Kevin Molino Named Finalist for MLS Comeback Player of the Year

In some of the least surprising news you’ll hear this week, Major League Soccer revealed its lists of finalists for all of the league’s major end-of-season awards this morning and Orlando City midfielder Kevin Molino was named one of three finalists for Comeback Player of the Year.

New York City FC’s Frank Lampard and the Philadelphia Union’s Chris Pontius were also named finalists for the award, which “honors an MLS player who has overcome injuries and/or adversity in order to achieve success.”

After tearing his ACL in a May friendly last season, Molino returned to action for Orlando City in 2016 and regained his USL form, where he was a two-time league MVP. Molino made 30 appearances (26 starts) for the Lions this season, scoring 11 goals with eight assists — both second best on the club.

The Trinidad and Tobago international has a good case to win the honor, but has stiff competition in Lampard, who, after missing most of the early season due to injury, came back to score 12 goals for NYCFC in 19 appearances.

The votes for the MLS awards come from players, coaches, technical directors, chief business officers, PR directors, and some media members. The winner will be announced on Nov. 16.