Football : Olivier Giroud Inspires Los Angeles FC To Win US Open Cup

Former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud scored on Wednesday as Los Angeles FC beat Sporting Kansas City 3-1 to win the US Open Cup.

The 37-year-old, who joined the west coast club after leaving AC Milan at the end of last season, scored from a close range to give his team the lead in the 53rd minute.

Kansas City’s Erik Thommy equalised to take the game to extra time, when Mexican defender Omar Campos and Sierra Leonean forward Kei Kamara scored to seal the win.

For Giroud, who retired from France duty in July as the nation’s record scorer with 57 goals, it was important after August’s League Cup final defeat by Columbus Crew.

The victory keeps Los Angeles FC’s hopes of completing a domestic league and cup double alive.

Only three teams have won the double, the LA Galaxy did in 2005 after Chicago Fire and DC United achieved the feat.

Los Angeles FC are fourth in the MLS Western Conference standings and are expected to win a play-off spot this season