France legend Giroud makes LAFC debut in Leagues Cup win

Olivier Giroud made his LAFC debut on Tuesday night as the club defeated the San Jose Earthquakes in the Leagues Cup round of 16.

Giroud came on 71 minutes into the match at BMO Stadium, with the home fans giving the France striker a huge ovation upon his entrance.

LAFC was up 4-1 at the time of Giroud’s entrance, which would end up as the final score.

“I was looking forward to playing on this pitch in front of this amazing crowd, my family and friends also,” Giroud said after the game.

“I received a warm welcome from everyone at the club, the staff and the players, everyone is working as a club. I felt like I was welcomed like a part of the family. I wish I could play even more than tonight, but obviously it’s better to restart step by step and I’m looking forward to the next game.”

The 37-year-old signed for LAFC in May, but wasn’t eligible to play for the MLS club until the transfer window opened in July.

In the meantime, Giroud made four appearances for France at Euro 2024, with the nation’s all-time leading men’s scorer calling time on his international career after his country’s run ended in the semifinal.

Next up for LAFC is a Leagues Cup quarterfinal at the Seattle Sounders on Saturday night. The winner will face either Club América or the Colorado Rapids in the semifinals.

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