Orlando City End of Month Player Awards: April
By Neil Falcone
"Defender of the Month: Seb Hines"
Seb Hines went the full ninety in all five games for the Lions. In the month of April, Seb led Orlando City defenders in minutes played (450), clearances (35), interceptions (14), tackles (12), and recoveries (20). He had zero errors leading to opponent goals and even scored a goal against Portland.
"Attacking Player of the Month: Kevin Molino"
Kevin finally found the back of the net in April and just as everyone suspected, the first goal opened the floodgates for Trinidad and Tobago international. In April, the 2012 and 2014 USL MVP bagged 3 goals and assisted on Adrian Winter’s goal in Philadelphia. Hopefully this is a sign of more to come for Molino, who although he’s been with the club for 5 years, feels like a new addition because of how long he was sidelined.
"Unsung Hero of the Month: Adrian Winter"
Adrian Winter doesn’t fill up the stat sheet, he isn’t a prolific goal scorer, he isn’t a lock-down defender, but he has been the heart and soul of this Lion’s team this last month, and beyond. He did score a great goal to equalize against Philadelphia and did well to force a brilliant save from Andre Blake later in the same match. He didn’t get credit for an assist last match against New England, when he beat 2-3 defenders on a 30-40 yard run and crossed for Molino to score. It seems every match Winter is the force driving this team forward, whether it be with creative runs, quality link up play, or flat out willing the ball through defenders. He can be seen tracking back defensively to help Brek Shea or Rafael Ramos all game. He never stops running and has endeared himself to the Lion faithful.