SAN JOSE, Calif. — Antoine Griezmann will make his first official start for Orlando City SC as the Lions return to MLS action against the San Jose Earthquakes after nearly two months without a league match.
Griezmann, the club’s newest star signing, earned the nod after notching two goals and an assist across two preseason friendlies. His insertion is the only change to an Orlando starting lineup otherwise unchanged from the Lions’ last MLS appearance at FC Cincinnati in May.
Orlando’s leading scorer, Martín Ojeda, is unavailable for the match due to injury. His absence elevates the importance of Griezmann’s debut alongside attackers Tiago and Justin Ellis in the Lions’ front group.
Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau starts behind a back line of Griffin Dorsey, David Brekalo, captain Robin Jansson and Adrián Marín. The midfield features Iván Angulo, Braian Ojeda and Eduard Atuesta.
OCB defender Bernardo Rhein signed a short-term contract ahead of the match and is among nine substitutes available to head coach Óscar Pareja. The bench also includes Javier Otero, Wilder Cartagena, Iago, Luís Otávio, Tahir Reid-Brown, Harvey Sarajian, Tyrese Spicer and Zakaria Taifi.
Orlando City enters the road fixture looking to build momentum after the extended layoff, with Griezmann’s integration into the starting XI marking the most significant roster development of the Lions’ season.