Kaka’s impact can be felt in so many ways when he steps onto the pitch. Defenses immediately have to pay attention to him and crowd him and keep the ball away from him.
Failing to do so creates the kind of magic that happened Sunday night.
The real magic though and the real reason Kaka has become seemingly so special is the gift he gave to a teammate. This is not some international superstar dropping into MLS for a paycheck. This is a player who is with his teammates and building a team.
With Orlando City already enjoying a 3-0 lead and Kaka doing his work with two assists and an early second-half goal, Kevin Molino was brought down in the penalty box for a kick. This is usually where Kaka steps up.
Instead he ceded the stage to his teammate Molino, still in search of his first MLS goal. Molino stepped up and made the kick for his first MLS goal, receiving hugs and praise from the Orlando City faithful that have seen him grow up with the USL Pro team and suffer through an ACL tear when he finally made it to MLS.
So happy for Kevin Molino. What a journey. #VivaMolino pic.twitter.com/5nR3sEXP0t
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) April 4, 2016
It was all icing on the cake during a 4-1 romp over the defending MLS Cup champion Portland Timbers at the Orlando Citrus Bowl. A celebration of all Orlando City can be and is this year so far — the top team in the Eastern Conference for the moment.
Kaka assisted first on a goal by defender Seb Hines in the 13th minute for a header off a long free kick. He then sprung Brek Shea on the wing for a cracker of a shot into the upper 90. This before finishing one off himself in the 47th minute.
Good Lord, Brek. #ORLvPOR | 2-0 pic.twitter.com/apJb0eLJde
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) April 4, 2016
You think @KAKA is glad to be back? A goal and an assist tonight – and we're not done yet. #ORLvPOR | 3-0 pic.twitter.com/JQBjXuCZUF
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) April 4, 2016
Just as the second half was getting ready to start, Orlando City was already up 3-0 and rolling to a victory.
This is the magic Kaka can bring to any game. Just brilliant play and playmaking creating constant threats to score. The concerns about Orlando City’s offense were put to rest it seems just by re-inserting him into the lineup.
The defense had its moments too. Joe Bendik saved a penalty kick and Tommy Redding helped make a goalline save. The Lions were not going to let the Timbers get their way back into the game and ruin the celebration.
Orlando City was going to have its way. And have its star back.
