2016 Orlando City Away – Kaka #10 XL

Season Overview

The 2016 campaign was Orlando City’s second year in MLS and a difficult one. The club played the entire season at Camping World Stadium, because construction delays stopped a planned September move into the new stadium. The opener against Real Salt Lake ended 2–2 in front of 60,147 fans. The Lions finished 9 wins, 11 losses and 14 draws for 41 points, eighth in the Eastern Conference. They missed the playoffs and reached the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16.

The year also brought a change on the touchline. Adrian Heath left by mutual consent in early July and Bobby Murphy stepped in as interim, then Jason Kreis took over on July 19. The attack still produced, scoring 55 goals, with Cyle Larin scoring 14. For collectors, this is a snapshot of the club in the Kaká era, with a global star in a young MLS franchise.

Player’s Impact – Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite (Kaká)

Kaká was the creative centre of this Orlando side. A thigh injury just before the opener kept him out of the first three matches. He then made 24 appearances, 23 of them starts, and finished with nine goals and a team-leading 10 assists. Four of those goals came from the penalty spot. Other highlights included a solo goal in the season finale against D.C. and two goals against NYCFC on August 28.

Kaká was a former Ballon d’Or winner, and he gave the club credibility and a global profile in these early MLS years. He was still one of the best orchestrators in MLS from midfield, and he was better and more efficient than in 2015. A Kaká #10 shirt from this season is the one collectors look for.

Orlando City Squad – 2016 Season

Manager: Adrian Heath (until July), Bobby Murphy (interim), Jason Kreis (from July 19)

Goalkeepers: Joe Bendik, Earl Edwards Jr.

Defenders: Tyler Turner, Seb Hines, José Aja, Kevin Alston, Aurélien Collin, David Mateos, Luke Boden, Conor Donovan, Mikey Ambrose, Devron García

Midfielders: Kaká, Servando Carrasco, Darwin Cerén, Harrison Heath, Cristian Higuita, Pedro Ribeiro, Antonio Nocerino, Richie Laryea, Matías Pérez García

Forwards: Cyle Larin, Kevin Molino, Julio Baptista, Carlos Rivas, Hadji Barry