Former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud played a key role in Los Angeles FC’s 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City to claim the US Open Cup title.
The 37-year-old, who joined LAFC after leaving AC Milan at the end of last season, scored from close range in the 53rd minute to give his team the lead. Kansas City’s Erik Thommy equalized, forcing the match into extra time, where Mexican defender Omar Campos and Sierra Leonean forward Kei Kamara found the net to secure the win.
For Giroud, who retired from international football in July as France’s all-time top scorer with 57 goals, the triumph was especially important following LAFC’s loss to Columbus Crew in the Leagues Cup final in August.
“I came here to win trophies and play in these kinds of finals,” Giroud said. “I was really disappointed for the team after the Leagues Cup, but we stuck together and wanted to win this trophy for the fans and the club. Scoring in this final and helping the team means a lot to me.”
The win keeps LAFC’s hopes alive for a domestic league and cup double, a feat only achieved by three teams, most recently LA Galaxy in 2005. LAFC currently sit fourth in the MLS Western Conference and are expected to secure a playoff spot.