Hat-trick Molino leads Orlando City to victory, remain undefeated in USL PRO

By Mike Gramajo

Kevin Molino’s hat-trick was all Orlando City SC needed, as they defeated the Charlotte Eagles 3-1, on Wednesday night in front of 4,219 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. 

“There was a lot of pleasing stuff,” OCSC head coach Adrian Heath told reporters. “I thought we were very good in periods. We haven’t put a full 90 minutes yet.” 

The Trinidad and Tobago international opened the scoring when Bryan Burkes shot was deflected by Eagles goalkeeper Brock Duckworth, leaving Molino to execute on the rebound in the 10th minute. Molino would score his second goal in the 29th minute. 

“I as a footballer set goals, and my goals was before I go international I want to set 20 points,” said hat-trick hero Molino. “We just want to keep going. We work together as a team. It’s been a hectic month, but we have to keep going.” 

Orlando City’s MLS signee would cap the match and solidify his hat trick in the 76th minute after midfielder Mikey Lopez’s cross found Molino to strike the ball behind the keeper. The Eagles would go on to score a consolation goal three minutes later after Giuseppe Gentile scored after a defensive eror resulted into the Eagles player to put one back behind Miguel Gallardo. 

With the victory, the Lions extend their unbeaten start in USL PRO to 11-games while also sitting in first place, provisionally nine points clear from second place LA Galaxy II.