Orlando City vs San Diego FC: Griezmann's Blistering Form
Orlando City SC host San Diego FC in Major League Soccer’s Matchday 23 on Friday, September 5, 2026, with kickoff set for 7:30 PM ET. The Lions arrive on the back of a resounding road win that showcased their new attacking figurehead, while San Diego look to rebound from a narrow home defeat that dented their playoff push.
Team News and Injury Latest
Orlando will again be without midfield anchor Braian Ojeda (foot) and defender Bernardo Rhein (thigh). Winger Adrián Marín and playmaker Martín Ojeda are both battling thigh issues and are listed as questionable, leaving head coach Óscar Pareja with late decisions on the flanks. For San Diego, forward Marcus Ingvartsen is the only confirmed absentee with a lower‑body injury; otherwise, Mikey Varas has a full squad to choose from after a week of recovery.
Recent Form and Standings
Orlando’s last outing produced a 3‑1 victory at Minnesota United on August 29, extending a run that has been ignited by Antoine Griezmann. The French World Cup winner has recorded three goals and three assists in his first three appearances for the Lions, turning a previously blunt attack into the league’s most compelling story of the summer. That win lifted Orlando to 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 7‑3‑11 record and 21 points, though they have played more games than most of the teams around them.
San Diego, meanwhile, fell 2‑1 at home to the LA Galaxy on the same August 29 matchday, conceding twice after taking an early lead. The defeat leaves the expansion side 12th in the Western Conference on 27 points from 21 matches (7‑6‑8). Despite the loss, San Diego remain within striking distance of the playoff line and hold games in hand on several rivals, adding urgency to this cross‑conference test.
Key Battle: Griezmann vs San Diego’s Backline
Griezmann has been devastating since arriving in Florida, drifting between the lines and linking with runners in a way that has overwhelmed three consecutive opponents. San Diego’s defensive unit, which had shown improvement before the LA Galaxy setback, will need to maintain its shape and limit the space between the lines that Griezmann has exploited so ruthlessly. Central midfielder Jeppe Tverskov will likely be tasked with screening the back four and denying the service that has made Orlando’s new talisman so productive.