Kaku's goal in the 56th minute was enough for the New York Red Bulls to defeat D.C. United 1-0 on Sunday at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J.
New York trails Eastern Conference leader Atlanta United by two points, while eighth-place D.C. had a three-game winning streak and a five-game unbeaten streak snapped.
Kaku, Major League Soccer's assist leader with 14, scored his fourth goal after a clearance by D.C.'s Kofi Opare landed at his feet. Kaku feigned a shot, dribbled left and shot from 22 yards.
The goal came four minutes after D.C. goalkeeper Bill Hamid covered the lower left post to save an attempt by Kaku.