Orlando City SC opened its preseason with a 6-0 demolition of the Tampa Bay Rowdies on July 8, 2026, as Antoine Griezmann scored and set up a second goal in his first start for the club.

How did the match unfold?

The Lions took control early, creating chances within the first two minutes. A long ball from Griffin Dorsey found Griezmann, who linked with Eduard Atuesta before feeding a shot that forced a corner. The opening goal arrived in the 32nd minute when Griezmann cut inside from the left, unleashed a low drive and slipped it past goalkeeper Jahmali Waite. Two minutes later, Ivan Angulo finished a perfect through ball from Griezmann to double the lead.

Who contributed beyond Griezmann?

Five different Orlando players found the net. After Griezmann’s strike, Martin Ojeda delivered a cross that Angulo headed in, and later Luis Otavio added a goal from a set‑piece. Midfielder Wilder Cartagena scored a long‑range effort, while an own‑goal by the Rowdies completed the tally. Goalkeeper Javier Otero kept a clean sheet behind a back line of Adrian Marin, Robin Jansson, David Brekalo and Griffin Dorsey.

What does this mean for the Lions’ preseason?

The performance suggests the new attacking trio of Griezmann, Angulo and Ojeda is clicking quickly. Coach Martin Perelman’s fluid formation, with Cartagena drifting left at times, gave the team space to exploit gaps. Although Orlando missed several early chances, the defensive solidity and finishing polish displayed in the second half indicate a promising build‑up to the MLS season.

What’s next for Orlando City?

The Lions will face additional scrimmages before the regular season kicks off in late February 2027. Perelman is expected to fine‑tune the midfield balance, possibly rotating Atuesta and Cartagena to maximize creativity. Griezmann’s immediate impact raises expectations for his role as a playmaker and goal‑scorer, and the coaching staff will likely lean on his experience to guide younger players through the campaign.