3-2 scoreline sends Orlando City sixth as Griezmann strikes twice

Orlando turn possession into a 3-2 victory

Orlando City SC defeated Atlanta United FC 3-2 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday, September 9, with the result lifting Orlando to sixth in the Eastern Conference. Atlanta remain 14th after 24 matches, with 22 points, while Orlando moved to 31 points. The teams were level 1-1 at half-time before Orlando’s second-half finishing decided the match.

Griezmann leads Orlando’s response

The goal log recorded an own goal involving David Brekalo in the seventh minute, followed by Antoine Griezmann’s equaliser in the 26th minute. Griezmann’s first goal was assisted by Joran Gerbet, restoring parity before the interval.

Orlando went ahead again in the 58th minute when Iván Angulo converted with assistance from Martin Ojeda. Griezmann then added his second in the 77th minute, with Justin Ellis supplying the final pass. An own goal involving Tyrese Spicer was recorded in the 90th minute as Atlanta finished with two goals, but Orlando held on for the win.

Orlando sharper despite close shot totals

The statistics showed Orlando controlling the match territorially. The visitors had 60% possession and completed 579 accurate passes from 661 total, compared with Atlanta’s 377 accurate passes from 436. Orlando also registered seven shots on goal to Atlanta’s two and forced four saves from the Atlanta goalkeeper, while Atlanta’s goalkeeper made one save.

Atlanta did produce 15 total shots to Orlando’s 14, including 13 attempts from inside the box compared with Orlando’s 11. However, nine of Atlanta’s efforts were off target, while Orlando had four. The difference in accuracy was decisive, allowing Orlando to make more of a broadly close shot count. Atlanta also won more corners, 7-5, while both teams committed nine fouls.

Cards, changes and league impact

David Brekalo was booked in the 42nd minute, Tomás Jacob received a yellow card in the 67th, and Justin Ellis was cautioned in the 88th. Neither side received a red card. Orlando made a half-time change, replacing Griffin Dorsey with Zakaria Taifi, while Atlanta introduced Adrian Gill for Ajani Fortune. Further substitutions followed as the match progressed, including Orlando’s late changes involving Marco Pašalić and Wilder Cartagena.

Griezmann was the standout performer, earning an 8.8 rating after playing all 90 minutes, scoring twice and recording three shots on target. The victory ended Orlando’s run of three consecutive losses in the pre-match form list, while Atlanta’s defeat followed three losses and extended its difficult sequence.