Pato suffers early exit due to apparent injury on MLS debut

Alexandre Pato made his anticipated debut in Major League Soccer on Saturday 17 April in a scoreless draw against Atlanta United. The former Brazil international was replaced in the 80th minute by Silvester van der Water after an apparent right leg injury.

Injury report

Pato’s best opportunity came in the 72nd minute when he rifled the ball trying to find the back of the net with his first touch, but defender Anton Walkes slid in to deflect it enough for goalkeeper Brad Guzan to save it before it crossed the line. The severity of Pato’s apparent injury is not known and he will undergo a medical examination to determine if he will be available for next week’s game against Sporting KC.

The former Brazil international signed a one-year contract with an option of another with Orlando City SC and prior to the season opener, he said that he wants to make his mark on Major League Soccer. Pato arrived as a free agent after he was released by São Paulo last year.

"This is the time for my career. For my life," the 31-year-old Brazilian said. "When I accepted this challenge I talked to Ricardo [Kaká] and my family, so I decided to come here because I think I can come here and play like when I was a kid. There are amazing players here, amazing background staff so I accepted this challenge.”

"God gave me this talent so I need to enjoy it. I want to put my name in history here in MLS. I will do my best for my teammates,” he added.