needs to look into the merit of Molino's statements, while all key figures involved must also find common ground ahead of T&T's Concacaf Nations League matches vs Curacao and El Salvador on September 7 and 10 respectively.
"It's sad that he felt frustrated to air his grievances in the public domain. At the end of the day, I have to respect that he feels a particular way," Sancho told Newsday.
"My concern is a player of that experience and capability coming out and speaking like that – he felt that compelled to make that statement in the public domain....You would only hope that there's some sort of dialogue and mediation between the coach and Kevin. I think the matters he raised should be addressed as well."
Molino, who was named in Eve's 40-man provisional squad for the upcoming Nations League matches, started two of T&T's three games at the Gold Cup, while he was used as a substitute in the other. On the back of T&T's disappointing Gold Cup exit, which saw 4-1 and 6-0 losses to Jamaica and United States respectively, Sancho said it was disheartening to see Molino step away from the international scene.
"The contributions he would have given in the national shirt must never go unnoticed," Sancho said. "From a purely fanatical point of view, as a fan of Trinidad and Tobago football, you would want to see him come back and represent us at some time. I still feel as though he has some contributions left in his legs."
Sancho also said the normalisation committee must do more to improve the state of T&T football.
"(They) have had enough time to put in a well-utilised technical committee. We have seen decisions already and I would consider some of these decisions ad-hoc," Sancho said. "There's no transparency in these decisions and there's no reporting to the public at large as to why these decisions are made. Of course, that's a major concern."
"A technical committee needs to have footballing minds coming together who can chart the way forward," Sancho said. "That is one of the reasons why we are in the situation that we're in. We don't have any of that."
With just three days to go before T&T's Nations League battle with Curacao at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Sancho says that Eve has his hands full.
"You have to put all egos aside and have honest conversations with these players," Sancho said. "Honest and meaningful conversations are needed to guide the way. If somebody of that caliber is making these sorts of statements in the public domain, then you do have to dig a little deeper into it."
"Can you as the coach get yourself in a position now where you can push the players to perform?" Sancho asked. "(Eve) himself has to assess and determine what's the next best step...I'm sure that is something coach Eve is already doing."
As far as the players go, Sancho says that personal feeling must be put aside for the sake of national pride.
"Despite what was said, the players themselves now owe the public a performance. I know if these statements are true, then there will be some frustrated players, but they have to find a way to get results. The players need it and the country needs it.
Hadad and TTFA general secretary Amiel Mohammed did not respond to requests by Newsday for a comment up to press time on Sunday. Newsday understands that nobody from the TTFA has reached out to Molino as well to discuss his comments.
Eve is also yet to name his final squad for Thursday's match.
On August 23, Eve saw his contract as T&T's senior men's team coach extended to March 2024.
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Sancho talking rubbish if what Molino saying is true. If Eve lost the locker room, has no tactical plan and solely depending on individual brilliance as his game plan, no amount of national pride can deliver results against international competition.
Sancho, Corneal, Hadad and company are all contributing to the downfall of our football. Then again, you can't fall if you laying on the ground.
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David, Moore side-step Molino issues
...as coach Eve focuses on Curacao match with changes
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).
“All focus is on Curacao.”
Defender Aubrey David and striker Reon Moore made the comment during the team’s training session Tuesday afternoon in preparation for the Concacaf Nations League ‘A’ match against Curacao, which will take place Thursday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, Port-of-Spain from 6 pm.
Both players have side-stepped issues highlighted by the former captain and midfielder Kevin Molino, that coach Angus Eve had lost the dressing room during the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States in June/July.
Molino, 33, the Columbus Crew player who returned from injuries recently, also accused coach Eve of lacking technically and tactically skills as a coach.
Moore, who was overlooked for the Concacaf Gold Cup, said he was not aware of the issues raised by Molino and wanted to focus on the match at hand.
David too, downplayed the recent development in the national team, saying they first want to concentrate on Curacao and then El Salvador three days later on Monday (September 10).
“We have 23 players right now. We have a good mixture with senior team players and young players who came in with a lot of motivation and a point to prove, and I think it’s a good mix,” said David. “This is a chance for them to showcase what they can do and raise their hands and say why they deserve to be here, so I think this is just good for us, but we would like to just focus on the game, and get three points on Thursday.”
Quizzed on the Curacao team, David said: “Well, recently, we saw them at the Gold Cup and saw that they have a decent team. They have a lot of players playing in good leagues and we know they’re going to be coming with everything because it’s the first game for them also.
“They have a lot of players who are fast, technical, and are good dribblers of the ball on one-versus-one situations, so we can expect that they’re going to come and play on the counter-attack, but we know that it’s not going to be an easy game.”
Eve, who too, appeared focused in the centre of the field alongside assistant coaches Derek King and Clayton Ince yesterday, released a 23-man team for the match that included midfielder, Swedish-based Kristian Lee Him, who told the media he will be equipped with much-needed experience and leadership abilities which he gained from playing in Europe.
Apart from Lee Him, Eve’s team will be minus some 12 players who represented the country at the Concacaf Gold Cup, such as goalkeepers Marvin Phillip and Nicklas Frenderup, hard-hitting attacking defender Alvin Jones, Joevin Jones, Sheldon Bateau and Real Gill, among others.
Instead, Eve has opted to recall the speedy Moore who plays for Defence Force in the T&T Premier Football League, along with towering striker Brent Sam, Ross Russell Jr, Duane Muckette, Michel Poon Angeron, and Nathaniel James, the talented Club Sando striker who was among the leading goal scorers in the top tier local league.
Thursday’s game will be the first time they play a match at Hasely Crawford Stadium since defeating Saint Martin 2-0 in a friendly in January.
T&T has only faced Curacao once before and it was a memorable clash at the 2014 Caribbean Cup in a back-and-forth contest which T&T won 3-2.
T&T TEAM
GOALKEEPERS
Denzil Smith, Jabari St Hillaire, Christopher Biggette
DEFENDERS
Aubrey David, Ross Russell Jr, Jesse Williams, Kareem Moses, Justin Garcia, Shannon Gomez, Andre Raymond
MIDFIELDERS
Andre Rampersad, Duane Muckette, Neveal Hackshaw, Michel Poon Angeron, Kevon Goddard, Kristian Lee Him, Daniel Phillips.
FORWARDS
Ryan Telfer, Kaile Auvray, Nathaniel James, Reon Moore, Malcolm Shaw, Brent Sam
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Kevin Molino says the quiet part out loud - Is everything okay, TTFA?
By Colin Muray (T&T Guardian).
With the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) roughly 75 percent complete with just the Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana legs to be played, I would have normally reviewed the performances and, in some cases, the non-performance of the various franchises.
However, someone sent me a quite stunning article a few days ago and due to the fact it is about T&T’s Soca Warriors, I believed this to be of greater interest, at least in the long term, rather than the CPL, which can be dealt with later on.
The article in question refers to T&T’s international midfielder Kevin Molino, who has retired from playing for the red, white and black. In the article, Molino says, “For me, I am done - I don’t want to be a part of this mess…I don’t want to be part of a set -up where the national coach is using the national team for his own benefit. I don’t want to be part of that. For me, he lost the locker room. One hundred percent, he lost the locker room.”
Wow! Coming from not just a national player but a stand-out one in Kevin Molino, who has represented the Soca Warriors for years and has played in the USA’s premier football division - Major League Soccer (MLS) with some degree of success. Ironically, the coach Molino is referring to is national coach Angus Eve, who gave the armband to Molino before the disappointing 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup campaign. Only last week, Eve named the US-based midfielder in a 40-man shortlist to face Curacao on Thursday evening and against El Salvador on September 10.
Molino went on to suggest that the players felt Eve was never on their side but instead was looking to sacrifice their interest for his employers - the FIFA imposed normalisation committee that still to this day runs the Trinidad & Tobago Football Association (TTFA).
Appointed in March 2020 amid heavy controversy, this normalisation committee must be one of the longest-ever committees in the world to take over a national body without fulfilling its mandate, calling an election and putting people who know about football to run the affairs of the beautiful game in this country.
According to FIFA, when it imposed this committee on the TTFA in March 2020 - “The specified period of time during which the normalisation committee will perform its functions will expire as soon as it has fulfilled all of its assigned tasks, but no later than 24 months after its members have been officially appointed by FIFA.”
It’s been 3.5 years, and this normalisation committee seems to have no end in sight.
Molino has said much more, suggesting that there was no clear strategy of play and a lack of respect for the players. Now, I am not taking what Molino has said as the gospel, but I do know (and I commented previously) about the embarrassing performance by the Soca Warriors at the Gold Cup earlier in June this year, and if my memory is still intact, I really cannot remember seeing a statement from the TTFA, through the FIFA imposed normalisation committee, about this country’s poor performance at the Gold Cup and what went wrong with the team.
Eve, perhaps quite surprisingly, has been given a strong vote of confidence by the FIFA imposed normalisation committee to continue as national coach despite the abysmal results at the Gold Cup. However, these revelations by Molino paint an entirely different picture of what is happening in local football and where this country is heading. As I have indicated, Molino is just one player, and he may very well have a grouch with the national coach for one reason or another but for him to come out publicly and talk about the alleged problems encountered by the players is indeed very sad, and for him to be brave enough and probably realising the consequences has forced him into early retirement. The ordeal may be quite reminiscent of what transpires to other athletes in various sports locally who are brazen enough to speak out against poor administrative and coaching practices.
Now, will Kevin Molino’s comments be taken seriously by the normalisation committee as losing a player of Molino’s experience before the Concacaf Nations League games cannot be good for football? The committee needs to investigate Molino’s revelations and sort this out before the games against Curacao and El Salvador. Not only do they have to look into the comments Molino made, but how do the rest of the players feel? Has anyone reached out to the players before tonight's encounter?
What is also sad about this affair is that Molino's vast experience will be lost to T&T’s football when he may still have a contribution to make, especially with youngsters coming through the ranks. Though not entirely optimistic, I am hopeful that another issue in T&T football is not swept under the carpet. Some of the decisions taken by the FIFA imposed normalisation committee are baffling at times. Their communication with the football-loving fans in this country is almost non-existent, especially as to why and how decisions are made.
So, where does T&T football go from here? How will Angus Eve address this stinging criticism by his former captain? How are the players going to look at Eve after Molino’s comments? Of course, I expect all egos to be put aside for the good of the national team all players would go out there and give 150 percent, as anything less would not end up in a positive result for the Soca Warriors.
My wish is by the time you read this, the TTFA will have reached out to Molino, Eve, and the national players to at least give them some sort of comfort that all the issues are going to be addressed so that the football fans can be proud of the performance of the Soca Warriors.
Before I close, I enquired about the opening of the Secondary Schools League and was told the league was opening with a game between the two big teams from 2022 – Fatima and St Benedict’s College – on Friday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. But before I could put the phone down properly, I was told the game couldn’t be played on Friday because TTFA indicated the day before T&T plays Curacao at the venue. Am I missing something here? So what do they do they put it on Saturday when at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, there are CPL fixtures carded, so the sport-loving public has to now decide either to support the school opening or to support TKR. Typically, illogical planning by those concerned.
I wonder what was the reason the game could not be played on Friday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Perhaps I forgot for a moment that this is Trinidad & Tobago, where simple matters are always made into complex ones.
Editor’s note: The views expressed in the preceding article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views of any organisation of which he is a stakeholder.
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Soca Warriors dribble past Eve, Molino questions.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).
T&T PLAYERS dribbled around questions from the media regarding the mood in the Soca Warriors camp, following comments made by former midfielder and captain Kevin Molino concerning the issues in T&T football including the criticism of head coach Angus Eve.
On Friday, Molino announced his retirement from T&T football. The following day, in a Wired868 article, Molino highlighted many concerns including the lack of respect for players, no clear strategy of play by Eve and players having to negotiate for match fees. Molino said Eve has lost the dressing room.
His comments came just days before T&T’s match in the Concacaf Nations League against Curacao at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, scheduled for 6 pm on Thursday. Following the Curacao match, T&T will travel to El Salvador to play on Sunday from 10 pm, TT time.
A 23-man T&T squad was named on Tuesday for the match against Curacao with some regular faces missing from the list. A TT Football Association media release, said, “Ruled out through injury are AEK Athens frontman Levi Garcia (quadricep tear), Real Gill (hamstring tear), Tyrone Charles (meniscus and femoral bone bruise), Nicklas Frenderup (femoral bone bruise), Ajani Fortune (hamstring injury) and Josiah Trimmingham (abductor tear).”
However, no explanation was given why brothers Joevin and Alvin Jones, along with goal-keeper Marvin Phillips, were not named in the team. The players were all part of the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup squad in June.
Eve held a training session on Tuesday at Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella.
Speaking to the media, recalled striker Reon Moore said, “The mood in the camp is very high. I have no knowledge of any off-the-field issues and I think the fresh bunch of guys we here and we are hungry to succeed for our country and ourselves.”
Probed more about the Molino-Eve issue, Moore said, “I did not see the article and I don’t think it will be or should be a distraction for the boys.”
Moore, who was surprisingly overlooked for the Gold Cup, ended the TT Premier Football League in form and carried that form into the 2023 Concacaf Caribbean Cup.
Speaking about his form of late, Moore said, “That’s my natural game, so I think it will be a smooth transition from club to country.”
He plays on the wing for Defence Force primarily, but for the national team he plays as a striker. Moore is grateful to play anywhere on the field.
“I don’t have any preferences, is wherever I need to do a job for the team at the time I will perform at the best of my ability.”
Defender Aubrey David is also focused on the match against Curacao and not any off-the-field trouble. Asked if Eve and the players addressed some of Molino’s problems within the camp, David said, “As I said for now basically our focus is Curacao, nothing more. Just trying to give a good showing of ourselves and trying to get that home support from the crowd and just focus on getting three points.”
David thanked Molino for serving his country, saying, “I have been playing with Kevin since I was 15 years old and he is a special talent, he is very special player. Everybody knows what he can do on the field, he is basically a magician and it has been a pleasure to play with him...obviously, he is going to be missed because he did a lot for the country, he did a good service for the country.”
T&T Squad:
Goalkeepers: Jabari St Hillaire, Christopher Biggette, Denzil Smith.
Defenders: Aubrey David, Ross Russell Jr, Jesse Williams, Kareem Moses, Justin Garcia, Shannon Gomez, Andre Raymond.
Midfielders: Andre Rampersad, Duane Muckette, Neveal Hackshaw, Michel Poon-Angeron, Kevon Goddard, Kristian Lee-Him, Daniel Phillips.
Forwards: Ryan Telfer, Kaile Auvray, Nathaniel James, Reon Moore, Malcolm Shaw, Brent Sam.
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Molino: Eve has lost the locker room! 95% of the players don’t want him
By: Lasana Liburd (Wired868).
Trinidad and Tobago international midfield ace Kevin Molino says he will not represent his country again under Soca Warriors head coach Angus Eve and gave a stinging review of Eve’s stewardship of the Men’s National Senior Team.
“For me I am done—I don’t want to be a part of this mess,” the 33-year-old Columbus Crew player told Wired868. “I don’t want to be part of a [set-up where the] national coach is using the national team for his own benefit. I don’t want to be part of that.
“[…] For me, he lost the locker room. One hundred percent, he lost the locker room.”
Ironically, Molino was Eve’s captain at the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup and, on Wednesday, the national head coach named the US-based midfielder in a 40-man shortlist to face Curaçao and El Salvador in Concacaf Nations League A action on 7 September and 10 September respectively.
However, on the eve of the Men’s National Senior Team squad announcement, Molino told Wired868 that he had enough. And he singled out the head coach as the determining factor in his decision.
“This beautiful game should never feel like stress,” said Molino, who claimed that his Gold Cup experience left him so depressed his club arranged therapy to get him back in the right frame of mind.
He said Trinidad and Tobago’s national football set-up is three distinct groups at present: the players, the coaches, and the Fifa-appointed normalisation committee.
And he said the players feel that Eve was never on their side but, instead, was always looking to sacrifice their interest for his employers.
In the build-up to the Gold Cup, the players—represented by goalkeeper Marvin Phillip, defender Sheldon Bateau, and Molino—requested match fees from the normalisation committee, which runs the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA).
But, as usual, the matter was left to drag on by the administrators until the day before their Gold Cup opener against Saint Kitts and Nevis. The players, Molino said, were not happy with Eve’s role.
“Fellahs, do not bleed the normalisation committee,” Molino claimed Eve told the boys at one point, during their pre-tournament camp.
The Soca Warriors got US$1,500 per match at the 2021 Gold Cup, plus bonuses. Molino claimed that the Normalisation Committee offered US$1,000 and tried to get the foreign-based players to accept it on the grounds that they earned most of their income from their clubs anyway.
“I was a young player once and I remember how it feels,” said Molino. “We want every player at the end of a big tournament like this to be able to buy a [little foreign-used] car or something. We can’t just represent ourselves; we have to represent the younger players too.”
In the end, after a threatened walk-out, the players got the requested US$2,000 per match from the Robert Hadad-led body. But, during the tournament, Molino alleged that Eve said the impact was felt by staff.
“His remarks were that some of the staff got a pay cut because we took all the money,” he said.
But the view that Eve was more interested in keeping Hadad happy than the players was far from Molino’s biggest beef.
The veteran midfielder argued that Eve was tactically not up to the task and the players felt they were constantly being made scapegoats to hide the coach’s shortcomings.
“Lasana there isn’t much tactics to work with, it is all individual,” said Molino. “There is no clear idea of how we want to defend, no clear idea of how we want to attack or what wing we want to go down. We don’t have [passing] combinations to create overloads, you don’t see relationships [between our different lines].
“[…] We don’t have a style of play, we don’t have a clear idea of what we want to do. It was only individual movements: you do this, you do that.”
Molino said players questioned Eve in a team meeting after their 4-1 loss to Jamaica, and it did not go well.
“Some coaches do not want to be challenged and the moment the coach was challenged after the Jamaica game, it became a big, big problem,” he claimed. “We had a meeting discussing what happened and a lot of players said a lot of things. Marvin [Phillip] was saying we don’t know what we are doing and for me I knew that was the end of Marvin.
“I spoke up and Sheldon [Bateau] spoke up. I said we focus too much on the opponents and not on what we want to do and how we want to break down the opponents. We also discussed why we changed the formation from the St Kitts game. He didn’t like it all.”
Molino claimed Eve was too thin-skinned to really take ideas on board from others and said it was frustrating for players who had the experience of working with more accomplished coaches.
“This is a job where you have to deal with criticism, whether you are a coach or player,” he said. “If you don’t want that then this is not the job for you—work in a grocery or wash cars or something.
“But he must never be criticized and never be challenged on anything concerning football, whether it is from the fans or the players or anyone.”
Against the United States, Trinidad and Tobago trailed 3-0 at the half and in trouble. Eve substituted Molino and Joevin Jones at the interval.
Eve replaced Jones with Shannon Gomez and Molino noted that the US-based defender played four different positions in 45 minutes.
“[Gomez] played right back, right wing, left wing and midfield in the same game, and the guy is a right back,” he said. “We have no clue. It was just all over the place.”
Despite being team captain, Molino said he never felt the coach knew how to fit him into his preferred direct tactics and claimed that Eve said that “you and Joevin are unbalancing my team” during one training session.
“Coming off after the first half the coach just turned and said ‘you off, you off’ to me and Joevin,” said Molino. “It was very disrespectful—no explanation, nothing. It’s the same I saw him do to other players and I didn’t like it.
“I said ‘why I’m off?’ He just said ‘because you’re off’. That is how a Trinidad and Tobago coach is dealing with players. Like if Trinidad and Tobago has a population like America or Mexico with a large pool of players.
“We don’t have a large pool of players so we have to come together and figure out how to [co-exist].”
Molino claimed Eve never took responsibility for the team’s poor performances but always laid it on the feet of the players. After the eventual 6-0 loss to USA—a joint record heaviest Gold Cup defeat—he said the Soca Warriors coach even suggested players might be match-fixing.
“He will say anything except ‘it was my fault as the head coach’,” said Molino. “[…] You are the coach and we lost, come out and take blame. To turn around in the locker room after the US game and tell your team how he has a bunch of weak players. But it’s you who picked the players.
“It was like against Jamaica when he said Jamaica has better players. Even if you think that or the world knows that, you cannot say that as a coach. Mentally how are you going to put your players in a position to want to play for you?”
Eve coached Molino at club youth level at San Juan Jabloteh and then Ma Pau SC. He said there was genuine excitement when he initially got the job in 2021.
But then it soon became obvious, to him, that Eve was out of his depth and unable to get the most from his players
“No matter what you do in life we are all human beings—we have to remember that no matter what the job is,” said Molino. “Deal with players as human beings and treat them as you would want to be treated.
“[…] Sometimes I would have to be the one to call players and tell them to keep the faith and say believe in yourself, your time will come. This is even players who were not on tour. Because we need everybody.
“As I said, we do not have the population of Mexico or America. You can’t just drop a player and not give an explanation or phone call. We are going to need each other one day.”
Molino said Eve told the players after the US loss that he was resigning as national coach. (In fact, his contract had expired—although it was quickly renewed by the Normalisation Committee.)
“After the game, he tried to make it not about Trinidad and Tobago but about himself: oh, he’s retiring and he’s leaving Trinidad and Tobago football in a better place,” said Molino.
Behind the scenes, Molino alleged that Eve tried to exploit the poor relations between several senior players and the Normalisation Committee to win himself a new contract—by throwing them under the bus.
The Soca Warriors had a scrimmage against Haiti on 17 June, which was also on Molino’s birthday and they had the day off on the following day. Molino said he told Eve that the players would go out for dinner to celebrate his birthday.
Two months later, he alleged that night out was used as an example of internal indiscipline, as Eve supposedly blamed players for the team’s poor results.
Molino is no stranger to such controversy, after he was dropped for twice breaking camp under former coach Stephen Hart. However, he said Eve tried to use his past against him in this case.
The Normalisation Committee, Molino suggested, are only concerned with money—not the players or the performances of the team. The Hadad-led run body has not activated a technical committee in over three years in charge of the local game.
“They don’t care,” said Molino, when asked whether he voiced the players’ concerns about Eve to the TTFA. “The results are there for everyone to see—it is clear and obvious. You can watch from the outside and tell if a coach has lost the locker room. You can tell we were disjointed.
“But do they care? No, they don’t care. We have a president who won’t even call players before a game and say ‘good luck’. All those things go a long way.
“(Late former TTFA president) Raymond Tim Kee would always come in and around the team and call to see how you were going. But with the last president (David John-Williams) and this president you don’t feel involved.”
Molino said he gave a lot to the national team and the red, white and black shirt as a national senior and youth player, over the past 17 years. But he has reached his limit.
“There are multiple times that I went to play for the national team, left injured and still worked to recover to come and play again in a few weeks,” he said. “That was not for money, that was not me looking for a vacation—that was my pride to wear that shirt. And to see how things transpired after [the Gold Cup], for me it was disrespectful to players whose dream it is to represent their country.
“For me that was the most hurtful thing; that made me decide I would never represent my country… It will hurt me a lot, it is going to take a while for me to actually swallow it—but if it is not for the betterment of the football, I don’t want to be a part of it.
“Until things get fixed, all it has for players on the national team is injury and criticism from my standpoint. Some guys’ bonus with their clubs is way more than what the national team giving and they’re giving up that to come and represent the country.
“And all the players ask for is respect.”
Molino first wore national colours almost two decades ago, when he helped Trinidad and Tobago qualify for successive Fifa World Youth Cup tournaments in 2007 and 2009.
At nation senior level, he was a Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinalist in 2013 while he is the joint seventh highest all-time goal scorer with 23 goals from 60 appearances.
Only iconic 2006 World Cup star Russell Latapy, who managed 29 goals in a 21-year international career, scored more goals as a midfielder than Molino—although the latter’s 13-year career was blighted by knee injuries that ruled him out for roughly two years.
Beyond Molino, Eve’s most prolific available international scorers are AEK Athens attacker Levi Garcia and Miami FC winger Ryan Telfer, who both have eight goals for the Soca Warriors—combined it is less than Molino’s tally, although Garcia and Telfer have 65 combined caps between them.
Molino said Trinidad and Tobago players are often cowed into silence, afraid to speak for fear of being blacklisted. It is an environment that has become especially difficult for him to handle under Eve, although he believes that he can still play for another two years at the highest level.
He admits that Soca Warriors fans have not seen him at anything near to his best form in some time. But he pointed to the timing of his injuries, which affected his rhythm under the current coach.
The problems within the team camp, he said, go beyond individual performances though. And, although he never wishes the team anything but the best on the field, he said it is hard to believe that they are on the path to success under Eve and the current TTFA administration.
“Ninety-five percent of the players don’t want to play—they call me all the time,” Molino told Wired868. “How can he look them in their eyes after he retired as coach after three months ago, he retired in front of them and blamed them for the team’s problems? A player is not going to respect you and a player is not going to play for you.
“I want people to know what is going on in Trinidad and Tobago football. Sometimes people think the result is just about the players but it is not just the players. The players actually put out a tremendous amount of effort.
“I fought for the red jersey!” Molino reviews time with each T&T coach
“[…] Many times, I didn’t have money to go to training. I used to sell bottles so I could go. My grandmother would help me with money to go training too, but I tried not to ask too much from her.
“Also Kaya’s (Micah Lewis) father would drive all the way from Petit Valley and pick me up to carry me to training sometimes.
“[…] There was something that Anton [Corneal] would do where he would make you train with a white jersey and you had to fight for the right to wear a red jersey. I always took that lesson in my life. You have to fight for that red jersey…”
In the following piece, Trinidad and Tobago’s seventh all-time leading goal scorer Kevin Molino talks to Wired868 about his international football journey with anecdotes on each coach:
Anton Corneal: Trinidad and Tobago National Under-17 team (2006-07)
(Kevin Molino was a key player as Trinidad and Tobago qualified for the Fifa Under-17 World Cup, with a 1-0 win over Jamaica—with Molino scoring the sole item.)
In that period, you’re young and you’re just having fun. Anton [Corneal] and Hutson “Baba” Charles were two people who really helped me a lot.
I remember in those days, many times I didn’t have money to go to training. I used to sell bottles so I could go. My grandmother would help me with money to go training too, but I tried not to ask too much from her. Also Kaya’s (Micah Lewis) father would drive all the way from Petit Valley and pick me up to carry me to training sometimes.
I am so grateful to have players like that around me—and also Stephen Knox, Robert Primus, Daniel Cyrus, Marcus Joseph, Jean-Luc Rochford. Those guys made me a better player.
There was something that Anton would do where he would make you train with a white jersey and you had to fight for the right to wear a red jersey. I always took that lesson in my life. You have to fight for that red jersey.
We went on a lot of tours in those days. We went to Holland, Paraguay, Brazil. That period, they were really invested in us and I think the players from that era should have at least qualified for one senior World Cup. We were well prepared.
I didn’t get picked in my first trial for that team and Kaya’s father said ‘come and try again’. So, I slipped back into the training for another chance and that time they kept me.
I am so grateful for all the people who helped me but especially Anton and Baba. To then go on to score the goal against Jamaica in Jamaica that took us to the Under-17 World Cup—it just shows all you need sometimes is that chance.
Anton and his staff were for the group and understood that we were 15 or 16 years old and some of us had no guidance and he had to work with us. I remember I used to come to training late a lot and he would talk to me about discipline. Some guys came with white jerseys and the neck [of the jersey] was brown because they probably had just one white jersey.
Sometimes Gouveia had to give us money to get to training and home. Sharon O’Brien played a good role too. They showed they cared about us. Not just Anton but the whole staff—that was the most important thing.
Favourite goal: My goal against Jamaica. It was a fast free kick that Jean-Luc [Rochford] played to me and I let it run across my body and slapped it to the keeper’s right.
That game was very difficult and they were fast, strong, and physical, but our trainer was Gilbert Bateau and we used to do a lot of fitness and strength work. We were up to it. Akeem Adams played really well in that game and he played an important role in that team too.
Zoran Vranes: Trinidad and Tobago National Under-20 Team (2009)
(Molino made it to a second successive Fifa World Youth Championship under Vranes.)
We didn’t get too many tours with this team. I remember Zoran had more of a European style of play, which was more long ball and diagonal balls. We were playing a 3-5-2 system. It was strange to us.
I didn’t play that much with him, as I was playing more school football at the time.
He was cool. It was just different and something we are not accustomed to in the Caribbean. But we were getting results. He was a fantastic person. He was always for the group and for the guys.
I can’t remember a favourite goal under Zoran.
Russell Latapy: Men’s National Senior Team (2010)
(Molino made his senior international debut as a teenager under Latapy and managed four caps, all as a starter. T&T were eliminated in the Caribbean Cup group stage though.)
I was shocked. I was 18 or 19 making my debut under my all-time favourite player and one of the best players ever to play in the Caribbean. There were a lot of experienced players around the team, so I was just sucking in information from everyone. And I was also hungry to put on that shirt.
Russell was always someone who knew how to motivate me. There was always a joke in camp when Russell gave you the two winks you knew you were safe.
Otto Pfister: Men’s National Senior Team (2011)
(Molino made four caps for Pfister and scored his first goal in a 2-1 loss away to Bermuda in the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign. T&T were eliminated in the Caribbean qualifying stage.)
Pfister was someone who gave me a lot of confidence. At that period of time, I was unstoppable in my head because of how much he believed in me. Every time he saw me he would say “Million Dollar Legs”. (Laughs)
Favourite goal: I got my first national goal under Pfister. Stern John hit the post and it came to me and I tapped it in.
I am really grateful to play with players like Stern, Devorn Jorsling and Trent Noel, but to me Stern stood out the most because of his mentality. He was so hungry and had so much desire. Spending that little time with Stern was so good for my career.
Hutson Charles: Men’s National Senior Team (2012-13)
(Molino scored two goals from five starts and four substitute appearances, as Trinidad and Tobago qualified for the Concacaf Gold Cup for the first time in six years.)
I have tremendous respect for Baba. He was a great player and a great person. He is so humble, and he always wanted to motivate you. I always enjoyed playing under him.
Favourite goal: I think it was in the Digicel Cup against Martinique. I scooped it over a guy’s leg, chopped another player and shot in the corner.
Stephen Hart: Men’s National Senior Team (2013-16)
(Molino enjoyed the most prolific period of his international career with 13 goals from 15 starts and three substitute appearances, as T&T advanced to successive Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals. However he missed the second tournament with a serious knee injury and was eventually cut from squad for breaking curfew—twice.)
We had an identity and we had a game plan under Hart—but we also had a lot of players who were playing outside in competitive leagues too. We had leaders like Jan [Michael Williams] and Kenwyne Jones who used to push us all the time to want to do well.
Hart always gave you the belief as a player and allowed you to be free. But most importantly, we had a way to play—from building out of the back straight to forward. Having a goal without a plan is senseless.
With Hart, you always knew your job. Like if the right stopper got the ball, the left midfielder would show for it; we would look for overloads; if Kenwyne got on the ball, the runners would go—we had a plan.
It had times I let my teammates down and I did with Hart. [Late TTFA president David] John-Williams was always trying to push Hart out and he tried to use me to do that. I remember he called me to find out what was going on in the camp and I was never on getting into that.
As a coach, Hart always dealt with me the right way. From a player to coach standpoint, we were never bad; but the president wanted conflict and he wanted him out.
Hart was a fantastic person and a fantastic guy. He loved the game and believed in his players and believed in what he wanted to do—because you can have a system and not believe in it. He used players according to their strengths.
Favourite goal: My goal against Honduras in the [2013] Gold Cup. I think Cornell [Glen] laid it off me and I took a touch and finished in the corner.
Tom Saintfiet: Men’s National Senior Team (2016-17)
(Kevin Molino never played for Saintfiet but did have an opinion, based on a few training sessions.
He was put in a position to fail—that is what I gathered. He was put there because John-Williams wanted someone to control. As soon he came, he came aggressive towards me and a couple players based on whatever John-Williams told him.
[…] I trained with him once or twice and I said I didn’t want to be part of this. I didn’t think he would ever last.
Dennis Lawrence: Men’s National Senior Team (2017-19)
(Molino scored five times for Lawrence from 13 starts and two substitute appearances, including at the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup. Lawrence had a record losing streak in charge though, as he tried to rebuild the team.)
Dennis was very, very professional. For me, he was one of the most professional coaches I ever played under.
[…] I remember his video guy would create a player profile of everyone we were playing against. He would monitor us constantly using our GPS and so on. Everything was very professional—but we just were not getting the results.
I remember that period of time we were phasing out some of the senior players and trying to get results in very difficult atmospheres with less experienced players.
Favourite goal: I think my favourite goal was the one in Costa Rica because of the atmosphere. It is a very difficult place to play. Someone crossed the ball and Joevin [Jones] squared to me and I used my left foot to hit it past the goalkeeper.
Terry Fenwick: Men’s National Senior Team (2020-21)
I don’t have much to say about Terry because I never really played under him.
Angus Eve: Men’s National Senior Team (2021-23)
(Molino scored in each of his first two games under Eve, but did not score again in any of his eight subsequent appearances. He captained Trinidad and Tobago at successive Gold Cups but was recovering from injury on both occasions and the Soca Warriors did not advance from their group.)
I feel like for that period I was always just coming back from an injury and not fit. It was difficult for me as a player.
Players were excited at first when Angus got the job. There is a new coach and you’re wondering what is in store for you. But then as you could see, we didn’t really have a game plan. It was clear and obvious even from the outside. But he never ever took responsibility. It was always the players or the referee, or something else.
He used everybody as scapegoats and I just had enough.
In the camp before the Gold Cup, he told us he was giving us one day off and asked what day the guys preferred. We were playing Haiti on June 17, which is my birthday, so I said we choose to take Sunday off and, after the game, a few of us went to dinner for my birthday.
I told him and he said alright fine. It was no problem then—that was before the tournament even started. But then after the Gold Cup, it’s all over the place that we “break camp”.
We were in Florida for three weeks and we couldn’t get one day to ourselves? Obviously, you have to be smart and professional but I think this is the most professional team I’ve seen. Nobody stayed out late, nobody went drinking.
How come that wasn’t a problem before? How come that only became a problem after people started calling for him to get fired?
But that is how he is. He is always looking for scapegoats and going back on his word.
The remarks he made to the team too was once we reach to Nations League A we were not camping in the [TTFA] Home of Football. Everybody hates there. But I’m 100 percent sure, they are going right into the Home of Football. Wait and see.
For me when it comes to national football, I’ve given everything. Yes, I’ve let my teammates down at times. But I think I’ve given a lot from since [I played at] National Under-16 level… I don’t want to be a part of this anymore and what the national team has become.
I think I have given everything I can give. Unfortunately, a lot of injuries played a part in me not reaching where I wanted to. So now I want to say goodbye to national football.
I am just grateful for all the coaches for being part of my life. They all helped me—also the managers, physios, equipment managers, even the journalists. (Laughs).
I’d also like to mention Peter Rampersad and the deceased [Raymond] Tim Kee.
I am very grateful they passed along in my life. I will never forget the moments we spent.
I wish them all the best and I hope to cross paths again.
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Angus Eve isn’t the problem. Our players are still developing and as they get closer to their peaks, we will see better results. Until then, we will be a work in progress regardless of who the coach is.
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Let me help you: Angus Eve is part of the problem, although he isn't exclusively the problem.
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Let me help you: Angus Eve is part of the problem, although he isn't exclusively the problem.
This and the unwillingness to realize that we need an academy system here badly, SSFL and d "development" dat goes there is akin to an accountant playing Sunday league
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https://www.youtube.com/v/8rqG97Y8KOo
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Eve and the NC are the problems... PERIOD...
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Columbus Crew mutually agree to terminate Kevin Molino’s contract
columbuscrew.com
The Columbus Crew and Kevin Molino have mutually agreed to terminate the midfielder’s contract. The 33-year-old departs after three seasons with the Black & Gold.
“On behalf of the Club, I would like to thank Kevin for his contributions to the Crew over the past three seasons. He is a talented and solid professional who brought good, positive energy to the team, on and off the field,” said Columbus Crew President and General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “After speaking with Kevin, we have agreed to allow him to pursue other opportunities. It’s been a pleasure to work with him, including winning an MLS title last season, and we wish him all the best in the future.”
Molino joined the Crew as a Free Agent on Jan. 7, 2021, and appeared in 31 regular season games (11 starts), scoring two goals and adding two assists. In the Crew’s 2023 postseason campaign, Molino made five appearances and provided two assists, including a right-footed ball to Cucho Hernandez, who headed it across the face of the goal to Christian Ramirez for the game-winning goal in the 115th minute of the Eastern Conference Final, propelling the Black & Gold to MLS Cup.
TRANSACTION: Columbus Crew mutually agree to terminate Kevin Molino’s contract on Feb. 2, 2024.