Does Antoine Griezmann have your choose 2026 MLS Newcomer of the Year?
The famous French star made his most current case for the award on Saturday night, scoring and helping as Orlando City beat Columbus Crew, 3-2, in remarkable style at Inter.co Stadium.
Because his MLS launching less than 3 months back, the FIFA World Cup winner has actually led a fantastic turn-around in Orlando, who have actually gone unbeaten in every video game Griezmann has actually scored in (7W-0L-1D) throughout all competitors.
“I think this is one of the most important victories of the season,” stated forward Harvey Sarajian, who linked with Griezmann to score the opener within a minute of his very first MLS start.
“I think every game is a final now, so every game that we play is life or death in this league.”
That mindset revealed through when Iván Angulo struck in the 89th minute on the counterattack, netting in his 3rd successive match to take a late game-winner in front of his home fans.
GRIEZMANN QUÉ CLASE pic.twitter.com/tqpL5jDTPW– Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 10, 2026
Directing force
Thanks to his exploits versus Columbus, Griezmann has actually acquired an amazing 9g/5a in 12 MLS looks.
Similar to any excellent sportsperson, Griezmann not just offers a favorable effect by means of his direct contributions, however likewise enhances those around him through his infectious energy both on and off the pitch.
In the lack of freshly topped 19-year-old homegrown USMNT striker Justin Ellis, who has actually rapidly formed a vibrant duo collaboration with Griezmann, the Frenchman gotten in touch with the only other Orlando gamer he follows on Instagram, Sarajian.
“I have nothing but good things to say about Grizi,” stated Sarajian.
“His enthusiasm is top. His energy is top. Everyone feeds off his charismatic personality.”
After publishing a high school football photo of the 21-year-old winger to his Instagram page a couple of days earlier, Griezmann established Sarajian’s opener before slotting home a totally free kick fifteen minutes later on.
“I think it’s awesome. I think it just shows Grizi’s character in the locker room,” stated Sarajian.
“I remember waking up in the morning before training, see him on Instagram. I’m scrolling, I’m like, wait, that’s me in high school! It brought a smile to my face, I’m not gonna lie.”
First university start, first-minute objective pic.twitter.com/TQa4Ky0oXV– Orlando City SC(@OrlandoCitySC)October 11, 2026
Playoff push
From 13th in the Eastern Conference when Griezmann got here to seventh location following Saturday’s triumph, Orlando have actually made a late-season rise into the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs image.
Griezmann and the Lions will continue that postseason mission with a see to Toronto FC on Wednesday night(7:30 pm ET|Apple television).
“Honestly, every game now, there’s so much on the line right now. It’s a marathon in the season and the marathon is gone. Now it’s the final sprint,” stated goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, who set a club record with 12 minimizes the night.
“There’s six more to be in the best position possible for the playoffs, and we are well aware of this.”
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