US OPEN CUP
LAFC wins US Open Cup: how many titles has it won?
The Los Angeles franchise was crowned champion after the final had to go into extra time. Giroud, Campos and Kamara scored the goals.
This Wednesday marked a historic moment for Los Angeles FC as they secured their first Lamar Hunt US Open Cup title after defeating Sporting Kansas City at BMO Stadium. Despite needing extra time, Steve Cherundolo’s squad was sharp enough to avoid a penalty shootout. Olivier Giroud, Omar Campos, and Kei Kamara scored the goals for the Black & Gold, sealing the victory.
Previously the franchise had tasted success with the 2022 MLS Cup and triumphs in the Supporters’ Shield in both 2019 and 2022.
Extra-time needed for cup win
After the first 45 minutes ended goalless, it was the 37-year-old French striker, Giroud, who opened the scoring for LAFC early in the second half. With a well-placed assist from Mateusz Bogusz on the right, Giroud slotted in for 1-0, despite Tim Melia’s best efforts.
However, the lead was short-lived for the Black & Gold, as Kansas equalized in the 60th minute through German midfielder Erik Thommy. Following a careless loss of possession by Timothy Tillman, Johnny Russell sent a cross-field pass to Dániel Sallói, who set up Thommy in the box. His expertly placed shot went in at the near post, beating Hugo Lloris to make it 1-1.
Despite LAFC’s persistent efforts to test Melia’s goal, the match remained tied at the end of regulation time, requiring an additional 30 minutes to determine the new champion of the US Open Cup. Before the 90 minutes were up, Giroud, Aaron Long, and Lewis O’Brien had to be substituted, as Cherundolo looked to refresh his squad.
Omar Campos and Kei Kamara solved everything
The goal that restored LAFC’s lead came from Omar Campos in the 102nd minute. After Denis Bouanga attempted to break into the opposing penalty area but was thwarted by solid defending, Campos, the Mexican full-back who arrived from Santos Laguna, cut inside from the left and unleashed a right-footed shot that completely outfoxed Sporting’s goalkeeper.
The goal that sealed LAFC’s championship came in the 109th minute from Kei Kamara. The striker headed in a superb cross from Bouanga, beating Melia at the near post. The Black & Gold fans began celebrating their latest title. With this victory, LAFC now adds the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup to their trophy cabinet, alongside the MLS Cup (2022), Supporters’ Shield (2019, 2022), and the Western Conference trophy (2022, 2023).