Kaká scores as Orlando City thrash FC Dallas in pre-season friendly at Champions Gate
Major League Soccer’s Orlando City SC continued its evolution with a convincing victory over FC Dallas at Champions Gate earlier today.
Former FIFA World Player of the Year Kaká (pictured above) donned the Captain’s armband as he made his debut in the purple jersey. The Brazilan midfielder lead a starting XI that included Donovan Ricketts in goal, Luke Boden, Aurélien Collin, Connor Donovan and Rafael Ramos at the back, 2014 USL PRO Goal Scoring Champion Kevin Molino, Cristina Higuita, Tony Cascio and Amobi Okugu in the midfield and Northern Ireland National Men’s striker Martin Paterson up front.
The Lions struck first as Casio sliced through the FC Dallas defence to net a neat left footer in the 13th minute. The action continued to build as both teams traded possession, but a dazzling exchange from Kaká to Molino to Paterson (pictured above), ending with the striker finishing his own rebound to give the Lions a 2-0 lead in the 20th minute.
The moment everyone was waiting for duly arrived in the 33rd minute as Paterson was taken down in the penalty box and Kaká stepped forward to convert the spot kick in convincing fashion to make it 3-0 as he buried the ball to the right hand side of the FC Dallas keeper.
There was no further scoring in the first half and the Lions started an entirely different XI in the second half, with Earl Edwards in goal, Tyler Turner, Tommy Redding, Gustavo, and a trialist at the back, Estrela, Darwin Cerén, Harrison Heath, Pedro Ribeiro and Akeil Barrett in midfield, and Danny Mwanga up front.
Mwanga (pictured above) completed the scoring in the 60th minute as a defensive mistake set him free and he duly rounded the goalkeeper to roll the ball in for the fourth and final goal of the game.
