MLS: Griezmann scores a free kick and sets up the opener as Orlando City beat Columbus Crew 3-2

The first minute had barely been played and Orlando City were already ahead: Harvey Sarajian had converted a pass from Antoine Griezmann. The Frenchman struck again in the 16th minute from a free kick out on the right, a left-footed curler that beat Patrick Schulte and restored his side’s lead, 2-1. Columbus Crew scored twice, Orlando finished in front, 3-2, on Saturday night.

Twelve games, nine goals, five assists

That is the World Cup winner’s record since his arrival in Florida, over twelve appearances. At 35, Griezmann has not changed his trade: he unlocks tight games, with a pass or from a set piece.

Orlando win whenever he scores

Thirteenth in the Eastern Conference when the Frenchman arrived, Orlando now sit seventh. And the club have not lost a single match in which Griezmann has scored: eight games, seven wins, one draw, all competitions included. The dependence is real, and so is the output. On Saturday, both decisive actions went through him, provider on the first, scorer on the second, and the league’s official account was quick to salute the strike.

“I only have praise for Grizi. His enthusiasm is exceptional. His energy is exceptional. Everyone feeds off his charismatic personality,” Harvey Sarajian told the MLS website, as relayed by L’Équipe.