New Orlando Signing Antoine Griezmann to Make MLS Debut Against San Jose Earthquakes | OneFootball

In the first proper week of MLS fixtures, they saved the best for last as Orlando City travels to San Jose for the latest kickoff of the day. This tie marks Antoine Griezmann’s official coming out party for the Lions since leaving Atlético Madrid on a free transfer.

Griezmann a Big Signing for Orlando

Griezmann’s move was no surprise, of course, since it was announced on March 24th via Orlando’s media channels. His contract with Atlético officially terminated on July 13th, although he had moved and was training with the Lions well before that date.

All in all, it was a civil transfer of talent mercifully absent of drama. Griezmann even played in a friendly match against the USL Championship Tampa Bay Rowdies, where Orlando won 6-0. Played behind closed doors on July 8th at Inter&Co stadium, we do not have official stats but we do know from social media that Griezmann scored once and provided an assist.

Griezmann vs. Werner

Of course, Griezmann isn’t the only European legend spectators at PayPal Park should expect to see tonight. The extended World Cup break allowed 30 year-old winger Timo Werner ample time to recover from a recurring hamstring that plagued him in the first half of the season. Despite playing in only seven games, Werner has 4g/3a and his return should spark San Jose’s already potent offense.

These two Designated Players have met four times, but not in club competition. Those four meetings were international matches between Germany and France, with Les Bleus having the better record of 2W 2D.

Season Form to Date

The form sheet for both teams skews heavily in San Jose’s favor, but let’s remember that this fixture is more akin to a seasonal kickoff and neither team has any momentum coming in.

Team form. Image courtesy of San Jose Earthquakes

San Jose’s defense will have their hands full tracking Martín Ojeda, whose 11 goals scored is tied with Preston Judd. The Quakes have yet to concede a goal via a set piece OR a shot outside the box through 15 games.

Orlando City has been on the receiving end of some spectacular losses this season. Their most recent was a 6-2 shellacking from FC Cincinnati, but there was also a 6-0 defeat to LAFC and two 5-0 losses to Nashville SC and NYCFC. Most worryingly, all four thrashings came on the road.

San Jose’s home form is impressive, with 4W 2L 1D. If they score first, they march forward to victory 80% of the time.

Predicted Line-up: Earthquakes

Though official line-ups aren’t posted, expect to see MLS All-Star center back Daniel Munie pair up with Reid Roberts for the 15th time this season. Flanking them should be Jamar Ricketts and Benji Kikanović.

Starting in goal is Scottish international and ex-Nottingham Forest keeper Angus Gunn.

Captain Ronaldo Veiria, Beau Leroux and Niko Tsakiris (if fit, no official word on that) should be your midfield. Timo Werner, Ousseni Bouda and Preston Judd will be the attack.

Predicted Line-up: Orlando

G: Maxime CrépeauD: Griffin Dorsey, Iago, Robin Jansson, Adrián MarínM: Marco Pašalić, Braian Ojeda, Luis Otávio, Eduard AtuestaF: Antoine Griezmann, Martín Ojeda