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MLS Ticker: Molino out for season with torn ACL; Sapong faces league assessment after DUI ; and more

Kevin Molino Orlando City 65

Photo by USA Today Sports Images

By ADAM TROXTELL

A day after his team was victorious in a friendly outing against Ponte Preta, Orlando City SC midfielder Kevin Molino shared some bad news.

Molino has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL, Orlando City announced on Sunday night.

Molino was subbed out of Saturday night’s friendly in the 18th minute and replaced by Eric Avila. Molino has started all seven of Orlando City’s games this season, recording one assist.

The injury will also rule Molino out of this summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, where he was expected to be one of Trinidad & Tobago’s key players.

Here are some more MLS news and notes:

SAPONG UNDER ASSESSMENT AFTER DUI

Striker C.J. Sapong was absent from the Philadelphia Union’s lineup on Saturday, and now more is known about why.

Sapong was reportedly arrested early Friday morning and charged with driving under the influence and reckless driving. The incident occurred in Philadelphia within a day and a half of the Union’s game against Toronto FC, which they lost 1-0.

A release from the club acknowledged Sapong’s arrest and stated the striker will now be assessed by the MLS’ Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program doctors. Per league policy, Sapong will not be able to play until that assessment is complete.

Sapong has so far recorded one goal and one assist in six appearances and three starts this season. He is new to the Union squad, having joined from Sporting KC in the offseason.

LARIN PROPELS ORLANDO CITY PAST PONTE PRETA

An Orlando City SC squad comprised mainly of youngsters fought back to secure a 3-2 win in a friendly against Brazilian side Ponte Preta on Saturday.

Cyle Larin converted a penalty kick as the game came to a close to send about 20,000 fans at the Citrus Bowl home happy. Eric Avila assisted on two of OCSC’s goals in the dramatic encounter.

Ponte Preta’s Tiago Alves opened the scoring in the 12th minute before Bryan Rochez equalized just before halftime. Rochez headed an Avila corner kick into the net for his first ever goal for the club.

Avila then found the head of Sean St. Ledger for a second OCSC goal, handing the home side the lead in the 55th minute. Four minutes later, Ponte Preta equalized through Renato Caja.

Larin was brought down in the box with about a minute left before dispatching the penalty kick.

OCSC returns to MLS action on Friday at home against the in-form New England Revolution.

DEFENDER R.J. ALLEN SIGNS FOR NYCFC

New York City FC announced the signing of defender RJ Allen on Saturday.

Allen had been training with the club ahead of its Sunday night clash against the Seattle Sounders. The New Jersey-native was selected by Chivas USA in the 2012 Supplemental Draft, but never signed.

“Being from this area, this is a great opportunity for me and my family,” Allen is quoted as saying in a NYCFC press release. “What’s happening at this club is fantastic. I’ve been to Yankee Stadium to watch the team play and the atmosphere was unbelievable. I can’t wait to be part of it.”

Allen spent time in 2013 with Danish club Skive IK, making 18 appearances. He spent three years playing with Monmouth University until 2011.

Allen made his debut for NYCFC on Sunday, coming on as a second-half substitute.

Comments

  1. Molino’s injury could have impact on National Team. I can easily see Heath moving Shea to the midfield and inserting Boden at LB. Shea played further up in the friendly and looked very dangerous.

    Reply
  2. Bad news for Orlando. Don’t really care how they do, but Molino was one dangerous-looking player when they came to Cbus, even after they went down a man.

    Reply
  3. OCSC’s owner appears quite interested in making sure everybody in his native Brazil knows that he owns a soccer team. Hopefully, his quest t play at least one meaningless friendly against each professional team in Brazil does not continue to have consequences like this. Completely pointless way to lose a starter for the season.

    Reply

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