Antoine Griezmann scored for the eighth time in 10 matches, and rookie Harvey Sarajian notched his first career goal to spark Orlando City to a 3-0 victory over Toronto FC on Saturday night at Inter.co Stadium in Orlando.
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Orlando City (10-11-4, 34 points) continued its excellent run of form with the win over Toronto FC (6-8-11, 29 points). The Lions have won three consecutive matches while extending their unbeaten streak to five.
Griezmann has been the headline for Orlando, scoring a goal for the fifth game in a row, but the Lions were able to keep pushing even after he was substituted off in the 70th minute.
“It was a good night for us,” said Orlando interim head coach Martín Perelman. “It was a tough game, but I think the team did a very good effort, a huge effort. The guys jumped into the field, and the group was together.
“We had better moments, (and some) difficulties during the game, but we were able to solve it and win at home, which is very important for us because of the moment of the season.”
Griezmann scored the opener in the first minute of first-half stoppage time to put the Lions up 1-0. Zakaria Tiafi had the cross in from the right side, and Griezmann worked his way through the defense before getting an outstretched foot to the ball. Toronto goalkeeper Luka Gavran had no chance of saving it.
“I’ve watched (Griezmann) for my whole life, and in warm-ups and training I always practice that ball with him because I know he just likes to fly and get his foot or get his head on the ball, and I know he’s gonna be there,” Taifi said. “At first, I saw no one was in there, so I hesitated, and then I took another touch. I saw him making the run, and then I just put it in there because I know he was going to get it.”
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Second-half substitute Sarajian scored his first MLS goal in the 82nd minute to put the game to bed. He worked the ball through three defenders, laid the ball off to Daryl Dike, and then Dike’s pass back set up a shot in the box that he was able to skip past Gavran to make it 2-0. Dike picked up his second assist in six appearances after entering in the 65th minute.
“It’s awesome. It’s a surreal moment for me. It’s been a long time coming. Me playing with the second team, grinding out there, and getting chances with the first team,” said Sarajian. “So I’m super grateful for Dike’s pass. But yeah, just gotta keep working and get more.”
Ivan Angulo added a third goal in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time, his second goal in two games. Justin Ellis delivered an excellent ball over the top to unlock the defense, allowing Angulo to use his pace to get on the end of it in the box. He worked around defender Walker Zimmerman before smashing it home. The assist was the rookie Ellis’ 10th of the season.
Maxime Crépeau finished with two saves in each half for Orlando City to record his fourth shutout in 24 starts this season.
With the win, Orlando now sits four points above the playoff line in sixth place. There is little room for error, but the win was another important step in the team’s search for postseason glory.
Orlando now faces a quick turnaround, with a U.S. Open Cup semifinal showdown with the Columbus Crew awaiting them in Columbus on Wednesday.
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The Lions return to MLS action next Saturday at New England.