Kaka stellar in return as Orlando City SC beats Portland Timbers 4-1

Updated: May 17, 2023, 06:01 am

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Kaka registered a goal and two assists in his season debut and Orlando City beat the Portland Timbers 4-1 on Sunday night in Major League Soccer.

Kaka's free kick in the 13th minute was headed home by Seb Hines to give Orlando City a 1-0 lead. It was the third straight game Portland began a goal down.

Brek Shea doubled Orlando City's advantage in the 32nd minute. He drew two defenders at the corner of the box, found Kaka for a give-and-go and used the outside of his foot to curve a shot past goalkeeper Adam Larsen Kwarasey. It was Shea's first MLS goal since April 29, 2012.

Kaka forced a turnover near midfield and capped the counter-attack by rolling a loose ball with pace into the back of the net in the 48th minute for a 3-0 lead and Kevin Molino scored his first MLS goal in the 76th minute from a penalty kick.

Portland had a penalty kick denied just before halftime. Shea was whistled for a hand ball in the penalty area, but goalkeeper Joe Bendik made a diving save of Fanendo Adi's attempt.

Jack McInerney put the Timbers on the board in the 89th minute.