Griezmann brace completes comeback at Inter.co Stadium
ORLANDO — Orlando City SC overturned a halftime deficit to beat Real Salt Lake 2-1 Saturday night at Inter.co Stadium, powered by Antoine Griezmann’s first brace as a Lion.
The visitors opened the scoring in the 36th minute when Sam Junqua delivered a long cross to the far post and Dominik Marczuk volleyed the ball low into the lower-left corner. Orlando City, trailing at intermission, increased its attacking presence in the second half and found an equalizer in the 53rd minute.
Substitute Justin Ellis sent a cross from the edge of the box to Daryl Dike, whose initial shot was saved by keeper Mason Stajduhar. The rebound fell to Griezmann, who buried the chance to level the match. The game-winner came in the 81st minute when Tyrese Spicer fed Griezmann in the box; the forward backheeled the ball into a defender, recovered his own rebound and slotted it low into the right corner to complete the comeback.
“I think the players who went in were able to give us that control of the game against a team that sat back a little bit with the result in their favor. We kept fighting, trying to score through the sides and through the center, while being careful in transition because when you are attacking that high, you leave space. You open space for the opponent to counterattack. So yes, I think the guys made a huge effort. Fortunately, we were able to come back and win because we really needed it. Now, we need to rest and think about the next one.”
The comments came from interim head coach Martín Perelman, who praised the influence of substitutes and stressed defensive caution when pushing forward. The victory offered a timely lift: Orlando City improved to 7-11-3 with 24 points, while Real Salt Lake fell to 8-8-4 and 28 points.
Match details and immediate implications
The win was notable for being Griezmann’s first multi-goal game in an Orlando shirt and for the way the Lions manufactured pressure after halftime, shifting the game’s momentum through increased attacking intent.
- Venue: Inter.co Stadium, Orlando
- Final score: Orlando City 2, Real Salt Lake 1
- Key contributors: Antoine Griezmann (2 goals), Daryl Dike (involved in buildup), Justin Ellis (assist from substitute)
- Next match: Orlando City travels to face Minnesota United FC at Allianz Field on Saturday, Aug. 29 (8:30 p.m. ET | Apple TV)
The comeback also provides tangible consequences for Orlando’s season trajectory. With the regular season progressing, points are at a premium in the Eastern Conference, and home results like Saturday’s are useful for building momentum before road trips.
| Team | Record | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando City SC | 7-11-3 | 24 |
| Real Salt Lake | 8-8-4 | 28 |
What the result means locally
For Orlando fans, the comeback highlighted both the attacking potential and the resilience the team will need down the stretch. Griezmann’s performance offers a boost to supporters who have seen the French forward expected to provide decisive moments since joining the club. The match also underscored tactical choices by the interim coaching staff, using substitutes to regain control and maintain pressure while guarding against counterattacks.
With a busy schedule ahead, Orlando City will travel to Minnesota next weekend. The club will look to convert away fixtures into points and build consistency as it attempts to climb the Eastern Conference table.
Saturday’s matchup delivered a dramatic evening at Inter.co Stadium and a result that keeps local interest high as Orlando City pursues a late-season push.
