Orlando City kicked off its 2021 season at home Saturday against long-time rival Atlanta United, but despite excitement from the increased number of fans in the stands, the match ended in a scoreless draw.
The arrival of Brazilian star Alexandre Pato stood out as the highest point of interest for Lions fans and casual MLS viewers of the team’s first match. The striker was an international sensation early in his career, but repetitive injuries derailed a career expected to match that of Kaká.
When Pato came to Orlando City, he signed a low-budget contract with the stated goal of reinventing himself on the pitch.