Daily News 19

Tag: Orlando City SC

  • Can Antoine Griezmann Lead Orlando City to a Championship?

    Can Antoine Griezmann Lead Orlando City to a Championship?

    When Antoine Griezmann arrived in Major League Soccer, the idea of transforming Orlando City SC from a team outside the playoff picture into a legitimate MLS Cup contender seemed ambitious.

    Six matches into his MLS career, that question no longer feels far-fetched. After another match-winning performance that earned him MLS Player of the Matchday honors, the focus has shifted to a bigger question: How far can Griezmann take Orlando?

    Antoine Griezmann’s transformative arrival in MLS

    Orlando City’s signing of Griezmann from Atlético Madrid immediately became one of the biggest stories in MLS. The French forward arrived with a résumé few players in league history could match, including a FIFA World Cup title with France, UEFA Champions League experience and a reputation as one of the most accomplished attackers of his generation.

    Since joining Orlando, Griezmann has started all six regular-season matches and played every available minute. He has contributed three goals and two assists during that span, while Orlando has posted a 3-2-1 record against teams currently positioned in the MLS Cup Playoffs race.

    Before Griezmann’s arrival, Orlando had collected just 14 points and sat 12th in the Eastern Conference, outside the playoff places. After the club’s recent victory over Real Salt Lake, the Lions moved up to ninth and currently hold a playoff spot.

    Griezmann delivers a match-winning performance

    Griezmann’s display against Real Salt Lake offered the clearest indication yet of what he could mean to Orlando’s MLS Cup ambitions. With the Lions trailing in the second half, he produced the kind of decisive moment expected from an elite player.

    In the 53rd minute, Griezmann pounced on a loose ball inside the six-yard box and calmly finished to equalize. With nine minutes remaining, he collected the ball, weaved through several defenders and scored the winning goal, sending Inter&Co Stadium into celebration.

    The brace was Griezmann’s first in MLS and earned him Player of the Matchday recognition. It was also the type of performance championship contenders need from their biggest stars. MLS history includes numerous examples of teams reaching another level after adding a proven international star.

    What separates Griezmann from many high-profile imports is that he has not arrived simply as a recognizable name. He has immediately become one of Orlando’s most influential players. His movement creates opportunities for teammates, his vision unlocks defenses and his ability to score and create chances forces opponents to adjust their game plans.

    Just as importantly, Griezmann brings experience from football’s biggest stages. His early impact has already helped move Orlando City into playoff contention, raising expectations for what the Lions can achieve during the remainder of the MLS season.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Minnesota United FC vs. Orlando City SC: What to Know Before the August 29, 2026 Match

    Minnesota United FC vs. Orlando City SC: What to Know Before the August 29, 2026 Match

    Minnesota United returns to Allianz Field on Saturday night after ending its winless run with a Matchday 22 victory in San Jose. The Loons host Eastern Conference opponent Orlando City, which has turned its season around since the break following the signing of Antoine Griezmann and several major upsets.

    With both teams aiming to build winning streaks, three important points are at stake in this cross-conference matchup. Here is everything fans need to know for matchday at Allianz Field, including the MNUFC Unified intrasquad match, pregame events, giveaways, food, merchandise and in-game honors.

    MNUFC Unified Intrasquad Match

    MNUFC Unified will play an intrasquad match before Minnesota United faces Orlando City on Saturday. Gates open at 2:00 p.m., with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 p.m. The match will consist of two 25-minute halves.

    Fans attending the Unified match must re-enter the stadium for the first-team match later that evening. The Unified Squad includes players with and without intellectual disabilities and has represented the club since 2017 through a league partnership with Special Olympics, supported by presenting sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. Free tickets are available through the club.

    Fans attending the Unified match can park for free in Lot C, but vehicles must be moved by 5 p.m. if they plan to stay for the first-team match. Fans can also pay to park in the Spruce Tree or Herberger’s lots and leave their vehicles there through the end of the Minnesota United match.

    Pregame Events at Allianz Field

    The Sun Country Pre-Party begins at 5:00 p.m. on the Great Lawn. The event will feature food, giveaways and entertainment, including a live performance by the six-piece cover band Unicorn.

    Supporters can also join the Wonderwall March to the Match. Meet at The Calling loon sculpture one hour before kickoff, then march to the Bell Bank SW Entrance and into the stadium. Sections 21–23 in the Supporters Section will be reserved for Wonderwall participants.

    Arrive Early and Review the Bag Policy

    Fans are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes before kickoff and review Allianz Field’s bag policy before heading to the stadium. Lines outside the venue may appear long but should move quickly when guests arrive with approved bags and digital tickets ready.

    Free MNUFC Trucker Hat

    The first 10,000 fans through the gates will receive a limited-edition MNUFC trucker hat, courtesy of Bell Bank. Supporters voted on the design earlier in the season, giving fans a chance to represent the Black and Blue in style.

    MNUFC x UNRL Nightfall Drop

    MNUFC and UNRL will release one final Nightfall merchandise collection. Inspired by the shift in energy under the stadium lights, the design reflects the mystery, focus and intensity of soccer after dark.

    The Nightfall collection will be available exclusively at the Black and Blue Team Store in Section 27. Quantities are limited, so fans should arrive early.

    Club and Country Scarf Redemption

    Purchasers of the Club and Country Ticket Pack can claim their exclusive scarf at Ticket Central on the concourse outside Section 17. Scarves must be collected before the start of the second half.

    Food and Drinks at Allianz Field

    Fans can use the interactive menu map to find food throughout the stadium. Premium-ticket holders can also access exclusive menus for the Field Club, Upper 90 Club and Stadium Club.

    In the spirit of the State Fair, Tonja Kjaer of Curds & Cakes will return to Allianz Field with fresh corn dogs in Section 30.

    Specialty Cocktail of the Match

    Fans 21 and older can order the Strawberry Basil 75, made with Wheatley vodka, prosecco, strawberry syrup and lemon juice. The specialty cocktail will be available at the Grand Casino Brew Hall and in premium spaces.

    Additional fair-inspired food options include Hot Honey Cheese Curds and Loaded Philly Cheesesteak Fries at the Fry Club in Section 24, Pickle on a Stick at the Hungry Loon in Sections 10, 13, 22 and 34, and Papa Pete’s Mini Donuts in Section 29.

    In-Game Honors

    Maria Ordiera will be honored as the Allina Scoreboard Keeper of the Game, while Matt Mosvick will receive recognition as the SeatGeek Fan of the Game. Bogey will be honored as the NutriSource SuperStar.

    MNUFC will also recognize Special Olympics Minnesota coaches Mark Peterson and Josh Fisher as the Target L’Étoile du Nord. Sean Mullan of the U.S. Navy will be honored as the Xcel Energy Eye of the Loon, and Finley’s ambassador Brian will deliver the game ball.

    Community and Sustainability Initiatives

    Collection bins for pop tabs are available throughout Allianz Field beside the trash bins. Fans can also bring tabs from home and place them in bins outside the stadium. Donations support Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Upper Midwest.

    Fans can help reduce matchday waste by sorting items into the BizRecycling and WM organics, recycling and trash receptacles.

    As part of a stadium-wide water sustainability effort with Ecolab, MNUFC provides six water bottle refill stations around the concourse at Sections 9, 15, 21, 25, 30 and 36. Fans may bring empty, clear plastic bottles to use at the stations. The stations are not sensor activated, so press the button to refill.

    Source: www.mnufc.com