Kaka Scores 1, Sets Up 2 in Orlando City's 4-1 MLS Win over Portland Timbers
Apr 4, 2016
ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 3: Kaka #10 of Orlando City SC celebrates a goal in the second half during a game against the Portland Timbers at the Citrus Bowl on April 3, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Zachary Scheffer/Getty Images)
The Brazilian made his Major League Soccer season debut Sunday night as Orlando thrashed defending champions Portland Timbers at the Citrus Bowl in Florida.
The former AC Milan and Real Madrid midfielder delivered a cross for Seb Hines to head home to put the hosts in front after 13 minutes.
Orlando City midfielder Kaka paid tribute to Peyton Manning on Twitter after the legendary quarterback announced his retirement from American football on Monday.
Manning won two Super Bowls in an 18-season career with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, capping it off with the latter's success at Super Bowl 50.
His success made him a role model for athletes across the sporting world and prompted a touching farewell from 2002 FIFA World Cup winner Kaka.
The Brazilian joined MLS in 2014 after a hugely successful career in Europe with AC Milan and Real Madrid.
Kaka Takes Part in Shoot for Love Challenge, Nominates Neymar
Feb 18, 2016
Former AC Milan, Real Madrid and Brazil playmaker Kaka has joined the growing list of football superstars to have taken part in the Shoot for Love Challenge to help support children with cancer.
The Orlando City star was nominated by fellow Major League Soccer player Frank Lampard and tried his luck shooting footballs at an archery target.
The challenge is organised by Be Kind and the Korean Association for Children with Leukemia and Cancer and has raised over $200,000 since May, the organisation announced on Pressat.co.uk.
The 33-year-old's 78 points were enough to place him 10th on the leaderboard, two points behind Lampard and 11 points behind challenge leader Patrice Evra.
However, the Frenchman's position at the top of the table could be under threat, with Kaka nominating David Luiz, Neymar and Andrea Pirlo to take part next.
The Brazilian showed his time in America isn't simply to pick up a decent pay cheque, scoring a classic curling free-kick in a pre-season friendly for Orlando City.
Kaka impressed in Florida last season but was unable to guide City to the MLS post-season. He'll hope to change that this time around and was picking up fitness in the 62 minutes he played against the Jacksonville Armada.
Kaka Gives His Twitter to the UN for a Day to Highlight Humanitarian Activism
Aug 12, 2015
ORLANDO, FL - AUGUST 01: Kaka #10 of Orlando City SC high fives a security member as he runs onto the pitch prior to a MLS soccer match between the Columbus Crew SC and the Orlando City SC at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on August 1, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
Brazil legend Kaka has more than 23 million followers on Twitter—that's quite a reach.
Now he has used that power for a good cause.
He has handed over control of his Twitter account for a day to the United Nations so they can highlight humanitarian activism in Nepal.
My feed won’t be the same over the next day. It’s for a very special cause: #ShareHumanity
Tennis star Maria Sharapova, British mogul Richard Branson and Nobel Peace laureate Malala Yousafzai have signed up. So have actor Ashley Judd, Colombian singer Juanes and Brazilian football star Kaka.
They are supporting a new U.N. social media campaign to spotlight 17 stories of survival and humanitarian activism in countries struggling with conflict and disaster around the world, from Syria and Afghanistan to South Sudan, Nepal and Sierra Leone.
Kaka Embracing Pressure and Leadership Role in 1st Year at Orlando City
Aug 6, 2015
Jul 22, 2015; Bridgeview, IL, USA; Orlando City FC midfielder Kaka (10) smiles prior to the game against the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Making a lasting impact at a club in just five months is a tough task for many, but Orlando City star Kaka has thrived in his playmaking role for the expansion side in Major League Soccer.
In 21 matches for the Lions this season, Kaka has contributed nine goals and four assists to a club in contention for one of the six play-off positions in the Eastern Conference.
“It’s not easy, but it’s been a challenge for us to put these 25 players together and create a team. I think our coach [Adrian Heath] is doing a very good job. I’m happy where the team is at. Hopefully at the end of the season we can at least celebrate [a berth in the] playoffs," the Brazilian told Bleacher Report recently.
One of the key shifts in the player's mindset since starting his first game in purple has helped him produce for the club and lead by example. The highest paid player in the league, per the MLS Players Union salary database, is using the pressure to succeed as a positive.
“Everywhere that I’ve played, there’s been this type of pressure. Sao Paulo, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Brazil national team. I’m used to this situation," Kaka said.
Jun 24, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City SC midfielder Kaka (10) celebrates after he scores a goal during the second half against the Colorado Rapids at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium. Orlando City SC defeated Colorado Rapids 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim K
"Now with more maturity and experience, I can convert this pressure into motivation. It’s not a negative thing now for me. It’s a positive thing, so I can work on that and take this as motivation for every game," he continued.
The former FIFA World Player of the Year is not the only one putting in impressive performances week in and week out for Orlando City. Kaka specifically pointed out a few of his teammates have also started the season well in a recent interview at Major League Soccer headquarters in New York City.
“Darwin Ceren is a very good player. He’s doing a very good job. Brek Shea. I didn’t know him before so I’ve had the opportunity to play with him and he’s very good. [Kevin] Molino, who is injured, but for sure he’s going to help us in the next few years," Kaka said.
May 17, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City SC midfielder Kaka (10) is congratulated by teammates after he scored against the Los Angeles Galaxy during the second half at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium. Orlando City SC defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy 4-0. M
In his most memorable display of leadership yet, Kaka honored the injured Molino, who is out for the season with an ACL tear, by pulling on the winger's jersey after scoring a penalty in his side's 4-0 win over the LA Galaxy on May 17.
As for the environment in Orlando, the fans are creating one of the best atmospheres in MLS by packing the Citrus Bowl for every home match. Orlando will move into a soccer-specific stadium in 2016.
“It’s been amazing every time we play at Citrus Bowl in front of all the supporters. Every time in every moment in every situation. Our average now is 33,000 for games. This is great. It’s much more than anyone could’ve expected," Kaka said.
Although the Citrus Bowl doesn't rival the Bernabeu or San Siro in terms of its history with the beautiful game, Kaka was able to make one key comparison between the stadiums.
Jul 11, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; A general view during the national anthem between the FC Dallas and Orlando City SC during the first half at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
“It’s similar in a way that the supporters support the team and stay with you. The Bernabeu has 80,000. Every game we have over 30,000 and we feel the motivation, and it’s the same because it’s pushing us to win," the Brazilian said.
One of the unique parts of life in MLS is the wide range of traveling done by each club in a season. Unlike Europe, some of the cross-country trips could be over 3,000 miles, depending on where each side is located. Instead of dreading the trips like some new players to the league have in the past, Kaka is taking a different approach.
“I’m enjoying the travel because I’ve been in cities I’ve never been in before. I can see how this league is really growing in not just one part of the country but everywhere. It’s not a problem because we travel every 10 to 15 days. It’s not a big deal," he said.
Another issue some older players coming over from Europe face is the artificial turf at some grounds in MLS. Thierry Henry famously refused to play on the surface during his time with the New York Red Bulls. Although the turf isn't ideal, Kaka just sees it as part of the game.
Jul 11, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; A general view of Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium during the first half between the Orlando City SC and FC Dallas . Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
“I don’t have any problem playing on turf. For sure, I prefer to play on the natural field. Our field is turf. In our new stadium, it will be natural. I have no problem to play on a turf field," the Brazilian explained.
One oddity about MLS Kaka spoke volumes about was the parity throughout the standings. On any given day, the last-placed side in the league could spring an upset on a team such as Seattle, D.C. or LA.
“That’s very good because it creates competition between the teams. Nobody can lay down. Nobody can just give up in the middle of the season because everyone can have a chance to be in the play-offs at the end," he said.
"I think that’s very good and for us as players it makes us ready for every game. You have to be ready for every game because you don’t know what’s going to happen. I think it’s a positive thing," Kaka continued.
Although five months is a small sample size to judge the skill levels of certain opponents, the midfielder did go out of his way to praise a few stars he's already encountered on the MLS circuit.
“There are some players [who have impressed me]. The midfielder of Columbus, No. 6 [Tony Tchani]. He’s a very good player. [Clint] Dempsey is very good, and [Bradley] Wright-Phillips is playing very good," Kaka said.
ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 30: Tony Tchani #6 of Columbus Crew and Kaka #10 of Orlando City SC fight for possession of the ball during the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open soccer match between the Columbus Crew and Orlando City SC at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on June 30, 2015
While he may be one of the top figures in MLS at the moment, Kaka is only one of a handful of Brazilians to ever set foot on an MLS pitch. He believes that is about to change for not only Brazilian stars but those coming over from Europe in their prime like Sebastian Giovinco has already.
“Yes I think so. Here it’s creating a market. China is a big market but China is more for the money. Here is the market for the professional career. Here is going to create a lot of opportunities for South Americans, North Americans and Europeans as well and play a career of five to 10 years. I think the future is going to be a great opportunity [for foreigners] to be here," Kaka said.
As for the status of the Brazil national team, the 33-year-old, who has 89 caps for his country, remained optimistic about the Selecao despite their recent struggles:
“[The] Brazil national team right now is a transition moment. We just came from a very tough World Cup. After that, I think Dunga did a good job winning games. But there is a long way to the next World Cup so he can still work on that. Every game, every step I think Brazil is going to bring the confidence back."
Sep 5, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Brazil head coach Dunga after defeating Columbia 1-0 at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
One way the Selecao can bring confidence back to themselves and the proud footballing nation is to win the Olympic gold medal in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Not only will the men be looking for redemption but the Brazilian women will be looking to enhance their status in the sport after an early exit at the Women's World Cup this summer.
“The Olympics would be great for us. As an event for Brazilians, it will be a great event, but in soccer, there is much more meaning because Brazil’s never won the Olympic games. So it will be a great opportunity for us to get this gold medal. For the women, I think it’s a great opportunity as well. The United States and Japan are one step ahead of us, but the motivation for the women to play at home will be a big point for us," the scorer of 29 international goals said.
As for what the future holds, Kaka decided to keep the focus on his current situation in Orlando ahead of the play-off push.
“I don’t know. I’m focusing in the moment now. I have this year and two more [in Orlando]," he concluded.
Joe Tansey covers MLS for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter, @JTansey90.
All quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.
Sean St Ledger Has to Clarify He Isn't Dating Taylor Swift After Internet Rumour
Apr 9, 2015
Taylor Swift arrives at the iHeartRadio Music Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on Sunday, March 29, 2015, in Los Angeles. (Photo by John Salangsang/Invision/AP)
Sean St Ledger played 37 times for Ireland, has represented a host of clubs in the U.K. and now in the later years of his career is on an adventure with Orlando City in the MLS. He probably never thought he'd have to explain that he isn't dating Taylor Swift.
Still, that's where he found himself this week as the rumour took hold.
It began after the pair were pictured at a New Year's event.
It continued after an interview with Soccer Republic, when he said he is "sitting on the fence," when asked directly.
St Ledger was referring to Calvin Harris, who is believed to be her current partner.
[Twitter]
Kaka, the Citrus Bowl and the Feel-Good Factor Around Orlando City's MLS Start
Mar 9, 2015
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 08: Kaka #10 of Orlando City SC celebrates after he scores the first goal in team history during an MLS soccer match between the New York City FC and the Orlando City SC at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on March 8, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. This was the first game for both teams and the final score was 1-1.(Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
The opening weekend of Major League Soccer's 2015 season was exciting, encouraging and in many ways the spectacle plenty hoped it would be, with talking points, goals and drama aplenty throughout the 10 fixtures.
Orlando City vs. New York City typified that to some extent, with the two new MLS franchises playing out a late 1-1 draw at the Citrus Bowl in front of more than 60,000 raucous fans. David Villa and Kaka were the star names on display, but there was plenty more to the match than just those two individuals.
Despite not taking the win, the manner of the draw and Orlando's all-around approach will give fans reasons for optimism and excitement for the season ahead.
Playmaker
Kaka, No. 10, captain of the club.
The Brazilian legend was utilized correctly in his renowned role by Orlando, behind a center-forward and in spaces where he could collect possession and look to move toward goal. There was no "fitting in" of Kaka; he has been made the focal point for the team's progression and buildup play and the man to whom it will look to make the magic happen.
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 08: Kaka #10 of Orlando City SC dribbles with the ball during an MLS soccer match between the New York City FC and the Orlando City SC at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on March 8, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. This was the first game for both t
Even early on in the game when things didn't quite work out for Orlando, it was Kaka's intelligence and ability to spot gaps which led to almost-chances for Orlando. The team has a willing runner in Carlos Rivas, who provides Orlando with a fast-paced outlet to get in behind defenses with the knowledge that the Brazilian will spot him and try to make a pass.
Kevin Molino, who played wider, had a good scoring rate last season in the lower league. Runners off of the ball, ahead of Kaka, will be key to getting the best out of him over the course of the season and making sure he can be an asset on the pitch, and not just off of it.
It doesn't hurt, of course, that Kaka also scored the last-minute, heavily deflected, free-kick.
Drums, rhythmic and primal, provided the backbeat of anticipation even before the first kick of the season had been taken, highlighting an expectancy to attack, to chase success, to entertain. The 62,000 purple-clad Orlando fans, countless flags, one giant tifo and a scary-looking lion made for a great atmosphere, with support audible even when Orlando was down by a goal and had a man sent off.
Mar 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City FC fans hold up a team banner during the first half of an MLS soccer match against the New York City FC at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
As for the celebrations and cheers when Kaka netted his injury-time equalizer...that's what football is really all about.
Adulation, excitement, releasing pent-up frustration in one burst of yes. Kaka has played on the world stage and won every trophy imaginable, but at the very moment his first MLS goal hit the back of the net, it still meant everything to him.
91' Kaká's free kick deflects off the wall and into the net! We are level at 1-1. The Citrus Bowl explodes! You could hear that in Miami.
Of course, Orlando has much to prove and to work on after its first game in MLS, but the manner in which the team came back to take a point, and the fact that it was Kaka who nailed the equalizer, via a huge deflection, will keep fans excited and wanting more.
2015
The season is long. Will Orlando still be getting 60,000-plus fans to come to its home games when it plays the Colorado Rapids in June? It remains to be seen, of course, but the expectancy of potential (and relative) success and the chance to see the likes of Kaka in action will play a part.
Mar 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City FC midfielder Kaka (10) celebrates at the end of the game with teammates midfielder Kevin Molino (18) and defender Rafael Ramos (27) and midfielder Carlos Rivas (11) against the New York City FC at Orlando Citru
Orlando must find ways of playing well when he is injured or otherwise unavailable, and forge its own MLS-era heroes, but the early indications are positive. There is a support base here. There will be backing for the team, with many recognizable shirts and a fantastic location.
Finishing in the top six of the Eastern Conference has to be the obvious aim, even if that is shooting for the stars in the team's first season. As the campaign unfolds, Orlando's strengths and areas to improve will become more apparent, but if the feel-good factor surrounding the club endures, off-field support is one immense positive that nobody within the club, or indeed the league, needs to worry about.
Orlando City make their MLS debut on Sunday against fellow new franchise New York City FC at the Florida Citrus Bowl, and all 60,000 tickets for the game have been snapped up.
The club also has fewer than 1,000 season tickets remaining after capping the number on sale at 14,000.
Today we demonstrate how Orlando City and the City Beautiful continue to defy expectations.
We're humbled by the response of our supporters, partners and community. Today we also kick off an exuberant celebration leading into our historic home opener and inaugural season. The excitement is palpable throughout the city and we're thrilled to see all our hard work come to fruition. Come March 8th, we will turn the broadcast purple and show the nation why we are the 'Soccer Capital of the South.'
Kaka Named Captain of New MLS Franchise Orlando City
Feb 24, 2015
Brazilian professional soccer player Kaka, right, shows his shooting form while talking with Orlando Magic Chairman Dan DeVos before an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks in Orlando, Fla., Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Brazilian legend Kaka will ply his trade in Major League Soccer this season with new franchise Orlando City.
The man who's starred and captained AC Milan and laced up for Real Madrid will fittingly lead the new club's inaugural MLS season wearing the captain's armband, the team has announced.
Manager Adrian Heath explained the decision to have the seasoned pro lead the side, per Copa America's official website:
Kaka has demonstrated great leadership both on the filed and in the locker room since the start, and the other players have naturally looked to his guidance throughout pre-season, so he was the natural pick to skipper the club.
Ricky's role will extend off the pitch as well, serving as the team's liaison with the front office and coaching staff on all player-related concerns to ensure we provide the best possible environment for the players to train, develop and succeed personally and professionally.
The 32-year-old Kaka has already shown fans several glimpses of what exactly he's capable of in an Orlando shirt:
