Los Angeles FC: Double dream lives on after victory in the US Open Cup

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Olivier Giroud hit the target and Los Angeles FC kept their dream of a rare domestic double alive by beating Sporting Kansas City 3-1 to win the U.S. Open Cup final on Wednesday.

Extra-time goals from Mexican defenders Omar Campos and Kei Kamara sealed the win for LAFC, who are also on course to reach this year’s MLS Cup playoffs.

The game went into extra time after former French striker Giroud equalised an opening goal by Kansas City’s Erik Thommy.

The victory was sweet for French veteran Giroud, who also scored in LAFC’s 3-1 loss to Columbus Crew in the Leagues Cup final last month.

“I came here to win trophies, as I said, and to play in a final like this,” said the 37-year-old. “I was really sad and disappointed for the team when it came to the Leagues Cup.”

“We’ve had a difficult period in recent weeks, but we stuck together and really wanted to win this trophy for the fans and the club. It’s important for me and the boys and I’m so happy to have scored a goal in this final and helped the team.”

Giroud, France’s record international goalscorer, gave Los Angeles the lead in the 53rd minute, calmly slotting home a low shot from Mateusz Bogusz on the right.

Loud cheers broke out at LAFC’s BMO Stadium, but the exuberance was short-lived as Kansas City equalized seven minutes later.

Midfielder Thommy stormed into the open space and beat French goalkeeper and 2018 World Cup winner Hugo Lloris at the near post with a shot that deflected slightly and flew into the net.

Thommy’s goal was enough to send the final into extra time, but LAFC missed a golden chance to regain the lead when Bogusz missed from close range and only had to beat Sporting goalkeeper Tim Melia.

In extra time, however, LAFC was able to step it up a gear and took the lead in the 102nd minute with an individual goal from Campos.

The Mexican defender broke in from the left and fired a low shot into the bottom corner before being mobbed by his teammates.

As the clock ran out, it was LAFC’s 40-year-old veteran Kamara who decided the game, impressively heading in a Denis Bouanga cross in the 109th minute.

Los Angeles currently sits fourth in Major League Soccer’s Western Conference standings and has a strong chance of making the playoffs. The team is aiming to become only the third team to win the league and cup double since the MLS was founded in 1996.

Los Angeles Galaxy were the last team to achieve this feat in 2005, making them the only teams alongside DC United and Chicago Fire to win both competitions in the same season.

The US Open Cup is the oldest national soccer competition in the United States and was first held in the 1913–1914 season.