When Galaxy defender Daniel Steres played Orlando City midfielder Kaka at the StubHub Center last month, it was a mismatch.
Steres, a rookie, will earn a league minimum base salary of $62,500 this season. Kaka, a former world player of the year with two World Cups on his resume, is guaranteed $7.167 million, making him the highest paid player in MLS history.
So what did Orlando City get for its extra $7.1 million?
Not much. Steres, a defender, played more minutes, had more touches, made more passes and even outshot Kaka, an attacking midfielder, in a 4-2 Galaxy win.