Olivier Giroud Makes Los Angeles FC Debut as a Substitute During Leagues Cup Match 

Aug 13, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles FC forward Olivier Giroud (9) is defended by San Jose Earthquakes defender Rodrigues (26) in the second half at BMO Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports)
Aug 13, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles FC forward Olivier Giroud (9) is defended by San Jose Earthquakes defender Rodrigues (26) in the second half at BMO Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports)
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Olivier Giroud Makes Los Angeles FC Debut as a Substitute During Leagues Cup Match 

Aug 13, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles FC forward Olivier Giroud (9) is defended by San Jose Earthquakes defender Rodrigues (26) in the second half at BMO Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports)
Aug 13, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles FC forward Olivier Giroud (9) is defended by San Jose Earthquakes defender Rodrigues (26) in the second half at BMO Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports)

Olivier Giroud made his Los Angeles FC debut Tuesday night during a Leagues Cup Round of 16 match against the San Jose Earthquakes.

The 37-year-old French striker came on as a substitute in the 71st minute of LAFC's 4-1 victory. He had a chance inside the box in the 90th minute, but his shot was blocked by San Jose's Daniel Munie near the goal.

Giroud signed with LAFC in May and had his first practice with the club on Aug. 3. He comes to the United States after spending 18 years in the top professional leagues in France, England and Italy. That included the past four seasons with AC Milan. He has 285 goals in 716 club matches.

“I wish I could play even more tonight, but it was a good first step. I'm looking forward to the next game,” Giroud said. “I need my fitness back. When you restart a season, you need to work hard at training, but I understand what the manager is expecting from me and I will try to get ready as soon as possible.”

Prior to Tuesday night, Giroud's most recent action was with France last month in the European Championship. He came off the bench in four games, including a 2-1 loss to eventual champion Spain in the semifinals on July 9.

Giroud is the second French player on LAFC, joining goaltender and former national teammate Hugo Lloris.

LAFC is at Seattle on Saturday in a Leagues Cup quarterfinal match.



Arsenal Captain Odegaard Injured on Norway Duty Ahead of Tough Club Games 

Norway's Martin Odegaard makes a corner kick during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Kazakhstan and Norway at Ortalyk Stadium in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (AP)
Norway's Martin Odegaard makes a corner kick during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Kazakhstan and Norway at Ortalyk Stadium in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (AP)
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Arsenal Captain Odegaard Injured on Norway Duty Ahead of Tough Club Games 

Norway's Martin Odegaard makes a corner kick during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Kazakhstan and Norway at Ortalyk Stadium in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (AP)
Norway's Martin Odegaard makes a corner kick during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Kazakhstan and Norway at Ortalyk Stadium in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (AP)

Norway captain Martin Odegaard injured an ankle on Monday ahead of a key series of games for his club Arsenal.

Odegaard covered his face with his hands while being treated on the field midway through the second half of a Nations League game against Austria.

He appeared to turn awkwardly on his left ankle in a tough challenge with Austria midfielder Christoph Baumgartner as both chased and stretched for a loose ball.

Odegaard limped out of the game two minutes later and was consoled by his teammate Erling Haaland.

“It looked bad in the dressing room, too,” Norway coach Stale Solbakken told broadcaster TV 2. “He didn’t have the chance to continue.”

Odegaard was due to return from national team duty into a tough week of away games for Arsenal.

The Gunners first go to London rival Tottenham on Sunday then open their Champions League program at Atalanta, the Europa League winner, four days later in Italy. A visit to Manchester City completes a grueling week on Sept. 22.

Norway was level at 1-1 when Odegaard went off and won the game on Haaland’s 80th-minute goal.