The MLS roster building in Orlando has officially begun.
Orlando City announced on Friday morning that they have signed Trinidad & Tobago international Kevin Molino (above, left) to a deal that guarantees him a spot on the club's roster next year, effectively making the midfielder the Lions' first MLS player acquisition.
Molino, 23, will play for Orlando City in their final USL PRO season in 2014 before moving to MLS with the club for its expansion season in 2015.
“Kevin was out of contract with us and was being courted heavily in Europe and the States," Orlando City head coach Adrian Heath said in a statement. "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. He will be a great asset for us again in ’14 and moving forward into MLS.”
Molino, who has scored five goals in 20 caps for the Soca Warriors, has been a top performer for Orlando City since their inception. He currently is tied for a franchise-record in assists with 13 and was the USL PRO MVP in 2012 for his two-goal, six-assist season for the Lions.
Last year, Molino scored two goals and set up three others in 16 regular season matches for an Orlando team that claimed its second USL PRO championship.
Molino started his career back in 2008 with Trinidad & Tobago outfit San Juan Jabloteh. He then played for Ma Pau SC in his native land before joining Orlando City in 2011.
