Kaká scored twice and Rivas – making his first appearance in a month and his first start in MLS in almost two months – contributed a goal and two assists to lead the Lions to a 4-1 win against the Montreal Impact at Stade Saputo.
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Despite the free-kick getting Montreal off to the ideal start, Orlando hit back just two minutes later through Brek Shea, before Kaka added their second after 36 minutes at the Saputo Stadium. The Impact were reduced to 10 men when goalkeeper Evan Bush was shown a straight red card in the 51st minute after taking down a streaking Rivas in the box. Kaka scored against backup goalkeeper Eric Kronberg from the resulting penalty.
The 2002 FIFA World Cup champion has now scored consecutive braces in his last two matches to take his overall tally to eight goals – one less than Drogba – while also assisting another eight in 16 MLS matches this season.
With the win, Orlando climbed into the sixth and final play-off spot in the Eastern Conference, three points behind the Impact.
Orlando City’s success without both Cyle Larin and Kevin Molino is a good sign for the future.
Chelsea icon Drogba rocketed home a free-kick from outside the area, which Orlando keeper Joe Bendik failed to keep out, to notch his ninth league goal of the season.
Drogba then saw his penalty saved with 20 minutes remaining and Carlos Rivas sealed Orlando’s victory seven minutes later. A collision in the box between Calum Mallace, Victor Cabrera and Donny Toia gave Shea plenty of time for an easy tap-in to make it 1-1. It was Rivas’ second goal of the season in MLS, but Orlando City’s captain knew his teammate was ready for the chance.
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Notes: MLS commissioner Don Garber was in attendance. “¦ The fastest goal in Montreal’s franchise history in MLS is 23 seconds (Andres Romero on July 3, 2013 versus TFC)”.
