Orlando City SC Stock Watch: Kaká Brilliant in 2-2 Draw with Chicago Fire

There were a lot of encouraging signs in Orlando City SC’s 2-2 draw with the Chicago Fire Sunday evening. While three points would have been a nice reward against the Eastern Conference’s cellar dweller, there were notable performances throughout the lineup as Jason Kreis’ fingerprints continue to show up all over the pitch.

The Stock Watch takes note of who excelled and who floundered at Toyota Park.

Rising

Kaká – Showed why he is The Guy in this one. His creativity with the ball is unparalleled on this team, and he seems to be especially influential out wide. He used his skill to literally put defenders on the turf, and his assist to Kid Fantastic is sure to find its way to his MLS highlight reel. A phenomenal performance from the captain.

Matias Perez Garcia – He hasn’t been around long, but the early returns have been fantastic for the man known as MPG. Quick and shifty on the ball, he’s consistently hitting Lions in good places and manipulating the defense to create the passing lanes he wants.

He's looked like the missing link in what is proving to be a deep, dynamic midfield. If the injury sheet stays clean (which…oops), there are a lot of reasons to be excited.

Falling

Joe Bendik – The man is winning the MLS Save of the Week award so often you’d think it was called the Joe Bendik Award, but reality and perception are not always the same thing. While he has played well and and has a love affair with the highlight reel, you can allow two goals a game for only so long.

Yes, the back line is a problem, but no, Bendik is not superman.

Brek Shea – Occasionally, Brek flicks the ball with such ease beyond a defender to free himself that you marvel at the combination of size, skill and athleticism. The problem lately is that those moments are few and far between in 90 minute matches, and the space in between is filled with nothing to catch your eye.

That's it for this week's Stock Watch. Be sure to hit the poll down below on your way out.

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