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.