Griezmann nets in MLS debut while Lewandowski struggles as Chicago and Orlando return from World Cup break
Antoine Griezmann scored in his MLS debut while Robert Lewandowski struggled in his opening match Wednesday, highlighting contrasting first impressions for two major signings as the league returned from its World Cup break.
Orlando City's Antoine Griezmann scored in his MLS debut Wednesday, delivering an immediate impact that starkly contrasted with Robert Lewandowski's muted performance for Chicago Fire in the league's first full slate since the World Cup break.
Griezmann opened his account three minutes into the second half against San Jose Earthquakes, collecting a turnover in the opposition's box and finishing with his left foot after just 90 minutes on the pitch. The goal marked his 300th career club goal across all competitions. Orlando dominated the fixture, winning 4-0 at San Jose with Griezmann showing effective link-up play throughout.
The French forward's preparation gave him an edge. Orlando played two warm-up matches before the restart—one against USL side Tampa Bay Rowdies and another against FC Dallas—allowing Griezmann to build familiarity with teammates before his official bow. He capitalized on that rhythm against a San Jose side featuring new goalkeeper Angus Gunn.
Lewandowski faced a different reality. In Chicago's 3-2 loss to Inter Miami, the Polish striker managed only one genuine shooting opportunity in 62 minutes, which was blocked. Miami played without Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, yet Luis Suárez scored twice and set up the winning goal for 20-year-old Preston Plambeck in the 87th minute. Lewandowski was also effectively a replacement for Hugo Cuypers, who had scored 13 goals before the break and tallied 10 consecutive games with a goal. Cuypers has since moved to Monterrey, meaning Lewandowski faces immediate pressure to maintain Chicago's goal production.
Wednesday's clash was Lewandowski's second scheduled debut attempt; a match against Vancouver set for the previous Thursday was postponed due to air quality concerns related to Canadian wildfires.
The two marquee signings will meet sooner than later. Orlando hosts Chicago on August 19, two days before Lewandowski's 38th birthday, with both teams expecting sharper performances once they regain match fitness. The league will also target a rematch between Chicago and Miami for September 9 at Soldier Field, when Messi, Casemiro, and De Paul are integrated.
