Heartbreak for Kevin Molino

The Columbus Crew’s major offseason signing Kevin Molino’s 2021 season is over. The Crew announced on Thursday morning that Molino, 31, suffered a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and is done for the remainder of 2021. The midfielder will undergo surgery on his right knee and is expected to be out for nine to 12 months.

Kevin Molino in action for Columbus Crew Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

It is suspected that injury occurred during a practice session on Tuesday and it’s Deja Vu for the midfield maestro as he has been in this position before. In 2015, Molino tore his right ACL while playing for Orlando City and returned to action at the start of the 2016 season. In 2018, injuries plagued Molino once more as the Carenage-grown footballer tore his left ACL while in his second season for Minnesota United and returned to the game a year later.

Brazilian legend Ricardo Kaka honouring his Orlando City Kevin Molino after he was sidelined with an ACL injury in 2015. Photo: Orlando City

Molino’s Columbus Crew debut was also delayed as a hamstring injury in the preseason saw him miss out 6-8 weeks. The 31-year old recently made his return to international footbal as he represented Trinidad and Tobago at the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup, notching some goals and assists on his return.

Kevin Molino gestures "relax" after scoring his penalty vs French Guiana in Gold Cup Qualifying action. Photo: TTFA Media

This road to recovery will be a long one for the former Mucurapo standout, but a road he’s had to walk before. Speedy recovery Kevin!