For their third game of the 2017 season the Colorado Rapids face newcomers Minnesota United FC this Saturday for the very first time (TICKETS), though there will be familiar faces lining-up against them at Dick's Sporting Goods Park (7:00 p.m. MT).
Those with MLS experience include Mohammed Saeid, Bobby Shuttleworth, Jermaine Taylor, Johan Venegas, Denver-born Collen Warner and former Orlando City SC forward, Kevin Molino.
Molino netted his first goal in Minnesota colors last Sunday in the 6-1 home loss to Atlanta United FC. He bagged 11 goals for Orlando in 2016, while tallying eight assists, but will likely face the more experienced Marc Burch during Saturday's encounter.
Burch played a significant role during the Rapids' defensive record-breaking 2016 season, and will relish the test that Trinidad & Tobago international Molino will pose this weekend.
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/Burch.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;"> |
<strong>v.</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/Molino.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 251px;"> |
<p align="center">Marc Burch</p> |
<strong>Name</strong> |
<p align="center">Kevin Molino</p> |
<p align="center">4</p> |
<strong>No.</strong> |
<p align="center">18</p> |
<p align="center">Defender</p> |
<strong>Position</strong> |
<p align="center">Forward</p> |
<p align="center">32</p> |
<strong>Age</strong> |
<p align="center">26</p> |
<p align="center">6’1”</p> |
<strong>Height</strong> |
<p align="center">5’8”</p> |
<p align="center">180lbs</p> |
<strong>Weight</strong> |
<p align="center">155lbs</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/USAflag.png" style="width: 100px; height: 53px;"> |
<strong>Nationality</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/T&Tflag.png" style="width: 100px; height: 60px;"> |
<p align="center">2006</p> |
<strong>Joined MLS</strong> |
<p align="center">2015</p> |
<p align="center">12th season</p> |
<strong>MLS experience</strong> |
<p align="center">3rd season</p> |
<p align="center">212</p> |
<strong>Appearances</strong> |
<p align="center">39</p> |
<p align="center">4</p> |
<strong>Goals</strong> |
<p align="center">12</p> |
<p align="center">MLS Supporters’ Shield (2007), Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup (2008)</p> |
<strong>Honors</strong> |
<p align="center">USL PRO MVP (2012, 2014)</p> |
<p align="center">Burch is an experienced fullback who has played for five MLS teams to date. He was a regular starter for the sterling Rapids defense in 2016 and is capable of hitting the occasional cross on the overlap to set up teammates.</p> |
<strong>What they say:</strong> |
<p align="center">A top performer for Orlando since the club began in 2011, Molino joins Minnesota after a stellar 2016 in which he scored 11 goals and tallied eight assists for the Lions. His ability as an attacker should be useful for Adrian Heath's squad in 2017.</p> |
