Kaka scores pivotal game-winner, leads Sao Paulo to next round of Copa Sudamericana

By Mike Gramajo

Sao Paulo FC were down 2-1 on aggregate vs. Criciuma heading into Thursday’s second leg of the Copa Sudamericana, that all changed thanks to Kaka. 

The Orlando City loanee scored the game winner in the 40th minute after the Tricolor tied the aggregate score in the 32nd minute. Paulo Henrique Ganso played the ball to an open Kaka, as he slotted the ball into the net giving the home team the advantage to navigate to the next round. 

Overall, Kaka played 77 minutes for Sao Paulo as they prepare for an away league match at Sport Recife on Sunday. Sao Paulo are currently on a six-game unbeaten streak, sitting in second place in the Brazilian Serie A, seven points away from first-placed Cruzeiro. 

Highlights: Orlando City (0-0) Sao Paulo

Adrian Heath talks Kaka arrival

(Courtesy of Orlando City)

By Mike Gramajo

While much credit can be attributed to owners Flavio Augusto da Silva and Phil Rawlins for luring Brazilian star Ricardo Kaka to Orlando City SC as their first Designated Player, the credit will soon be transported to the man who will be coaching the midfielder. 

That’s Adrian Heath. 

Within the last 48 hours, reports of Kaka signing with Orlando City have coincided with World Cup fever, and Heath for the first time answered questions from reporters about the soon-to-be announced signing. 

“We’re in advanced talks to sign Kaka. We’re all optimistic and really hopeful and probably see a little bit of what it’s like next year,” said Heath. “We’re talking about one of the world’s global names, one the best players in the last 20-30 years. We hope we get it done, we hope this time next year he’s running out in a purple shirt.” 

According to other reports that have surfaced in the last couple days, the former AC Milan ace is expected to go out on loan to Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo FC for the remainder of 2014 to remain fitness. Kaka would eventually join the Lions in January 2015 before the start of MLS preseason camp. 

Sao Paulo, which is Kaka’s boyhood club, ironically played Orlando City on Friday in a scoreless international friendly. 

Orlando battle Sao Paulo in scoreless draw

(Courtesy of Orlando City)

By Mike Gramajo 

Orlando City SC held off Brazilian powerhouse Sao Paulo to a scoreless draw on Friday night in front of an announced crowd of 5,029 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. 

“To have one of the biggest clubs in Brazil to come and play, it’s a great night for the club,” OCSC head coach Adrian Heath told reporters. “I thought we had some great passages of play. I’m really proud of their efforts, obviously we rolled our luck a little bit at times. Overall, I’m delighted with the effort our boys put in.” 

The Lions seemed to take a late-game lead, but were denied countless of times while Orlando goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo produced a man of the match performance for his shutout, which involved several pivotal saves. 

OCSC are back on the road when they visit the Dayton Dutch Lions during USL PRO play on Sunday. 

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