Antoine Griezmann, Daryl Dike lead new-look Orlando against Quakes

Orlando City hope to receive an immediate boost from former World Cup hero Antoine Griezmann when they resume play after the international break with a match against the host San Jose Earthquakes.

MLS took a two-month break while the World Cup was being played and struggling Orlando City (4-9-2, 14 points) made a splash by signing Griezmann, the Man of the Match when France beat Croatia in the 2018 World Cup final. He scored four goals during the competition, one coming on a penalty kick in the title match.

Griezmann, 35, has starred for Real Sociedad, FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid before now coming to this side of the pond and Orlando.

"Become a champion, score goals, give assists, make kids want to play soccer and become Orlando fans," Griezmann said of his intentions. "I came for all of that, and to put Orlando on top of the map of soccer in the United States."

That might take some doing as the Lions have been outscored 44-23 this season and have the second-worst goal differential at minus-21.

Orlando City also brought back forward Daryl Dike, who had 18 goals in 35 matches in two seasons (2020-21) for the club.

"I was brought in to help the team win, to help the team succeed," the 26-year-old Dike said. "I think we have the tools to win, and there's still a lot of games left, plus an opportunity to win a trophy in the Open Cup. On a personal level, I just want to improve, improve, improve."

The Earthquakes (10-3-2, 32 points) were playing superb soccer before the international break. They are tied for first in the Western Conference with the Vancouver Whitecaps. They have scored 34 goals and allowed just 15.

San Jose added forward Luka Jovanovic from Adelaide United in his homeland of Australia. The 21-year-old had 25 goals in 84 matches across all competitions for the A-League side.

"Luka is a young striker with outstanding potential, as demonstrated by his play this past year as the Golden Boot winner in the Australian first division," Earthquakes coach Bruce Arena said. "His work ethic and goal scoring make him an excellent addition to our roster, and we welcome him to the San Jose Earthquakes."

Forward Preston Judd has stood out for San Jose this season with a career-high 11 goals. His previous high of seven came last season.

Orlando City won the past two meetings, pitching shutouts at home in 2021 and in 2024 at San Jose.

--Field Level Media