Kaka and Carlos Rivas helped Orlando City SC to a 2-0 victory over a second-string Columbus Crew in Tuesday night's U.S. Open Cup round-of-16 matchup.
Orlando's decision to field their first-choice XI paid off with Darwin Ceren setting up Kaka for the home team's opener in the 21st minute, before Rivas made sure of the victory with an excellent strike 13 minutes later.
The Crew, who started with nine changes from the team that drew 2-2 with Real Salt Lake on Saturday, were unable to work their way back into the game in the second half, with Icelandic striker Kristinn Steindorsson going closest to pegging a goal back for the visitors.
Meanwhile in Philadelphia, D.C. United gave up a one-goal-lead and a one-man-advantage to lose 2-1 to the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park.
The Union looked to be on course for a home loss after C.J. Sapong received a controversial red card in the 17th minute. Three minutes later, Jairo Arrieta compounded Philadelphia's problems with a cool finish.
The match changed course in the second half when Eric Ayuk brought the home team back on level terms, before Fabinho sent the crowd into meltdown with his go-ahead goal in the 79th minute.
The Union will face either the New York Red Bulls or the New York Cosmos in their quarterfinal.
In Chicago, the Fire fell to an early Charlotte Independence goal before fighting back to win the match 3-1.
An upset appeared to be on the cards when Charlotte's striker Tomasz Zahorski scored in the 5th minute, but a brace from Mike Magee sandwiched either side of a Lovel Palmer goal meant that the MLS side progress in the competition.
The Houston Dynamo and Colorado Rapids had to sit out a two-hour, 48-minute weather delay before doing battle at BBVA Compass Stadium.
In the end, Dynamo striker Mauro Manotas proved the difference between the two sides, netting the match-winner off a fine header in the 43rd minute.