Antoine Griezmann scored twice in the second half, including the go-ahead goal in the 81st minute, as Orlando City rallied for a 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake on Saturday night.
The win snapped Orlando City’s three-game winless skid and gave the club a much-needed victory, while Real Salt Lake extended its winless streak to seven games.
Orlando City improved to 7-11-3, with goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau making three saves. Griezmann, the 35-year-old forward who joined Orlando City in July, delivered his first career multi-goal game in MLS and continued his impressive start with the club. He now has five goal contributions three goals and two assists in six MLS appearances.
Real Salt Lake took control first when Dominik Marczuk scored in the 36th minute for a 1-0 lead. Sam Junqua delivered an arcing first-touch cross from 35 yards out on the left side toward the back post, where Marczuk gently rolled in the volley for his first goal of the season.
Griezmann responded early in the second half. In the 53rd minute, Orlando City launched a counterattack that created a dangerous opportunity. Daryl Dike’s shot from the top of the 6-yard box was knocked away by goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar, but Griezmann reacted quickly and tapped the rebound into a wide-open net to level the match at 1-1.
The French star then completed the comeback in the 81st minute. Griezmann back-heeled a shot that was deflected, stayed with the play and tapped the loose ball into the net to give Orlando City its first lead of the night.
Stajduhar made his first start for Real Salt Lake in his second season with the club and finished with one save. The 28-year-old had made 16 starts during his first six MLS seasons, all with Orlando City.
Real Salt Lake fell to 8-8-4 as its winless run reached seven games. Kobi Henry, a 22-year-old defender, also made his first start for Real Salt Lake, marking his fourth appearance for the club.
For Orlando City, however, the night belonged to Griezmann. His two-goal performance turned a difficult match into a comeback victory and provided a major boost as Orlando looks to build momentum down the stretch of the MLS season.
