Patrick Mullins: From New Orleans Jesters to Toronto FC

August 24, 2019

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By Alex Quillin/ISNSoccer.com
Patrick Mullins is a forward for Toronto FC who plays alongside the likes of U.S. Men’s
National Team stars Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley.

But Mullins was not always playing in Major League Soccer (MLS). He started out in Chicago
Fire’s youth academy from 2007-2009 before playing for the University of Maryland Terrapins.
He developed there under Sasha Cirovski, ultimately becoming a two-time MAC Hermann
Trophy winner, an honor given to the best collegiate soccer player in the nation.

“[Sasha] was very instrumental towards my growth as a player,” recalled Mullins. “He
challenged me to be the best player I could be at all times and then put me in an environment
where I was around other players that were some of the best in the country.”

In the summers where Mullins would be awaiting for the seasons to start at Maryland, the teams
did not train together as players would go back to their hometowns. Instead, he would play for
the New Orleans Jesters of the NPSL in his home city.

“Kenny had similar attributes to Sash where he attracted talented players to put on the Jesters
jersey and try and represent the city,” said Mullins on his experience with Jesters head coach
Kenny Farrell. “That was special for me to be able to go home and continue to build on my
game.”

Since coming to the MLS, Mullins has gone to five different clubs starting with the New
England Revolution after being selected by the Revs 11 th overall in the 2014 MLS Superdraft.

“I think as a player you need to find your path,” said Mullins on his journey through various
teams. “No matter if you’re from Louisiana, or New York or California or any part of this
country or any part of the world you have to find that pathway to get there and the NPSL,
collegiately, that all helped me get to MLS today.”

On Saturday, Mullins came back to MAPFRE stadium for the first time as an opposing player for
Toronto FC and played 72 minutes before getting subbed off for Drew Moor. He was traded
from Columbus exactly a year after being acquired by the Crew.

When asked what it was like being on the opposing team from the Crew in MAPFRE stadium,
Mullins said, “That’s just football.” But did mention it was an exciting game to take part in and
felt it was exciting for the fans to see a very attacking-oriented game.

Canada is becoming more ingrained in soccer as they currently have three sides in the MLS
including Toronto FC, the Montreal Impact, and the Vancouver Whitecaps. Alphonso Davies
became the first Canadian soccer player to score for Bayern Munich after being acquired for
$13.5 million plus performance-related bonuses that could get up to $22 million. It has made many Canadian fans excited for what could come of him in the future representing the Canadian
national team.

“Haven’t been there very long but the Canadian Premier League, which is new this year, has also
set footing into a pathway to professional soccer for players in Canada,” mentioned Mullins
when asked about Canadian soccer and its culture.