Olivier Giroud, the seasoned French striker, made his highly anticipated debut for Los Angeles FC on Tuesday night during their Leagues Cup Round of 16 match against the San Jose Earthquakes. The 37-year-old veteran entered the game as a substitute in the 71st minute, injecting a dose of experience into LAFC’s already impressive lineup.
The match ultimately saw LAFC emerge victorious with a 4-1 scoreline, showcasing their dominance throughout the game. Giroud, who joined LAFC in May after a successful 18-year career in the top leagues of France, England, and Italy, had a chance to mark his debut with a goal in the 90th minute. However, his shot was blocked by San Jose’s Daniel Munie, denying him a dream start.
Despite the missed opportunity, Giroud was optimistic about his performance and the future, stating, “I wish I could play even more tonight, but it was a good first step. I’m looking forward to the next game. I need my fitness back. When you restart a season you need to work hard at training, but I understand what the manager is expecting from me and I will try to get ready as soon as possible.”
Giroud’s most recent action came in the European Championship last month, where he appeared as a substitute in four games for France. The seasoned forward will now aim to regain full fitness and contribute to LAFC’s quest for success in the Leagues Cup.
The French veteran joins Hugo Lloris, another former French international, in LAFC’s squad, adding to the team’s international flair. LAFC will next face Seattle in a Leagues Cup quarterfinal match on Saturday, providing Giroud with another opportunity to showcase his skills and continue his adaptation to American soccer.
