2016 Orlando City Home – Kaka #10 XXL BNWT

The 2016 season was Orlando City SC’s second year in Major League Soccer (MLS) after joining the league in 2015.

• MLS Regular Season: Orlando City finished 8th in the Eastern Conference with 41 points (9 wins, 14 draws, 11 losses), narrowly missing the playoffs for the second straight year.

• US Open Cup: Eliminated in the Round of 16 by Fort Lauderdale Strikers on penalties.

• Key Storylines:

  • In July, the club replaced inaugural MLS head coach Adrián Heath with former Real Salt Lake manager Jason Kreis in an attempt to push the team forward.

  • The season was marked by high-scoring games but defensive struggles — Orlando conceded 60 goals, one of the worst defensive records in the league.

• Kit: The 2016 Orlando City home jersey, made by Adidas, was a deep purple shirt with gold trim and a sublimated lion-face motif on the chest, symbolizing the club’s fierce identity. It remains one of the most memorable early Orlando City kits.

2. Player’s Impact – Kaká (2016)

Ricardo Kaká, Orlando’s captain and global superstar, was the face of the franchise in 2016.

• Appearances: Played 24 MLS matches (20 starts).

• Stats: Scored 9 goals and 10 assists, finishing as Orlando’s leader in goal contributions.

• Key Performances:

  • Scored a brace in a 4–1 victory over Portland Timbers (April 2016).

  • Delivered consistent creativity, leading the attack with his vision and passing.

• Role: Playing as an attacking midfielder, Kaká was the team’s heartbeat, both on and off the pitch. Despite dealing with some minor injuries, he was selected for the 2016 MLS All-Star Game, underlining his importance.

• Legacy: Though Orlando did not make the playoffs, Kaká’s leadership and star power were vital in building the club’s identity during its formative MLS years.

3. Full Squad List – Orlando City SC 2016

Manager(s): Adrián Heath (until July), Jason Kreis (from July)

Goalkeepers:

• Joe Bendik

• Earl Edwards Jr.

• Mark Ridgers

Defenders:

• Rafael Ramos

• Brek Shea

• David Mateos

• Seb Hines

• Luke Boden

• Kevin Alston

• Tommy Redding

• José Aja

• Mikey Ambrose

Midfielders:

• Kaká (Captain)

• Cristian Higuita

• Darwin Cerén

• Antonio Nocerino

• Kevin Molino

• Servando Carrasco

• Harrison Heath

• Adrian Winter (until summer 2016)

• Júlio Baptista

Forwards:

• Cyle Larin

• Carlos Rivas

• Hadji Barry