What a moment to score your first LAFC goal.
Legendary French striker Olivier Giroud opened his Black & Gold account during Sunday's Leagues Cup 2024 final at Lower.com Field, rising highest to head the ball home in the 57th minute.
However, Giroud's special moment couldn't help LAFC avoid defeat, with Cucho Hernández scoring a brace to lead the Columbus Crew to a 3-1 victory.
Since joining LAFC this summer, France's all-time leading goal-scorer has made four appearances for the club, with his first start coming in Sunday's final.
"I thought as the game went on he got better and better," head coach Steve Cherundolo said post-match. "He's still gaining fitness and still working on getting match fitness and sharpness so he can be an influential part of our attack."
Giroud's status for Wednesday's US Open Cup semifinal at Seattle Sounders FC is uncertain (10:30 pm ET | Apple TV - Free). With apparent left-knee pain, he was replaced by Kei Kamara in the 78th minute.
"Olivier, I don't know anything yet," Cherundolo said. "But he seems to be fine."
If available, Giroud could make his MLS debut on Saturday when LAFC host Houston Dynamo FC at BMO Stadium (10:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass).
