ORLANDO, FL – Juninho grew up admiring his Brazilian countryman and national soccer legend Kaka, but on Sunday, he’ll have the chance to match wits with the former FIFA Player of the Year when the LA Galaxy meet Orlando City SC at the Citrus Bowl.
Sunday’s game won’t be the first time that the two Brazilians have faced off before an exhibition when Kaka was still suiting up for Real Madrid, but this time, given the league competition.
In those friendly matches, there is the temptation for MLS players to get a bit starry eyed when facing such accomplished competition but Juninho knows that this situation is much different. When the first ball is kicked at the Citrus Bowl on Sunday, he’ll be focused on shutting down the Brazilian international.
“My mentality is to not leave him alone,” Juninho told LA Galaxy Insider. “I want to be around him most of the time, and just play my game. I know that it’ll be a hard game with Orlando having a full house. We just want to try and score, and not leave Kaka alone to do what he does so well.”
