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Antoine Griezmann Scores First MLS Goal in Orlando City Debut
4 days agoUS
The MLS is back after the World Cup break, and the league's new marquee signings wasted no time making headlines. French World Cup winner **Antoine Griezmann** scored his first MLS goal in his official debut for Orlando City, leading his side to a dominant 4-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes. Meanwhile, Polish superstar **Robert Lewandowski** debuted for the Chicago Fire in a narrow 3-2 loss to Inter Miami, where **Luis Suárez** stole the spotlight with a brace.
Key Insights
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Griezmann's Historic Goal:: The 35-year-old French forward scored his first MLS goal in the 48th minute of his Orlando City debut, finishing brilliantly after a defensive giveaway by San Jose. The goal was also the **300th club goal** of his storied career, adding a historic milestone to an already legendary resume.
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Why this matters:: Griezmann's arrival signals Orlando City's serious push for the playoffs. The Lions climbed from 13th to 10th in the Eastern Conference standings, now just two points shy of a playoff spot.
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Lewandowski's Quiet Start:: The Polish striker endured 62 minutes without a goal in his Chicago Fire debut, as Inter Miami's Luis Suárez (two goals) and homegrown youngster Preston Plambeck (87th-minute winner) stole the show.
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Historical Context:: Griezmann previously became Atlético Madrid's all-time leading scorer (212 goals) and scored consistently for Real Sociedad and Barcelona. Lewandowski, at 37, joins MLS after a legendary career at Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
In-Depth Analysis
The Griezmann Effect in Orlando
Antoine Griezmann's debut was everything Orlando City fans could have hoped for. After starting and scoring in two friendly matches against the Tampa Bay Rowdies and FC Dallas, the French star carried that momentum into competitive action. It took him just 48 minutes to find the back of the net in MLS play.
The goal itself was vintage Griezmann. Nineteen-year-old Justin Ellis intercepted a poor pass in San Jose's defensive third and fed the ball to Griezmann, who slipped past a trio of defenders before firing a low shot inside the near post. The celebration that followed — his iconic signature gesture — sent a message that Orlando City has a new talisman.
Eduard Atuesta earned Man of the Match honors with three assists, while Iván Angulo and Braian Ojeda also delivered key performances in the comprehensive victory.
Lewandowski's Reality Check
Across the country in Fort Lauderdale, Robert Lewandowski's debut was far less glamorous. The Polish striker faced an Inter Miami side missing Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, yet still couldn't find the net. His only decent look at goal was blocked, and he was substituted after 62 minutes.
Luis Suárez, at 39, showed he still has plenty left in the tank, scoring twice to lead Miami to a 3-2 win. The match-winner came from an unlikely source — 20-year-old homegrown player Preston Plambeck, who scored his first career goal in the 87th minute.
What's Next?
MLS fans won't have to wait long for a Griezmann vs. Lewandowski showdown. Orlando City hosts the Chicago Fire on August 19 — two days before Lewandowski turns 38 — in what promises to be a blockbuster fixture. The league will also be watching for the return of Lionel Messi, Casemiro, and Rodrigo De Paul as the season heats up.
FAQs
When did Antoine Griezmann score his first MLS goal?
He scored in the 48th minute of his official Orlando City debut on July 22, 2026, against the San Jose Earthquakes.
How many career club goals does Griezmann have now?
The goal was his 300th career club goal across all competitions, including his time at Real Sociedad, Atlético Madrid, FC Barcelona, and now Orlando City.
Did Robert Lewandowski score in his MLS debut?
No, Lewandowski played 62 minutes without scoring in Chicago Fire's 3-2 loss to Inter Miami on July 22, 2026.
When will Griezmann and Lewandowski face each other in MLS?
Orlando City hosts the Chicago Fire on August 19, 2026, which will be the first meeting between the two superstars.
How did Orlando City's win affect their playoff chances?
The win moved Orlando City from 13th to 10th in the Eastern Conference, just two points behind D.C. United for the final playoff spot.
Key Takeaways
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For Orlando City Fans:: The arrival of Griezmann, combined with Eduard Atuesta's playmaking and the team's growing chemistry, makes the Lions a serious contender for a playoff push in the second half of the season.
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For Chicago Fire Supporters:: Patience is key with Lewandowski. His track record suggests goals will come, but the team is adjusting to a new system after the departure of Hugo Cuypers to Monterrey.
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For MLS Enthusiasts:: The league's post-World Cup return is shaping up to be one of the most exciting periods in MLS history, with stars like Griezmann, Lewandowski, Suárez, and eventually Messi all competing simultaneously.
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How to Prepare:: Keep an eye on the August 19 Orlando City vs. Chicago Fire match — it's a must-watch for any soccer fan tracking the new generation of MLS superstars.
Discussion
The MLS superstar era is in full swing. With Griezmann finding his stride immediately, Lewandowski settling in, and Suárez still delivering at the highest level, the league has never been more compelling.
Do you think Griezmann can lead Orlando City to the playoffs this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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