ORLANDO, Fla. – Two-time USL Most Valuable Player Kevin Molino was traded on Thursday evening by Orlando City SC to Minnesota United FC in a deal that sent a total of $450,000 in General Allocation Money and $200,000 in Targeted Allocation Money to the Lions. 

Molino was Orlando’s first MLS signing and is City’s all-time leader in goals (42) and assists (31).  He also ranks second all-time in appearances (140) and minutes (10,751). He is now reunited with Adrian Heath, now the Loons’ Head Coach as Minnesota enters Major League Soccer this season.

“Where do you start with Kevin [Molino] as a player, he has incredible touch on the ball, can score goals, can create goals, he has great balance, there’s nothing he can’t do with a football,” said Heath. “In my opinion he’s the best player in his position in the country.”

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The Trinidad & Tobago international helped Orlando claim two USL Cups, and three USL Regular Season Championships before the club made the move to MLS for the 2015 season. The USL Most Valuable Player in 2012 and 2014, Molino set a then-USL record with 20 goals in the 2014 season. This past year he recorded 11 goals and eight assists after injury cut short his first season with the Lions in MLS.

“I spoke with Adrian and he asked me if I wanted to be a part of Minnesota United and join the team and that was it – I have worked with him for a long time, so it was an easy decision,” Molino said. “I know what Adrian expects from me and I am really excited to join the club and build a relationship with my new teammates, coaches and the fans.”

Also making the move to Minnesota as part of the deal was former Sacramento Republic FC goalkeeper Patrick McLain. The 28-year-old played a starring role as Sacramento reached the 2015 USL Cup Playoffs, and was signed last offseason by the Chicago Fire. Claimed by Orlando in the MLS Re-Entry Draft this offseason, McLain is the second goalkeeper signed to Minnesota’s roster alongside rookie Alec Ferrell.