When Antoine Griezmann arrived in Major League Soccer, the idea of transforming Orlando City SC from a team outside the playoff picture into a legitimate MLS Cup contender seemed ambitious.
Six matches into his MLS career, that question no longer feels far-fetched. After another match-winning performance that earned him MLS Player of the Matchday honors, the focus has shifted to a bigger question: How far can Griezmann take Orlando?
Antoine Griezmann’s transformative arrival in MLS
Orlando City’s signing of Griezmann from Atlético Madrid immediately became one of the biggest stories in MLS. The French forward arrived with a résumé few players in league history could match, including a FIFA World Cup title with France, UEFA Champions League experience and a reputation as one of the most accomplished attackers of his generation.
Since joining Orlando, Griezmann has started all six regular-season matches and played every available minute. He has contributed three goals and two assists during that span, while Orlando has posted a 3-2-1 record against teams currently positioned in the MLS Cup Playoffs race.
Before Griezmann’s arrival, Orlando had collected just 14 points and sat 12th in the Eastern Conference, outside the playoff places. After the club’s recent victory over Real Salt Lake, the Lions moved up to ninth and currently hold a playoff spot.
Griezmann delivers a match-winning performance
Griezmann’s display against Real Salt Lake offered the clearest indication yet of what he could mean to Orlando’s MLS Cup ambitions. With the Lions trailing in the second half, he produced the kind of decisive moment expected from an elite player.
In the 53rd minute, Griezmann pounced on a loose ball inside the six-yard box and calmly finished to equalize. With nine minutes remaining, he collected the ball, weaved through several defenders and scored the winning goal, sending Inter&Co Stadium into celebration.
The brace was Griezmann’s first in MLS and earned him Player of the Matchday recognition. It was also the type of performance championship contenders need from their biggest stars. MLS history includes numerous examples of teams reaching another level after adding a proven international star.
What separates Griezmann from many high-profile imports is that he has not arrived simply as a recognizable name. He has immediately become one of Orlando’s most influential players. His movement creates opportunities for teammates, his vision unlocks defenses and his ability to score and create chances forces opponents to adjust their game plans.
Just as importantly, Griezmann brings experience from football’s biggest stages. His early impact has already helped move Orlando City into playoff contention, raising expectations for what the Lions can achieve during the remainder of the MLS season.
Source: www.marca.com
