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.