Orlando City SC midfielder Kaka, left, and Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Matias Laba fight to control the ball during the second half at Orlando Citrus Bowl.
The Montreal Impact won't be distracted by international superstar Kaka.
The Brazilian will lead expansion Orlando City SC into Olympic Stadium on Saturday in Montreal's Major League Soccer home opener.
After successful stints with Italian giant A.C. Milan and Spain's Real Madrid, Kaka made the move to MLS during the off-season. He has one goal in his first three games.
"We're aware of who he is, absolutely, and a lot of balls will go through him, but (we don't want to focus on anybody) more than usual," said Montreal defender Wandrille Lefevre, who could make his first start of the season Saturday. "(Orlando) is a good team. They play well on the ball but we can't focus on them.
"We need to be the ones dictating the play at home."
In training this week, the Impact coaching staff didn't want to put too much emphasis on the highly-skilled midfielder but is very well aware of his precision passing and ability to command the middle of the field.
"We have to make sure, in the defensive phase, that we know where he is and how we close up his space," said assistant coach Mauro Biello. "It's only normal, not just for him but other players who have certain qualities."
Montreal (0-1-1) will have to contain Kaka without defenders Laurent Ciman, on international duty with Belgium, and Hassoun Camara, who is serving a one-match suspension for receiving a red card in Montreal's last game — a 0-0 tie in New England.
Also absent will be Maxim Tissot (on international duty with Canada), Justin Mapp (dislocated shoulder) and Cameron Porter (left ACL surgery). Midfielder Dilly Duka (left leg) and defender Victor Cabrera (ankle) are day-to-day.
"Obviously we have some players on international duty and we have some injuries," said Biello. "But (Orlando) is basically in the same boat as us.
"Our depth will be tested and we know in this league there are always situations like these. That's why we have deep rosters, so players can come in, fill in and do the job."
With Porter's injury in the Impact's last game, striker Jack McInerney will likely get the start up front. The Impact has scored five times in three CONCACAF Champions Leagues matches this season, but has yet to score in league play.
Orlando (1-1-1) has six players on international duty, including American defenders Brek Shea and Conor Donovan. The Purple Lions are the team most affected by the international call-ups, as the MLS does not halt league play during FIFA qualifiers.
"We don't use this as an excuse," Orlando head coach Adrian Heath told the team's website this week. "We get on with them.
"We have a few injuries, we have six guys away, which is not ideal, but we can't change that."
NOTES: Ignacio Piatti is back in Montreal's starting 11 after travelling to Argentina for personal reasons. The Impact is expecting roughly 25,000 fans at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday.