LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles FC (LAFC) achieved a major milestone on Wednesday night, capturing their first US Open Cup title with a 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City in a thrilling final at BMO Stadium. The win marks the club’s first triumph in the prestigious tournament, which is one of the oldest soccer competitions in the United States.
French striker Olivier Giroud, who recently joined Major League Soccer (MLS) this season, opened the scoring in the 53rd minute with his first goal in a final for LAFC. Giroud, who had been active throughout the match but missed key chances in the first half, redeemed himself when he converted a precise pass from Polish midfielder Mateusz Bogusz, putting LAFC in front.
“I came here to win trophies and play in finals like this,” Giroud said after the match. His goal symbolized more than just a personal achievement; it set the tone for a night of celebration for LAFC fans who have been eagerly waiting for this moment.
Despite taking the lead, LAFC’s advantage was quickly neutralized by Sporting Kansas City. Just seven minutes after Giroud’s goal, German midfielder Erik Thommy capitalized on a defensive error from LAFC, firing a powerful shot that equalized the score at 1-1 in the 60th minute. The game remained tightly contested, with both teams missing opportunities to break the deadlock, eventually pushing the match into extra time.
In the extra period, LAFC found renewed energy, and it was Mexican winger Omar Campos who restored the lead for the home side. Campos, who dazzled the crowd throughout the game, showcased his individual brilliance in the 102nd minute, slaloming through defenders before slotting the ball past Sporting Kansas City’s goalkeeper. His goal reignited the LAFC faithful, bringing the stadium to life as victory inched closer.
The final blow to Sporting Kansas City came in the 109th minute when veteran forward Kei Kamara headed in LAFC’s third goal from a perfectly timed cross by Denis Bouanga. Kamara, one of the league’s most experienced players, has been a vital contributor to LAFC’s campaign, and his goal sealed the victory, making the scoreline 3-1 and extinguishing any hope of a Kansas City comeback.
For LAFC, this victory holds immense significance. The club has been competitive since its inception, winning the MLS Cup in 2022, but had faced setbacks in other tournaments, including losses in the Leagues Cup and the Concacaf Champions League finals. The US Open Cup win breaks that string of disappointments and adds another piece of silverware to the club’s growing collection.
This triumph not only validates the team’s vision and ambition but also establishes LAFC as a formidable force in American soccer. After lifting their first-ever US Open Cup, the club and its passionate supporters are basking in the glory of a long-awaited championship, eager for more success in the seasons to come.
LAFC Claims Historic First US Open Cup Title with Extra-Time Brilliance
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles FC (LAFC) made history on Wednesday night, clinching their first-ever US Open Cup title with a 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City in an intense final at BMO Stadium. The match was decided in extra time, with standout performances from Omar Campos and Kei Kamara, cementing LAFC’s place in American soccer history.
Olivier Giroud opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, but it was extra-time magic that secured the victory. Mexican winger Omar Campos dazzled the crowd in the 102nd minute with a stunning solo effort, weaving through defenders and coolly slotting the ball into the net to give LAFC a 2-1 lead. His goal electrified the stadium and shifted momentum firmly in LAFC’s favor.
Sporting Kansas City, who had equalized earlier through Erik Thommy in the 60th minute after Giroud’s opener, fought hard but struggled to regain control as LAFC piled on the pressure.
In the 109th minute, LAFC sealed their victory when veteran forward Kei Kamara, known for his aerial prowess, rose high to head in a perfectly delivered cross from Denis Bouanga. The goal extended LAFC’s lead to 3-1, ensuring that the trophy would stay in Los Angeles.
This triumph is a landmark achievement for LAFC, as the US Open Cup is the oldest soccer tournament in the United States, with a storied history dating back to 1914. It’s often compared to prestigious national cup competitions such as England’s FA Cup or Spain’s Copa del Rey. For LAFC, the win is particularly sweet, as it breaks a streak of three consecutive losses in finals, including the Leagues Cup and Concacaf Champions League.
The victory also marks LAFC’s return to glory, two years after their 2022 MLS Cup triumph. The win not only solidifies their reputation as one of the premier teams in Major League Soccer but also provides a morale boost after the disappointment of recent near-misses.
For the fans who packed BMO Stadium, the victory was a moment of pure elation. As the final whistle blew, the stadium erupted in celebration, with players and supporters alike basking in the joy of their first US Open Cup title. LAFC’s return to winning ways in 2024 has reignited hope and excitement for the future as they continue to build on their already impressive legacy.
With their first US Open Cup trophy in hand, LAFC will now look to carry this momentum forward, aiming to compete for more domestic and international honors in the coming seasons. For now, though, they can celebrate a historic night that will be remembered as a defining moment for the club.
