Expectations were high for Orlando City after a 4-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday, and a rain delay of a little over an hour didn’t dampen the mood as a sellout crowd of 24,453 in Inter.co Stadium watched the Lions beat Nashville SC 1-0 in Antoine Griezmann’s home debut.
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“The turnout today was crazy. I love the energy, I love the passion from the fans, and that came (through) on the field today,” Orlando forward Tyrese Spicer said. “Today was a really good performance from the team. Solid from the first whistle to the last whistle.”
Orlando’s attack finally found its breakthrough goal late in the game thanks to Justin Ellis. He managed to create enough space to play Spicer through to score the game-winner in the 72nd minute. It was his fourth assist in league play this season.
“I know (Ellis) was going to cut in, and I was just waiting for it. I was yelling his name as loud as I could,” added Spicer. “And as soon as I got that ball… it was just like muscle memory.”
Orlando’s defense rose to the occasion as well, with Bernardo Rhein making his first MLS start after signing a first-team contract. He was the standout performer for an Orlando defense that kept its second clean sheet of the season. He completed 88 percent of his passes and added four defensive contributions.
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Griezmann, who signed with Orlando City in March but did not join the team until his season with Atletico Madrid ended, did not contribute a goal, but his work rate helped rally the team as it defended the lead. He was willing to track back to help defend, something forwards do not always do, and that allowed Orlando (6-9-2, 20 points) to counter Nashville’s press as the visitors (12-2-3, 39 points) looked for an equalizer. Griezmann’s leadership on the field is going to be important for the Lions as they hope to continue climbing up the standings.
“I know that after this week we’re going to be playing every three days, and it’s going to be a demanding moment for the team,” Griezmann said. “So now I’m just going to continue to work, and the team will prepare ourselves for the year that’s to come.”
Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, an All-Star selection, made two crucial saves and was a commanding presence in the back. His ability to keep the defense organized and control play when Nashville pushed up into the box allowed Orlando to build out of the back effectively.
The Lions will look to extend their winning streak to three on Saturday when they visit Red Bull New York.
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