Former Chelsea and Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud scored crucially as Los Angeles FC (LAFC) defeated Sporting Kansas City 3-1 to lift the US Open Cup.
The 37-year-old Frenchman, who joined LAFC after leaving AC Milan, tapped in from close range in the 53rd minute to give his side the lead. Although Erik Thommy equalized for Kansas City, LAFC dominated extra time, with Omar Campos and Kei Kamara sealing the win.
Giroud, France’s record scorer with 57 goals, expressed his delight after August’s Leagues Cup final heartbreak saying “I came here to win trophies… I was really sad and disappointed for the team regarding the Leagues Cup. We stuck together and wanted to win this trophy for the fans, the club.”
The victory keeps LAFC’s hopes of a domestic league and cup double alive. Only three teams have achieved this feat that is Chicago Fire, DC United and LA Galaxy.
Sitting fourth in the MLS Western Conference, LAFC is poised to secure a playoff spot.
