Late goal by Kaka helps Orlando with 1-1 draw with NYC

REUTERS

11 years ago

Mar 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City FC midfielder Kaka (10) is congratulated by teammates after he scored a goal against the New York City FC during the second half at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium. Orlando City FC and New York City FC tied 1-1. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Mar 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City FC midfielder Kaka (10) kicks the ball as New York City FC defender Chris Wingert (17) defends during the first half at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Mar 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City FC midfielder Kaka (10) shoots during the first half against the New York City FC at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Mar 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City FC midfielder Kaka (10) and New York City FC forward David Villa (7) takes with field with youth soccer players prior to the game at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Brazilian Kaka’s deflected goal off a free kick in stoppage time helped Orlando City salvage a 1-1 draw with New York City in a battle of Major League Soccer newcomers on Sunday.

In his MLS debut, the former AC Milan and Real Madrid midfielder’s shot from 25 yards in the 91st minute struck a New York defender before deflecting past goalkeeper Josh Saunders.

Earlier, a well-placed goal by midfielder Mix Diskerud in the 76th minute gave New York the lead in front of a sellout crowd of more than 62,000 at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

Orlando appeared headed for defeat when defender Aurélien Collin was sent off after 83 minutes for a rash tackle on Spanish striker David Villa, who was also on his MLS debut.

But Kaka stepped up to earn the home team a point and send the crowd into a frenzy.