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5 things we learned in MLS Weeks 4-5: Dempsey's back, Orlando soars

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The last two weeks of action in MLS were split by an international break, but that didn't stop clubs from recording redeeming wins or eyebrow-raising losses. However, one theme united the league over the last two weeks: a flurry of red cards.

Disciplinary performances aside, there were plenty of talking points over the last two weeks. The Chicago Fire earned a 1-0 win over the Philadelphia Union and Toronto FC dropped an away result against the Colorado Rapids by the same scoreline, too.

Here's what you need to know from Weeks 4 and 5 in MLS:

Orlando captain roars with pride

Orlando City captain Kaka was all smiles Sunday night as the Lions brushed aside the 2015 MLS Cup-winning Portland Timbers at the Citrus Bowl by a resounding 4-1 scoreline.

The Brazilian had plenty of reason for his good mood - he did score this nifty little goal, after all:

Orlando's victory propels it to the top of the Eastern Conference and lets the rest of the league know this isn't an expansion team anymore. Adrian Heath has built a balanced club with sharp teeth. Keep an eye out for these roaring lions.

Crew feeling blue out wide

On the other end of the table, the once-mighty Columbus Crew is still experiencing an offseason hangover that head coach Gregg Berhalter just can't get his players to shake.

The 2015 MLS Cup finalists haven't won a game all season, earning only two points in four games, and they've only scored three goals. Kei Kamara isn't getting the kind of service he's used to, either.

(Courtesy: MLSsoccer.com Opta Chalkboard)

Against FC Dallas, the Crew mustered just one successful cross, and attempted three failed crosses. For a striker like Kamara, who tends to score off of crosses into the box, that's just not good enough.

Clint Dempsey returns a hero

It was quite the week for Clint Dempsey.

The U.S. international striker scored a record-breaking 14th goal in World Cup qualifying, helping the United States trump Guatemala 4-0; then, he returned to his slumping Seattle Sounders side and headed home the only goal of the game to give his team its first win of the season.

Deuce is back, ladies and gentlemen.

Referees make headlines once more

The last few weeks brought plenty more controversy as referees made somewhat harsh red card calls on a number of players. The rate at which referees are doling out ejections has drawn criticism from footballers and coaches alike.

Does MLS have a problem with red cards this season?

Here's what the numbers say about that!

Chicago really is the Windy City

Rain, sleet, snow, or hail, the Chicago Fire will apparently play through it all.

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