It appears that Adrian Heath may have gotten his man. On Thursday afternoon, Orlando Sentinel reporter Alicia Rose DelGallo tweeted that Kevin Molino would be on his way to Minnesota.
Kevin Molino’s expected move to Minnesota would complete a twisting two weeks of pursuit by Adrian Heath, who coached Molino in Orlando. The Trinidadian international featured on the wing for Orlando, mainly due to the presence of Kaká and Matías Perez Garcia. However, he may play his more natural position as a No. 10 for the Loons.
Orlando City getting $650k total (450 GAM/200 TAM). GK Patrick McLain also going to Minn. Will have full story up ASAP
— Alicia Del Gallo (@OSAliciaD) January 26, 2017
Talk of a potential Orlando-Minnesota trade first emerged during the MLS SuperDraft. When news of the trade broke at the draft, Minnesota’s technical staff became really nervous. Just the news coming out, they feared, could scupper a deal.
To read more on Heath’s coaching style and the role Molino may play, click here.
Once the technical staff was convinced that UCLA forward Abu Danladi was their man, it appears that talks stalled. The first overall pick was a major part of Orlando’s wishlist in parting with Molino. Then, it was reported by Paul Tenorio that Orlando turned down $500,000 of allocation money.
That nervousness continued into last week, when Heath sat down with writers. Our own Wes Burdine asked specifically about interest in Molino. Heath began answering by generally praising Molino before catching himself. “I normally get myself in trouble whenever I mention Orlando…” Heath started before turning a corner: “In fact, don’t mention anything.”
A versatile attack
Two days later, Minnesota’s staff and roster were en route to Arizona for the team’s preseason. Boasting an attack that features NASL contributors Christian Ramirez and Miguel Ibarra, Costa Rican playmaker Johan Venegas, the highly-touted Danladi, and a potential addition in Danish attacker Bashkim Kadrii, many believed the Loons were finished assembling their attack.
That brings us to today’s revelation. Molino’s bounty would be close to the league’s all-time record in terms of allocation money passed along. It’s likely this record was set during last season’s Kei Kamara transfer from Columbus to New England. Two weeks ago, New York Red Bulls sent Dax McCarty to Chicago in exchange for $400,000.
In trading allocation money, United holds onto its impressive arsenal of attackers. The club was allotted quite a bit of extra allocation money as an expansion side. This came at the expense of five expansion draft picks, which Atlanta and Minnesota decided they would part with.
Now, Heath and his coaching staff will have plenty of flexibility in their attack. Ramirez is anchored as a striker, but the rest play multiple positions. Molino, deployed on the wing in Orlando, is supposed to be even better as a No. 10. Venegas, also a winger for Montreal, plays best as a second striker. Ibarra can play either wing, while Kadrii can play either wing or up top. And while Danladi can also play out wide, Heath has expressed his preference to play from a central position.
Odds and ends
- As it stands, here’s my expected opening day lineup for United:
- An Eau Claire native, goalkeeper Patrick McClain spent 2016 with Chicago Fire SC. The 28-year-old was acquired by Orlando in the first round of the Re-Entry Draft this winter. McClain is likely to retain his $72,500 salary for the coming season.
- Molino was angling for a pay raise this offseason. With his longtime coach (from the USL as well as MLS) back at the helm, he may have a chance to earn one. He will not take up an international spot on Minnesota’s roster.
Wes Burdine contributed to this report.
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