Kaka's late goal gives Orlando City 1-1 tie with NYCFC

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Major League Soccer wanted to have a memorable night in the first game for its two new teams.

Thanks to a late goal by one of the leagues biggest offseason additions, it got it.

Orlando Citys Kaka scored in extra time to give the Lions a 1-1 tie with New York City FC in front of an announced crowd of 62,510 at Citrus Bowl Stadium. It was the second-highest attendance for an MLS inaugural game, second only to the L.A. Galaxys 69,255 in the Rose Bowl in 1996.

The result wasnt what we wanted, but everything that happened today was really incredible, Kaka said. We have a lot to improve on and were going to improve, but it was a really special day for everyone on this team.

Kaka, the former AC Milan star who signed as Orlandos first designated player and is making a league-high $7.2 million this year, injected energy into the league and the Lions preseason Twitter #FillTheBowl campaign and Sundays opener for the citys second major professional sports franchise.

It led to a turnout and atmosphere that MLS Commissioner Don Garber called unbelievable after the league avoided its first-ever work stoppage with the signing of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement last week. It will add two more teams in Atlanta and Los Angeles in 2017, and Garber said a new round of expansion should be announced within 45 days.

We knew that there was a lot of excitement building in this city, Garber said. This city has been painted purple for a week. Its a great way to kick off our 20th season. It really gives you a bounce in your step after so many years to see 62,000 people here.

That excitement seemed to dimming for Orlandos fans late in the game.

New York appeared to be on its way to the victory in the 76th minute when Mix Diskerud took a pass from David Villa just outside 18-yard box, pushed it with one touch inside the box and rifled a curling shot that sneaked inside the far post.

But in the 91st minute, Orlando (playing 10 on 11 after defender Aurelien Collin was sent off for a red card) was awarded a free kick after Kevin Molino was fouled 10 yards outside the box. On the ensuing play, Kaka got it past Josh Saunders on a deflection off New Yorks wall.

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Kaka's late goal gives Orlando City 1-1 tie with NYCFC