Orlando City SC 1-0 San Diego FC
Antoine Griezmann’s first-half finish proved decisive as Orlando City SC claimed a hard-fought 1-0 Major League Soccer victory over San Diego FC at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday.
Griezmann broke the deadlock in the 28th minute, converting Orlando’s most important opening of the match to give the hosts a lead they would protect through a tense second half. The strike was the only goal of the evening, sending Orlando into the interval 1-0 ahead.
San Diego controlled slightly more of the ball with 53.2 percent possession, but Orlando carried the sharper attacking threat. The Lions produced 15 shots and put five on target, compared with seven attempts and two efforts on target from the visitors. Orlando also won the corner count 6-4, underlining their ability to keep San Diego under pressure in key spells.
The second half brought no further goals, though the contest became increasingly combative late on. San Diego’s David Vazquez was booked in the 84th minute before Orlando substitute Luis Otávio saw yellow a minute later. Kieran Sargeant was cautioned for the visitors in the fourth minute of stoppage time, while David Brekalo and Iván Angulo were booked for Orlando in the closing stages.
Orlando saw out the 1-0 result with disciplined defending and will now turn their attention to Wednesday’s home fixture against Atlanta United FC. San Diego, unable to turn their possession into a breakthrough, travel on to face the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday.
Goal scorer
- Orlando City SC: Antoine Griezmann, 28′
