Former Huddersfield Town striker Martin Paterson made his competitive debut for Orlando City as they clinched an impressive 4-0 MLS win over LA Galaxy.

The Northern Ireland striker, who has been out with a hamstring injury, came on as an 82nd-minute substitute at the Citrus Bow in Orlando.

The defending champions, who have signed Steven Gerrard from Liverpool, were well beaten in front of 40,122 fans.

Goals from Eric Avila and Cyle Larin put Orlando 2-0 up in the first half before a Kaka penalty and a Darwin Ceren strike completed the rout.

Orlando’s third victory of the season, and their first at home, moved them up to fifth in the Eastern Conference, while the Galaxy are seventh in the Western Conference.

Paterson, 28, joined Orlando in January.

Signed from Burnley in 2013, the Stoke-born player struggled to make himself a regular at Town.

He made only 17 starts and 12 further appearances as a substitute, scoring six goals.

Paterson finished last season on loan to Bristol City.

He played just three times for Town this season, all from the bench.

And a November loan to Fleetwood Town ended early because of injury.