Griezmann Ignites Orlando
Griezmann Scores on Dominant Orlando City Debut as Lions Rout Earthquakes 4-0 Post-Break
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Key Points
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Griezmann articulated his ambitions for Orlando, saying he came to do all of that and to put Orlando on top of the map of soccer in the United States.
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He reportedly benefited from pre-restart preparations, having scored in two friendly matches before the season resumed, aiding his integration with Orlando’s system.
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Brekalo opened the scoring with a header from a well-placed Eduard Atuesta free kick, and Angulo added a second with a low finish, with Angulo’s goal marking his first since Oct. 5, 2024.
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The 4-0 result came after Orlando’s heavy 6-2 defeat to FC Cincinnati before the World Cup break, illustrating a rebound as Griezmann begins to settle in with the Lions.
Antoine Griezmann wasted no time making his mark on American soccer. The French World Cup winner scored his first MLS goal and played all 90 minutes as Orlando City crushed the San Jose Earthquakes 4-0 on Saturday, Washington Post reported. It was the first match for both clubs since the World Cup break.
The result was a sharp turnaround for Orlando. Just before the break, the Lions were hammered 6-2 by FC Cincinnati. Now, with Griezmann in the fold, the club looks like a different team — and a serious one.
Griezmann Scores, Shines in 90-Minute Debut
Griezmann broke through in the 48th minute. He found space at the edge of the box and finished calmly, according to AS. It was a classic striker's goal — composed, precise, and well-timed. He did not come off the pitch once, logging every minute of the match.
Interim head coach Martín Perelman praised the 33-year-old after the game. He pointed to Griezmann's energy and called it "magic." The French star had also scored in two friendly matches during the break, which helped him get up to speed with Orlando's system before the season restarted.
Brekalo and Angulo Round Out a Dominant Night
Orlando's other goals came from David Brekalo and Iván Angulo, TSN reported. Brekalo opened the scoring with a header from an Eduard Atuesta free kick. Angulo then added a low finish for the second goal — his first since October 5, 2024. Braian Ojeda also scored to complete the rout.
The four-goal performance showed what Orlando's attack can do when it clicks. Griezmann, Brekalo, and Angulo each brought something different. The Lions looked sharp, organized, and dangerous — a contrast to the leaky defense that gave up six goals to Cincinnati just weeks ago.
Griezmann Wants to Put Orlando on the Soccer Map
Griezmann made clear he did not come to MLS just to collect a paycheck. He said he came "to put Orlando on top of the map of soccer in the United States." Those are big words — but Saturday's debut gave fans reason to believe he means them.
Orlando is still outside the Eastern Conference playoff picture. But with Griezmann settled in and striker Daryl Dike also back, the Lions have real firepower now. The club faces Nashville SC, the New York Red Bulls, and a Leagues Cup match against Monterrey in the weeks ahead — a tough stretch that will test how real this turnaround is.
MLS Returns From Break With High-Profile Spotlight
The match was one of the first in MLS since the World Cup break paused the season. Griezmann's debut drew wide attention — not just for Orlando fans, but for American soccer as a whole, MLS Soccer noted. His signing is part of a broader push to bring global stars into the league.
San Jose, for their part, struggled badly. They created little and gave up four goals at home. The Earthquakes now face their own tough questions heading into the rest of the season. For Orlando, the message was clear: the Lions are no longer a team anyone will take lightly.
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