When Orlando City traded Luis Gil to Colorado for Dillon Powers, the Lions’ midfield was supposed to get a big boost. Gil featured often for Orlando City Head Coach Jason Kreis, making 17 appearances, and Powers plays in a similar role but adds a veteran presence to the team. Logically, Powers should have been a like-for-like change in the lineup. However, this has not been the reality.

With the Lions’ season slowly crumbling, the fact that Powers has played in just one game is not reassuring. The midfielder started his MLS career as one of the league’s best youth prospects, winning the 2013 MLS Rookie of the Year along the way, but the past two years have seen him drop in form.

Powers said that his role on the team will be as the No. 8 or 10, and it is time for Kreis to go all in on him. Obviously, Dom Dwyer and Yoshimar Yotún are the big-name signings this past transfer window, but the Notre Dame product should not take a back seat.

Kaká has been disappointing this season and should not be used as anything more than a super sub, especially with playoff hopes all but gone. Orlando has won just two games since April and so there needs to be some change. Powers may not have the chemistry with his new teammates yet, but the best way for him to get it is through game action.

It is now time for Kreis to make some changes, and benching Kaká for Powers should be the first one. The players on the field are not working, and Powers needs to be given a chance to prove himself this season.

It will also send a message to Kaká that he is replaceable. With the Brazilian at the end of his contract, and the season winding down, it’s time to start imagining the future without Kaká. If Powers can return to his 2015 form, not only will Kaká not be missed, but it will be an upgrade in the No. 10 position.