Kaka was the star of the show with a goal and two assists as Orlando City cruised to a 4-1 victory against the defending MLS Cup champions Portland Timbers.
Seb Hines and Brek Shea were both assisted by the Brazilian as the hosts sailed into a two-goal lead, but Fanendo Adi failed to rescue the deficit after having his penalty saved by Joe Bendik.
Kaka added a third shortly after the restart and Kevin Molino added a fourth for the hosts on 76 minutes from the penalty spot, but Jack McInerney’s late strike was a mere consolation in the context of the game.
Kaka's influence has been missed by Orlando
The Lions hadn’t been in action since mid-March due to the international break, but the welcomed arrival of Kaka, who had missed the opening three games due to an injury, gave the hosts a boost.
His influence was felt straight away in the game, as Orlando went on to take the lead after 13 minutes played, and it was thoroughly deserved after their bright start.
Kaka’s pinpoint free-kick from deep swung into the box and found the head of Hines, who attacked the ball and headed up and over the helpless keeper.
Shea Adds a Second in Brilliant Fashion
The Lions were in total control of the game and some innovative play from Kaka and Shea doubled their advantage on the night.
A nifty give-and-go from the pair saw Shea burst into the box in space, and the finish matched the build-up, with the defender curling his shot into the top-corner with the outside of his boot.
Timbers Miss Penalty and Kaka Makes Them Pay
Just before the break, Portland had, arguably, their best chance in the game as they were awarded a penalty after Servando Carrasco headed onto teammate Shea’s arm in the area.
Adi stepped up, but Bendik got down low and parried the spot-kick around the post, and the Timbers were left to rue their missed chances.
Kaka managed to get on the score-sheet himself after a brilliant first-half performance, he gave the Lions their third goal of the evening, and theoretically sealed all the points.
The Brazilian stole the ball and got the attack going on halfway, and after Molino’s cross was touched on by Adrian Winter, Kaka ghosted into the area and found the bottom corner.
Orlando Add Fourth, but Fail to Keep Clean Sheet
It was certainly Orlando’s night, their fourth goal went in on 76 minutes after Molino scored from a penalty, which was caused after the midfielder was brought down in the box by Diego Chara.
City’s hopes of a clean-sheet were dashed a minute from time when some neat one-touch football was rounded off as McInerney tapped into an empty net after being found by Diego Valeri.
However, it was a mere consolation and the Lions had their first win of the season in front of their own fans at the Orlando Citrus Bowl.
Orlando travel to PPL Park to face Philadelphia Union on Friday evening, while the Timbers are on the road again, this time they face LA Galaxy at the StubHub Center on Sunday.