ORLANDO — Tyrese Spicer delivered a goal and an assist and Antoine Griezmann scored his first at Inter.co Stadium as Orlando City SC beat Liga MX side C.F. Monterrey 2-1 in the club’s Leagues Cup 2026 opener, the first-ever meeting between the two teams.
Griezmann opened the scoring in the 27th minute, sliding at the near post to slot in a low, driven cross from Spicer. The goal was Griezmann’s second across all competitions since his summer arrival with the Lions. Spicer then doubled the lead in the 60th minute, earning and converting a penalty after Justin Ellis played a ball forward to the sprinting forward, who drew a foul from Monterrey’s Luis Cárdenas inside the box before powering a lofted penalty into the upper left corner.
Spicer has now recorded five goal contributions — three goals and two assists — over Orlando City’s last three matches across all competitions. His assist on Griezmann’s goal was his third across all competitions this season.
“Very happy for the victory. Again, it was another huge effort by our players. It was an amazing environment with our people, our fans, the stadium and the energy,” Interim Head Coach Martín Perelman said. “So, I think it was a really good victory. I am so happy for everyone in the club, especially our players and our fans.”
C.F. Monterrey pulled a goal back deep in stoppage time through former Chicago Fire FC striker Hugo Cuypers, who headed home a cross from Lucas Ocampos in the ninth minute of second-half added time. Cuypers had recently joined Monterrey from Chicago Fire, along with Diego Rossi from Columbus Crew.
The result moved Orlando City to 4W-2L-7D across all competitions against Liga MX opposition. Captain Robin Jansson, who has been part of every Lions Leagues Cup campaign since the tournament began, stressed the importance of the opening match before kickoff. “The first game is very important to get a good start, and then be up there in a good spot heading into the last two games,” Jansson said. “Being able to qualify for Concacaf would be great and huge for the club. We see this as a tournament where you have a small amount of games to a trophy. So why not take that chance?”
Daryl Dike made his first appearance for the Lions since his 2022 transfer to West Bromwich Albion, having last played for Orlando City during the 2021 MLS Cup playoffs. Marco Pašalić also returned, entering as a second-half substitute for his first appearance since the club’s May 23 match against FC Cincinnati. Defender Nolan Miller (knee) and midfielders Braian Ojeda (foot) and Martín Ojedá (thigh) missed the match due to injury.
Orlando City faces Club León in their second Phase One matchup Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET at Inter.co Stadium, streaming on Apple TV. The top four MLS teams and top four Liga MX teams in the Leagues Cup standings will advance to the knockout round.