Justin Ellis
ORL
Center Forward
Right Winger
Playmaking Forward
May 14, 2007 (19)
Right
6'0"
Grabs late assist
Ellis assisted once to go with zero corners and two chances created in Saturday's 4-1 victory against D.C. United.
Analysis: Ellis was able to get an assist off the bench on Saturday, and he could be called upon to provide a spark should Orlando City struggle to crack a New York City FC defense which has only allowed 41 goals across 30 MLS games this season.
Returns to bench Saturday
Ellis (illness) is on the bench for Saturday's game versus D.C. United.
Analysis: Ellis was eligible for the match squad as expected after recovering from his ailment. However, he'll likely see limited playing time in a substitute role while Antoine Griezmann, Daryl Dike and Martin Ojeda take the starting spots in the offensive unit. The 19-year-old has logged just seven minutes on the field over the last three game weeks but had previously served as a productive playmaker, leading the squad with nine assists this season.
Absent due to illness
Ellis is sidelined Wednesday versus Toronto as he deals with an ailment, Orlando City SC digital content manager Austin David reports.
Analysis: Ellis should sit out one match before being available again for the weekend meeting with D.C. United assuming he regains health quickly in the week. However, he has now made only one start over the last five MLS games, so his playing time might continue to be limited, with Antoine Griezmann and Martin Ojeda operating as the team's most advanced attackers. Ellis remains with one goal and nine assists across 20 league appearances in 2026.
Cleared after international injury scare
Ellis (lower leg) is fit and available for Saturday's MLS clash against Columbus Crew after being omitted from the league's latest injury report despite suffering a right lower leg contusion while on international duty.
Analysis: Ellis sustained the injury during Tuesday's 1-0 win over Canada, scoring the game-winning goal before exiting at halftime and undergoing an MRI to assess the damage. However, his absence from the latest injury report indicates the issue is no longer a concern heading into Saturday's matchup. The forward has recorded one goal and nine assists across 16 MLS starts this season, including four starts in his last five club appearances. Given his importance to the attack and recent starting role, Ellis should be in contention to retain his place in the starting XI against Columbus.
Suffers lower leg contusion
Ellis scored the only goal in Tuesday's 1-0 win over Canada before leaving the stadium during the match for an MRI on a right lower leg contusion, according to Steven Goff of Soccer Insider.
Analysis: Ellis leaves national team duty under a injury cloud following a right leg contusion suffered against Canada. The forward delivered the winning goal before exiting at the interval, putting his participation in doubt for Saturday's match against Columbus Crew as he awaits scan results. He has proven vital to Orlando's attack across 16 league starts this season, backing up his single goal with an impressive nine assists and earning four starts in his last five club outings.
Called up by United States
Ellis has been called up by the United States for four international matches between Sept. 26 and Oct. 6 and will miss the Sept. 26 MLS match against Philadelphia Union.
Analysis: Ellis will be unavailable against Philadelphia due to international duty after emerging as an important creative presence this season. He has recorded one goal and nine assists across 19 MLS appearances, highlighting his ability to consistently create opportunities for his teammates. Zakaria Taifi and Harvey Sarajian are expected to take on larger roles during his absence, while Ellis should return for the Oct. 10 match against Columbus Crew.
Assists as substitute
Ellis assisted once to go with one shot (one on goal) and one corner in Saturday's 3-0 win over Toronto FC.
Analysis: Ellis created Ivan Angulos's goal during stoppage time with his fourth assist in a row and eighth in the season to seal the deal. That was only his third appearance off bench to go with 14 starts. He will now look to reclaim his spot in the starting XI.
Notches another assist
Ellis assisted once to go with one cross (zero accurate) and three chances created in Wednesday's 3-2 win versus Atlanta United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 88th minute.
Analysis: Ellis continues to have an eye for finding a key pass as he earns yet another assist, finding Antoine Griezmann in the 77th minute for the game-winning goal. This gives the attacker a third straight match with an assist, a solid run of form. He is now up to eight assists this season, although he only has one goal.
Assists winning goal
Ellis assisted once to go with two shots (zero on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 1-0 win versus San Diego FC.
Analysis: Ellis continues to establish himself as one of Orlando's primary creative outlets, registering a second straight assist to bring his season tally to six. He has created 16 chances over his last seven games, posting at least two in six of those outings, though his lack of a cutting edge in front of goal remains a concern, with 18 shots across that stretch yielding no goals and just one in 14 starts overall this season.
Assist out wide
Ellis assisted once to go with zero corners and two chances created in Saturday's 3-3 draw against Minnesota United.
Analysis: Ellis was pushed to a wide position to accommodate Daryl Dike, and even with fewer chances up front, the former assisted top man Antoine Griezmann for his sixth assist this season. While the team's wealth of attacking options may make him not as valued an option for the side, it looks like he will simply be incorporated into a starting XI, as indicated by his 12 starts across Orlando's last 13 games.
Assists equalizer
Ellis assisted once to go with five shots (three on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus FC Cincinnati.
Analysis: Ellis set up the equalizing goal Saturday as his through ball in the 48th minute assisted Tyrese Spicer's strike. It was the only chance he created in the match but he also recorded three shots on target for the third time this season. Despite his productive outing he was subbed off early, replaced by Wilder Cartagena in the 61st minute.
Six shots, assist in win
Ellis took six shots (three on goal), created two chances, and assisted on the game-winner in Saturday's 1-0 win over Nashville SC.
Analysis: Ellis contributed to the scoresheet for the second consecutive match, registering a career-high six shots to lead Orlando City. His days as a starter may be numbered with Daryl Dike entering the fold, but he's certainly made a case for consistent playing time. Up next is an enticing road match against the New York Red Bulls.
Assists at San Jose
Ellis was injured and subbed out in the 84th minute of Wednesday's 4-0 victory versus San Jose Earthquakes. He assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and two corners before exiting the match.
Analysis: Ellis created Antoine Griezmann's goal just after halftime to give Orlando the 3-0 lead with his third assist in the season. The forward also led his side in duels won (eight) in the match. That was his eighth start in a row in nine overall appearances.
Assists in 4-3 win
Ellis assisted once to go with one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 4-3 win against Inter Miami CF.
Analysis: Ellis provided his second assist of the season in just three starts. He has had a goal involvement in each of these three starts. He has put all four of his shots on target in the last two matches and has created four chances in the last three games.
Another start and goal
Ellis scored one goal to go with three shots (three on goal) in Saturday's 3-2 defeat against D.C. United.
Analysis: Marco Pasalic (thigh) receiving injury treatment in Europe may allow fellow striker Ellis continued starts, as was the case Saturday. The latter delivered again, meaning he has either scored or assisted a goal in both of his last two appearances for Orlando.
Spot start and assist
Ellis assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and three chances created in Wednesday's 4-1 victory against Charlotte FC.
Analysis: With both Marco Pasalic (thigh) and Duncan McGuire (lower leg) out, Ellis logged his current season's first start up front. By assisting fellow striker Martin Ojeda, the former has proved he is worth some time in front of goal during games for at least a little longer.
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