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2016 Orlando City Season in Review: Kaká

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9 years ago

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Kaká was once again the highest-paid player in MLS in 2016, paid as much for his worldwide brand and stardom as he is for his play on the pitch. He turned 34 in the early stages of the ’16 season, and the mileage on the former FIFA World Player of the Year’s legs was apparent at times.

While he lacks the explosiveness that helped make him a world-class player in the 2000s, Kaká is still one of the best orchestrators in MLS from the midfield, and he showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season as the cornerstone of one of the league’s highest-scoring attacks. Despite a second straight season without a postseason appearance, Kaká was a bit better – and more efficient – than he was in 2015.

Statistical Breakdown

Those aging legs referenced above delayed the start of the 2016 season for Kaká, who sustained a thigh injury just before the season opener against Real Salt Lake that caused him to miss the Lions’ first three matches. Overall, he wound up making 24 appearances on the season, 23 of which were starts, both numbers that were down from his ’15 totals of 28 games and 28 starts.

Despite missing some time with minor injuries that take a bit longer to heal at this stage of a career, Ricky was a more efficient creator for Orlando City in 2016.

He played 1,955 minutes overall (484 fewer than ’15), but managed nine goals and a team-leading 10 assists. For the second year in a row, four of his goals came from the penalty spot, where he converted 80% of his chances from 12 yards out. While he didn’t create goals for himself from open play very regularly, he flashed his dribbling ability at times, illustrated by goals like the incredible solo effort in the season finale against D.C. He was also fouled more and completed more dribbles per match, per WhoScored.com.

Kaká’s goals per 90 number went up from 2015, as did his assists per 90, which rose to 0.46 from 0.25. Combining the two illustrates the Brazilian’s uptick in productivity: He totaled 0.87 goals/assists per 90 minutes this season compared to 0.59 a season ago. The only problem was consistency, some of which can probably be attributed to aging.

Orlando was 5-0-2 in games in which Kaká scored, but his success seemed to come in bursts. He went on a mid-season tear when he scored four goals in two games (both wins) against NYCFC and Montreal, and he had a three-game assist streak in early August. On the flip side, he had a six-game run where he failed to register a goal or assist down the stretch of the season before he registered one of each in the last match of the year.

Through it all, Kaká was selected to the MLS All-Star game and named the league’s captain for the second year running.

Best Game

While the aforementioned back-to-back two-goal games were impressive, Kaká’s best game of the year was his first, a 4-1 demolition of reigning champion Portland on April 3.

After City treaded water without its captain en route to five points in its first three games, Ricky’s return came with a bang and provided a huge shot of energy. After totaling four goals to start the year without him, the Lions poured four in on Portland, one of which was scored by Kaká and two more which were assisted by the captain.

His brilliant one-two with Brek Shea on the left flank set up one the best MLS goals of 2016, and he added a touch of class by passing up what would’ve likely been a second goal when he let Kevin Molino convert from the penalty spot for City’s fourth goal and Molino’s first in what went on to be a breakout campaign for the Trinidadian in his return from an ACL tear.

Final 2016 Grade

The Mane Land staff settled on a final grade of 7 for Kaká in ’16. While his scoring and assist numbers were similar, he accomplished them in fewer minutes on the pitch, and he was once again the engine that drove City’s attack to 55 goals, the third-highest total in MLS. Kaká wasn’t at fault for the Lions’ league-worst total of 60 goals conceded, which ultimately thwarted another playoff push.

It could be argued that his production far underperforms his salary, which is fair, but Kaká isn’t a standard MLS player. Much of his value to the club is as a big-name worldwide star of the sport. Kaká’s face being featured nationally in interviews on SportsCenter during the All-Star festivities while donning Orlando City gear is a perfect example of the mass exposure the club gets from his commercial value, in addition to his role as conductor of the offense.

2017 Outlook

Kaká will turn 35 in April of 2017, shortly after the start of the new season. He’ll be entering the final year of his contract, so his presence beyond ’17 isn’t a certainty, but he once again figures to be a focal point for the Lions’ attack, this time in its first full season under the direction of Jason Kreis. Kaká and Molino displayed a great chemistry with late-season addition Matías Pérez García, and that trio will be a big part of Kreis’ plans next season as the club hopes to make the playoffs for the first time.

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Lion Links: 6/5/25

MLS All-Star voting update, Kerry Abello shines with USWNT, Sergio Zapata earns recognition, and more.

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20 hours ago

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June 5, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been treating you well as we enjoy some international soccer and prepare for the return of NWSL action this weekend. Before we jump right into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City B midfielder Dylan Judelson!

Pair of Lions Lead MLS All-Star Voting

Voting for this year’s MLS All-Star Game remains underway and an update was provided on which players are leading at each position. Orlando City defender Alex Freeman leads all right backs as he enjoys a breakout season. I was aware of the buzz he’s been getting this year, but it’s still surprising to see a Lion as an All-Star frontrunner. What’s even more surprising is that Pedro Gallese leads the voting for goalkeepers. The Peruvian made a rough gaffe last week, but has otherwise had a stellar season with Orlando that’s included seven clean sheets. Voting will close on June 11, so make sure to get those votes in before then.

Kerry Abello Impresses With USMNT

Orlando Pride defender Kerry Abello made her first appearance for the United States Women’s National Team Tuesday, playing every minute of the 4-0 win over Jamaica. The versatility she’s shown with the Pride translated well in Head Coach Emma Hayes’ system, as she was able to hold things down defensively and contribute to the attack as well. Abello could end up bringing solid depth to the USWNT as Hayes figures out the team’s future core of players. Enjoy this video from the USWNT that provides a look behind the scenes of Abello’s international debut.

Sergio Zapata Named Player of the Month

Sergio Zapata scored a whopping 11 goals for Orlando City’s U-19 team over the course of just four matches in May, winning the honor of MLS NEXT Player of the Month. He had three hat tricks last month, including one against Hoosier Premier at MLS NEXT Fest. Zapata committed to Cornell, so hopefully we’ll get to see him tear it up in the Ivy League over the next couple of years.

Zack Steffen Sustains Knee Injury

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen injured his knee at the United States Men’s National Team’s training camp and will reportedly miss this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup. It’s rough news for the 30-year-old, as he was expected to compete with Matt Turner for the starting job with the USMNT. He’s been having a great season with the Colorado Rapids and returned to the club for further evaluation on the injury.

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That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links: 6/4/25

USWNT wins as Abello gets first cap, Orlando Pride’s Concacaf W Champions Cup draw, Club World Cup in Orlando, and more.

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2 days ago

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June 4, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Tuesday was a busy soccer day, especially on the women’s side. We have plenty of Orlando Pride news, and the USWNT secured yet another victory. I’m hoping the good vibes continue since I’ll be coming down to Orlando for the Pride’s match this Saturday. If you’re going to the match, let me know, as I’d love to meet as many of our readers as possible. For now, let’s get to the links.

USWNT Blanks Jamaica

The USWNT defeated Jamaica 4-0 in a friendly at Energizer Park in St. Louis. The Orlando Pride’s Kerry Abello got her first start and her first cap in the match. She went the full 90 minutes and almost had her first international goal in the second half, but the chance went a bit wide of the right post. Ally Sentnor and Lynn Biyendolo each scored a brace as the U.S. rolled to an easy win.

Pride Internationals

Abello wasn’t the only Pride player to make an international appearance. Marta returned to international duty for Brazil getting the start and the captain’s armband in a 2-1 win over Japan. Both Grace Chanda and Barbra Banda started for Zambia in the 2-0 loss to South Africa in the Three Nations Challenge. Congratulations are also due to Zara Chavoshi, who earned her first cap with the Canadian Women’s National Team in the match against Haiti.

Concacaf W Champions Cup Draw

The Concacaf W Champions Cup draw happened yesterday and the Orlando Pride are in Group A with Club America Femenil, CF Pachuca Femenil, LD Alajuelense, and Chorrillo FC. Group B consists of NJ/NY Gotham FC, the Washington Spirit, CF Monterrey Femenil, Vancouver Rise FC Academy, and Alianza Women FC. The competition kicks off Aug. 19-21.

FIFA Loves Orlando

FIFA President Gianni Infantino sat for an interview with Jamie Seh of WKMG Orlando. Infantino spoke about the upcoming Club World Cup matches at Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium. FIFA loves Orlando enough for the city to host the Club World Cup, but not the actual World Cup. Here is the schedule for the matches in Orlando. We will be bringing you coverage of these matches.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the return of the Orlando Pride this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 6/3/25

Orlando City B announces signings, details of Concacaf W Champions Cup, UEFA Nations League preview, and more.

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3 days ago

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June 3, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Jeremy Reper

Good morning, everyone. It’s been a pretty brutal last two games for Orlando City, there’s no getting around that fact. While it’s never fun to not have the team in action, a two-week break between games maybe isn’t the worst thing in this particular case. Even though it’ll be a minute before the Lions are back in action, we still have plenty of things to talk about, so let’s get into today’s links.

Orlando City B Announces Signings

Orlando City B announced on Monday that it has signed Clovis Archange and Jackson Platts to MLS NEXT Pro contracts. The pair are graduates of the Orlando City Development Academy and were part of the team that won the U-18 Generation Adidas Cup earlier this year. The 18-year-old Platts captained the team in the final, while Archange was named as one of the players to watch before the tournament started. They’ve both featured for their countries at the youth level, with Platts appearing for the United States U-16 and U-18 teams, and Archange suiting up for Canada’s U-17 side. Congratulations to both players!

Concacaf Announces W Champions Cup Details

Concacaf has named the 10 teams that will participate 2025-2026 Concacaf W Champions Cup and has announced the pots for tonight’s draw. The Orlando Pride are one of three American teams participating in the second year of the competition, and have been placed into Pot 2. Teams will be divided into two groups of five, with each team facing every club in its group once, and the top two sides from each group then advancing to the semifinals. The winner gets a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, and the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, which is set to be held for the first time in 2028. The draw takes place tonight at 8 p.m.

UEFA Nations League Preview

The UEFA Nations League returns this week, with the semifinals set for tomorrow and Thursday, and the third-place game and final taking place on Sunday. Things get started on Wednesday afternoon with Germany facing off against Portugal in Munich. Germany put away Italy 5-4 on aggregate in the quarterfinals to get to the semis for the first time, while Portugal beat Denmark 5-2, and is hunting for its second Nations League trophy. Thursday has Spain taking on France in Stuttgart. The Spanish beat the Netherlands on penalties in the semis to get here, while France took out Croatia on penalties to punch its ticket. There’s plenty of recent history in this one as these teams also met in the semifinals of Euro 2024 last year, with Spain claiming a 2-1 win.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

The transfer rumor mill has kicked into full swing, so let’s catch up on some of the big talking points. Starting in England, Manchester United has reportedly increased its interest in Brian Mbuemo, with the Brentford forward said to also be interested in moving to the club. There are said to be a number of Premier League teams interested in signing Southampton midfielder Tyler Dibling after his team was relegated to the Championship this season. Jobe Bellingham will reportedly follow in his brother Jude’s footsteps, as he’s reportedly decided to join Borussia Dortmund. Finally, Inter Milan is reportedly interested in signing Marcus Rashford as the Italians look to rebuild the squad following a brutal defeat in the UEFA Champions League final.

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  • Here’s a first look at Alex Freeman in his USMNT kit:

That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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