Topics: Major League Soccer, New York City FC, Andrea Pirlo, NYCFC, Kaká, Orlando City SC
David Villa scored the first goal for the New York City team. Pirlo played just over 30 minutes and was part of his team's fourth goal.

Andrea Pirlo came out victorious in his Major League Soccer debut against Kaká and Orlando City SC at Yankee Stadium. The Italian midfielder played for over 30 minutes in the second half and helped his team pull away from Orlando in what was a thrilling game until the last minute.

David Villa was in charge of opening the scoreboard for the home side in the 45th minute. Then Javier Calle got the second one in just after Cyle Larin had tied the game for visiting team. At that point is was time for NYCFC to bring in their third designated player and former champion with Juventus, Pirlo. 

El Guaje had one of his best days as an MLS player

The first thing he did when he got on the field was shake Kaka's hand. They were both teammates and UEFA Champions League winners with Milan. Years later, destiny had them meeting in the MLS at Yankee Stadium. 

Kaká welcomed Pirlo to his new league

Villa may have been inspired by Pirlo's presence and scored his second goal of the night to put NYCFC 3-2 in front, when Larin had already tied the game for Orlando. Then Pirlo's touch helped his team thread the play that ended in Thomas McNamara's goal for a 4-2 lead.

Larin also had one of his best performances overshadowed by Pirlo's presence. He scored his third goal of the night just after the 80th minute, keeping the Lions within striking distance. Kaká was about to ruin the party for the Italian maestro, but his shot did not go in between the three posts. 

A counterattack in that same play orchestrated perfectly by the locals, clinched a 5-3 win with a goal from Mix Diskerud. That would be it for the game itself and now NYCFC surpassed Orlando in the Eastern Conference Standings. Pirlo's team is now ranked seventh with 24 points after 21 games. Orlando has the same amount of goals, but their goal scoring differential is -5, while NYCFC has a -2 deficit. 

Pirlo's brilliance was evident in the just over 30 minutes he got to play in the second half. His precise passes, along with his great movements around the field is what made the 36-year-old player a one of a kind in Europe and it will surely help his team if they want to make the playoffs in their first season. 

32,000 fans welcomed Pirlo to his new home