World Cup champion Olivier Giroud was the first LAFC player to walk into the training facility early Saturday for his first day of practice with his new club. Three days after his arrival from France, LAFC’s new Designated Player entered an environment that is geared toward winning titles, and a roster that so far in 2024 has performed up to its lofty ambitions.
“I'm not the oldest fittest guy on the team anymore,” said 39-year-old striker Kei Kamara, who is two years older than Giroud, with a similar physical makeup. “Somebody else comes in here that looks super fit … He did his homework, too. He studied everybody's names, he knows everyone, and he's blending in nicely.”
One of the trophies LAFC is seeking in 2024 will be handed out on August 25, at the Leagues Cup final. To get there, LAFC must get past Austin FC on Wednesday night in a Leagues Cup knockout-round match whose winner advances to the Round of 16 and a date with either Liga MX club Necaxa, or the San Jose Earthquakes. Click here to view the full Leagues Cup 2024 knockout stage bracket.
FREQUENT FOES FACE OFF
LAFC enters Wednesday’s match riding a hot hand, with a 14W-1L-3D record over its last 18 matches across all competitions, having outscored opponents 43-15 over that span.
Austin has been on a run of good form as well, including Leagues Cup Group Stage wins over Mexican titans Pumas UNAM and C.F. Monterrey (the team that bounced LAFC from Leagues Cup last year in the quarterfinals).
Two of MLS’ youngest teams, LAFC (2018) and Austin (2021) debuted just three years apart. The last time LAFC faced Austin in a knockout match was the 2022 MLS Western Conference final, when LAFC defeated the Verde at BMO Stadium, 3-0. The only current LAFC players who were on that day’s active roster are 2022 MLS Cup champions Denis Bouanga, Ryan Hollingshead, Jesús Murillo, and Ilie Sánchez. Those four will now watch Giroud stride into BMO Stadium for the next installment in the rivalry, although the newly arrived Frenchman will not play.
“Integrating him into the team has been super fast, he is already a well-liked guy in the locker room,” Cherundolo said of Giroud. “We’re really looking forward to adding him to our squad, but he'll have to wait at least another couple of days. He won't be ready for tomorrow and then we'll reassess after the game and see where we’re at for the next decision.”
At his first training session, France’s all-time leading scorer appeared fast and fit during a series of high-tempo possession and passing drills conducted in 80-degree heat. Giroud and his new teammates turned in a similar session on Monday, before reducing their workload on match-prep Tuesday.
“I think we're in a good spot,” Cherundolo said. “Training has been very good, freshness is there, the players look hungry, eager to get back on the pitch and compete. That has been the signal all week after a few days off. So all good signs, and I'm really looking forward to the matchup tomorrow.”
LUCA AND THE AMERICANS
LAFC2 defender Luca Bombino, who donned the No. 15 shirt, started and played all 90 minutes for the United States’ U-20 mens squad in its 2-1 semifinal win over Panama in the Concacaf U-20 Championships on Friday.
Bombino and his teammates fell in Sunday’s final, 2-1, to Mexico. The match was tied 1-1 at full time and was extended to two extra periods. Bombino played all 120 minutes; he did not come off the field for the U.S. the entire tournament.
BOUT AT BMO
LAFC players were on hand Saturday night as their home pitch was converted into a boxing ring for Terence Crawford’s unanimous decision victory over Israil Madrimov at BMO Stadium. Crawford remained undefeated and captured the WBA junior middleweight title following a pre-fight performance by Eminem.
On August 9 and 11, fifteen-time Grammy winners and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Foo Fighters will play BMO Stadium.
LAFC hosts Austin FC in the Round of 32 of Leagues Cup on Wednesday, August 7, at BMO Stadium. Kickoff time is 7:30 p.m. PT. The match will be available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, 710 AM ESPN LA, the ESPN LA app, and 980 AM La Mera Mera. Click here for *tickets*.
