Angus Gunn Faces Tough Debut as San Jose Earthquakes Fall to Orlando City
Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn faced a challenging debut for San Jose Earthquakes in a 4-0 defeat at home to Orlando City. This match marked the team’s return following Major League Soccer’s break for the World Cup.
The 30-year-old goalie played his first match since Scotland’s unsuccessful attempt to advance in the tournament, which concluded with a 3-0 loss to Brazil. His last club appearance was as a substitute in Nottingham Forest’s 1-1 Premier League draw against Crystal Palace back in February.
Advertisement
While Gunn’s debut was disappointing, he could not be held responsible for the goals conceded and made several impressive saves that kept the scoreline from worsening for coach Bruce Arena’s squad.
The scoring opened early when Orlando’s centre-back David Brekalo headed in a free-kick from Eduard Atuesta just seven minutes into the match.
In the 29th minute, winger Ivan Angulo extended the visitor’s lead with a powerful low shot into the far corner from just outside the box.
Three minutes after halftime, French football star Antoine Griezmann marked his debut for Orlando by converting a chance from inside the box after San Jose lost possession.
Advertisement
Paraguayan midfielder Braian Ojeda capped off the rout in the 73rd minute, scoring with a header that slipped past Gunn and the near post from another Atuesta set piece.
On the flip side, Gunn faced tough opposition from Canada’s Maxime Crepeau, who made several excellent saves, denying Germany striker Timo Werner a scoring debut for San Jose following his move from RB Leipzig.
Despite the heavy defeat, San Jose remains tied on points at the top of the Western Conference but sits second on goal difference, trailing Vancouver Whitecaps, who lost 4-3 to Cincinnati but hold a game in hand.
Currently, San Jose is ranked fourth overall, with Nashville leading the table, followed closely by Argentina forward Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.
Advertisement
San Jose’s next match will be against LA Galaxy, who are placed ninth in the Eastern Conference, this coming Sunday.