Orlando City’s Kaká Leaves Season-Opener vs. NYCFC with Hamstring Injury

Kaká’s potential final season in Orlando didn’t get off to the start everybody was hoping for, with Orlando City’s captain leaving Sunday’s season-opening match against New York City FC with a hamstring injury after just 11 minutes.

The Brazilian went down inside the box on a run towards the net less than 10 minutes after the opening kick in Orlando City’s new stadium. After taking a minute to get up, he walked toward the sideline and signaled at the bench to prepare a substitute. He then stood virtually in the same spot near the sideline for another 90 seconds before Giles Barnes entered the game as his replacement.

Orlando Sentinel reporter Alicia Rose DelGallo confirmed that it was a hamstring injury for Kaká, and he’ll be further evaluated by doctors on Monday.

ESPN later confirmed at halftime that it was indeed the left hamstring for Kaká who will undergo an MRI on Monday, although the injury was said to be “not serious” on air. However, Orlando City Head Coach Jason Kreis sang a very different tune in his post-match presser.

Kaká missed 10 league games last season due to various injuries. He really wanted to score the first goal in the new stadium, but Cyle Larin stole that headline moments after the injury occurred. The assist was provided by Kaká’s replacement, Barnes.

We’ll keep you updated as this story develops.