ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 5, 2026) — Antoine Griezmann scored his fourth goal across his last three matches to lift Orlando City SC (8-11-4, 28 points) to a 1-0 victory over San Diego FC (8-9-6, 30 points) on Saturday night at Inter.co Stadium in the first-ever meeting between the clubs.
The Lions scored the lone goal of the match in the 28th minute as Daryl Dike sent a ball into the box for Justin Ellis, who slipped a pass across to Griezmann. The Frenchman settled it and fired a right-footed shot into the left corner, marking sixth goal contribution over Orlando’s last four matches (4g, 2a).
San Diego pressed for an equalizer throughout the second half, but Orlando’s defense held firm to secure the one-goal win. The shutout was the Lions’ third in MLS play and fourth across all competitions this season.
Orlando City next travel to face rivals Atlanta United FC on Wednesday, Sept. 9, in the final regular-season meeting between the clubs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET | Apple TV).
Scoring Summary:
28’ Antoine Griezmann (Justin Ellis, Daryl Dike) – ORL 1, SD 0
Interim Head Coach Martín Perelman:
“I think the biggest change for [Justin Ellis] is defensively. Offensively, I think when he started playing, he used to drop more to the right side because we had Martín [Ojeda] and Iván [Angulo]. I’m talking about last semester. So, I think for him, the biggest change, and where he is improving and developing the most, is on the defensive side. I think what I like most from him now is how he is defending because, offensively, I don’t think there is a coach who can help Justin [Ellis]. He’s so talented and so unique. So, it is just about enjoying him, supporting him and helping him connect with the experienced, top-quality players we have up front, like [Antoine Griezmann], Martín [Ojeda], Daryl Dike, Marco Pašalić, Iván Angulo, [Tyrese] Spicer, Tiago and Harvey [Sarajian] when he goes in. We try to help him there, but again, I think he’s working defensively, and his defensive game today, for me, was amazing. I think this is important for him because he’s completing his profile as a player. Being an ’07 with that quality, and if he is going to defend like that, then the future is bright for him.”
Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau:
“The win was very important. We started the game confident with the ball. Obviously, we were able to hit them when their line was high at times, and then they were dangerous in transition in a couple of those moments, but we were able to shut down the dangerous plays. Then, in the second half, it was about finishing the game strong. We pushed to score the second without conceding, obviously. The group was very disciplined tactically and with the ball. We saw tonight what it is going to take for the next two months of the season. This is how we need to play for the next two months, and we will be above that little red line at the end if we keep going like this.”
Forward Justin Ellis:
“Very tough. I don’t think we had as much control as we probably wanted, but it was a winning-team type of win, you know? Even if we weren’t at our cleanest—personally, I was not at my best—but we still produced the moment with [Griezmann], and then defensively, we were tough. I don’t remember them, besides the long shot that hit the post, having any really dangerous chances. So, yes, we defended very well today, and I’m grateful for the win.”
Match Notes
- Antoine Griezmann’s 28th-minute goal marked the Frenchman’s fourth MLS goal and sixth goal contribution over the Lions’ last four matches.
- Daryl Dike’s secondary assist on Griezmann’s goal was his first assist and third goal contribution across all competitions since rejoining the Lions on July 17.
- Justin Ellis recorded his ninth assist of the season, trailing only Iván Angulo (10) for the team lead in 2026.
- Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau made two saves to record his third shutout of the season.
- Interim head coach Martín Perelman made one change to his starting lineup from the club’s previous match against Minnesota United FC, inserting Bernardo Rhein into the starting XI.
- Defender Adrián Marín missed the match with a thigh injury, while midfielder Braian Ojeda was unavailable with a foot injury.
