Griezmann hits 300th club goal on dream MLS debut for Orlando City

French forward Antoine Griezmann marked his first ever Major League Soccer appearance with his 300th club career goal as Orlando City thrashed San Jose Earthquakes 4-0.

The 35-year-old World Cup winner, making his competitive MLS debut, struck Orlando’s third goal in the 48th minute, capping a dominant display in front of the home crowd.

The comprehensive victory lifts Orlando City to 10th place in the Eastern Conference on 17 points – just two points outside the play-off spots currently occupied by DC United.

Landmark night for Griezmann

Griezmann, who joined MLS after a glittering career in Europe, was named in the starting XI by Argentinian head coach Martin Perelman and played the full 90 minutes.

His goal – a calmly taken finish early in the second half – not only put the result beyond doubt but also took his personal tally to 300 goals at club level across his professional career.

It was an immediate statement from one of the league’s headline arrivals, underlining both his enduring quality and Orlando City’s hopes of climbing the table after a stuttering start to the season.

Orlando dominate from start to finish

Orlando were in control throughout against a struggling San Jose side.

Slovenian defender David Brekalo opened the scoring to set the tone for the evening, before Colombian winger Ivan Angulo added a second to give the hosts a comfortable advantage.

Griezmann then struck shortly after the interval to make it 3-0, ensuring a celebratory debut, before Paraguayan midfielder Braian Ojeda completed the rout with the fourth, rounding off one of Orlando’s most emphatic performances of the campaign.

San Jose Earthquakes, unable to cope with Orlando’s attacking variety and intensity, rarely threatened to find a way back into the contest.

Play-off push back on track

The result has significant implications for Orlando City’s season, with the club now within touching distance of the Eastern Conference play-off positions.

With 17 points, Orlando sit just behind DC United, who currently occupy the final post-season spot. The margin of victory, combined with the impact of a marquee signing such as Griezmann, is likely to energise both the squad and supporters as the campaign progresses.

For Griezmann, the occasion represented a perfect introduction to MLS: a full match, a goal, and a personal milestone reached in emphatic fashion.

For Orlando City, it was a night that suggested their season may be turning – and that their new French star could be central to any push towards the play-offs.