My response to this thread and others where Mullins has run down:
1. Patrick Mullins isn't lazy or a bad player. He has worked hard and given his best for the club. He is probably one of our 10 most talented. But Villa has played almost every minute and is having an MVP season. Mullins really just doesn't fit here right now since he isn't considered for a wide spot.
Not sure what folks expected him to do in 1 appearance of any meaningful length, when he and Mix were the only quality on the field along with a bunch of USL level players. I like him a lot as a player, and I think he will do well at DC.
2. Khiry Shelton is not an acceptable answer as a backup striker. I don't see anything with him other than physical tools. Maybe he could transition into a fullback.
I would have agreed with all of that till the Cosmos match. I can't question his hustle, but his game was way off that night. Fair to judge him solely on that? Probably not, but that's sports. You don't show up when the spotlight is on you, you get panned. That match, right or wrong, represented his 2016 NYC season. He didn't need 90 spectacular minutes, but a shining moment or two would have helped his cause, and it didn't happen.
Do we now have a depth problem at the position? YES. But till the transfer window is over, we don't know the club is not addressing that. However, till its addressed we are exposed.