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LAFC completed the domestic trophy gauntlet on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium by lifting the club’s first-ever U.S. Open Cup with a 3-1 extra-time win over Sporting Kansas City.
The result rounded out a trophy cabinet which already contains two Supporters’ Shields (2019, 2022) and one MLS Cup (2022).
After losing four consecutive finals in the past two years (CCL, Campeones Cup, MLS Cup, Leagues Cup), the mentality in the Black and Gold locker room was, “just to give ourselves an opportunity to celebrate together” according to Ryan Hollingshead — a task they fought hard to accomplish to end the club’s finals skid.
Ryan Hollingshead on wearing the #LAFC captain’s armband as his team won U.S. Open Cup,
“Cool moment to be able to put the band on, go win the game, lift the cup, and do it for this club that I just love so dearly.” pic.twitter.com/BN8sQxm0Tb
— Justin Ruderman (@JustinRuderman_) September 26, 2024
“I arrived here last year after they won the MLS Cup final. They won Supporters’ Shield. They won everything,” Sergi Palencia said. “Last year, zero trophies, a lot of finals. This year, again [no trophy] with Leagues Cup so it’s a joy to raise this trophy today. The first Open Cup of the club is so special. I’m so happy to be a part of it.”
A tense but sloppy first half gave way to goals in the second half and extra time, kicked off by France’s all-time leading goalscorer Olivier Giroud netting his second LAFC goal in his second LAFC final in the 57th minute despite admittedly being offside.
“As a striker, I always want to make the difference to help the team,” Giroud said. “Tonight was a bit special. I was offside but I stayed as a fox-in-the-box…Two goals in two finals. I hope I will score more and more important goals for the team.”
Mateusz Bogusz, who provided the assist, was also likely offside but without virtual offside line technology available in the competition, there was…
Source link : https://sbisoccer.com/2024/09/lafc-ends-finals-curse-by-lifting-first-u-s-open-cup-trophy
Author : Justin Ruderman
Publish date : 2024-09-26 13:24:49
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