Antoine Griezmann makes MLS debut for Orlando City against San Jose Earthquakes

French forward Antoine Griezmann appeared in his first competitive MLS match for Orlando City at PayPal Park, facing the San Jose Earthquakes after the league resumed from the World Cup break. The debut coincided with the absence of midfielder Martín Ojeda, who is sidelined with a thigh injury, heightening expectations that Griezmann will help lift the Lions, who sit four points outside the playoff zone and have conceded a league‑high 44 goals.

Orlando coach Martín Perelman said, “With Grizzy, everything feels different. The energy he brings to the locker room is special,” emphasizing the player’s impact on team morale. Griezmann, who joined Orlando in the summer transfer window after stints at Real Sociedad, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, could score his 300th senior club goal in the match. The club hopes the signing, alongside striker Daryl Dike, will reverse a -21 goal‑difference and make Orlando a contender for the MLS playoffs.