ORLANDO, Florida (AP) — Brazil international Kaka scored in extra time for Orlando City to salvage a 1-1 draw against New York City FC in the first match for the latest expansion teams to join Major League Soccer.
New York appeared to be to be on its way to victory in the 76th minute when Mix Diskerud took a pass from David Villa just outside the area and rifled a curling shot that sneaked inside the far post to go up 1-0.
But Orlando was awarded a free kick in the 91st minute after Kevin Molino was fouled 10 yards outside the area, setting up Kaka's goal on a deflection off New York's wall.
The 32-year-old Kaka, who played in the World Cup for Brazil in 2002, 2006 and 2010, signed a three-and-a-half year deal with Orlando last July after terminating his contract with AC Milan. He was on loan to San Paulo FC in the MLS off-season.
"The result wasn't what we wanted, but everything that happened today was really incredible," Kaka said.
"We have a lot to improve on and we're going to improve, but it was a really special day for everyone on this team."
A crowd of 62 510 watched the match, the second-highest attendance for an MLS inaugural game after the 69 255 people who watched the L.A. Galaxy's debut in 1996.
In Seattle, U.S. national team captain Clint Dempsey scored twice and Obafemi Martins added a goal to help the Sounders beat New England 3-0.
Dempsey opened the scoring in the 25th minute on a penalty after being taken down in the area by New England's Juan Agudelo. He put the match out of reach in the 67th with a goal off a pass from Marco Pappa.
Elsewhere, short-handed Sporting Kansas City was held to a 1-1 draw against the New York Red Bulls.
Sporting opened the scoring in the 50th minute when Ike Opara headed in Benny Feilhaber's cross. Lloyd Sam got the equalizer four minutes later.