France's all-time leading goal scorer made his highly-anticipated debut as a substitute vs. San Jose.
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Giroud came off bench to make debut.LAFC on to Leagues Cup semifinals.Only two Liga MX teams remain in tournament.WHAT HAPPENED?
The wait is over. Olivier Giroud made his highly-anticipated debut for Los Angeles Football Club in their 4-1 Leagues Cup rout of the San Jose Earthquakes Tuesday night.
Giroud officially signed with LAFC in mid-May, but the striker has been linked with a move to Major League Soccer for months prior. Los Angeles' fans had to wait even longer for the 37-year-old to make his first appearance for the club, due to his involvement in the 2024 Euros. The towering striker finally graced the pitch for the club, entering BMO Stadium in the 71st minute to roaring applause.
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
An already talented LAFC attack added a much-needed dimension in Giroud. France's all-time leading goalscorer with 57 goals in 137 appearances, Giroud is known for his aerial prowess with his tall 6-foot-4 frame.
Giroud joins 2023 Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga and breakout midfielder Mateusz Bogusz as another focal point in the team's attack. LAFC is heavily-linked with a move for Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann. With MLS's transfer deadline coming to a close Aug. 14, it will be interesting to see if LAFC are able to push forward with the move.
MLS SEMIFINALS SET
LAFC join a predominantly MLS draw in the semifinals.
Earlier in the evening, Columbus stunned Inter Miami. But that wasn't the only surprise of the night. The Philadelphia Union defeated FC Cincinnati 4-2 thanks to a brace from Tai Baribo. NYCFC beat Tigres 2-1 and the Colorado Rapids continued their dream run by shocking Toluca 2-1. Teenage striker Darren Yapi delivered the match-winner for Colorado in the 90+6 mark.
Finally, Liga MX sides America and Mazatlán advance on after beating St. Louis CITY SC and Cruz Azul respectively.
USA TodayDID YOU KNOW?
This is Giroud's ninth club debut after a storied and well-traveled run in Europe, featuring for top sides like Milan, Chelsea, Arsenal and Montpellier.