It took Antoine Griezmann just six games to start making a significant impact in MLS. The Frenchman was the star of the show for Orlando City SC, scoring two goals in their 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake—a result that also put the Lions on track for the playoffs.
The forward, a 2018 World Cup champion with France, proved once again that his move to the United States isn’t just a new chapter in his career, but an opportunity to continue being a key player. This time, he did it with two goals that completely turned the game around.
Griezmann stepped up when Orlando needed him most
The match got off to a rough start for Orlando City, which went into halftime trailing, but the tide turned in the second half.
In the 53rd minute, Griezmann capitalized on a deflected ball inside the six-yard box and appeared practically right in front of the goal to finish and tie the score at 1-1. The equalizer restored the home team’s confidence, and they began pressing harder for the winning goal.
And the Frenchman still had something else up his sleeve.
A spectacular goal to turn the game around
With just nine minutes remaining before the final whistle, Griezmann made his presence felt once again. The forward received the ball and, with his characteristic composure, managed to get past several Real Salt Lake defenders before finishing to make it 2-1.
Inter&Co Stadium erupted with joy, and for good reason. The Frenchman had just recorded his first two-goal game since joining MLS and had turned a potential loss into a crucial victory for Orlando.
Griezmann changes the face of Orlando City
Since arriving from Atlético Madrid, Griezmann has played in six regular-season games for Orlando City.
And one statistic stands out in particular: he has started all six matches and played the full 540 minutes. During that span, he has tallied three goals and two assists, while Orlando has posted a record of three wins, two losses, and one tie. Furthermore, all six of his matches were against teams that currently hold playoff spots in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
His impact is also reflected in the standings. Before his arrival, Orlando had 14 points and was out of playoff contention, sitting in 12th place in the Eastern Conference. Now, following the victory over Salt Lake, the Lions sit in ninth place, within the playoff spots.
Griezmann named Player of the Week
His performance did not go unnoticed.
Griezmann was named MLS Player of the Week for Week 22, becoming the second Orlando City player to receive this honor this season, following Martín Ojeda. In addition, the Frenchman became the eighth World Cup champion to win this award.
The list includes such heavyweights as Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry, David Villa, Thiago Almada, Youri Djorkaeff, Kaká, and Thomas Müller.
Orlando aims to keep the momentum going
Now, Griezmann and Orlando City will have to prove that this comeback was no fluke. The next challenge will be against Minnesota United on Saturday, August 29, at Allianz Field. With the team back in the playoff race and Griezmann increasingly adapting to American soccer, Orlando fans have reason to be excited.
The Frenchman has already begun to make his mark in MLS.
If his first six games are any indication of what’s to come, Orlando might have found in Griezmann the piece it needed to dream big.
