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.



Double Vision Continues to Plague Sarrazin after Downhill Crash

Alpine Skiing - FIS Alpine Ski World Cup - Men's Downhill - Val Gardena, Italy - December 21, 2024 France's Cyprien Sarrazin reacts after his run. (Reuters)
Alpine Skiing - FIS Alpine Ski World Cup - Men's Downhill - Val Gardena, Italy - December 21, 2024 France's Cyprien Sarrazin reacts after his run. (Reuters)
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Double Vision Continues to Plague Sarrazin after Downhill Crash

Alpine Skiing - FIS Alpine Ski World Cup - Men's Downhill - Val Gardena, Italy - December 21, 2024 France's Cyprien Sarrazin reacts after his run. (Reuters)
Alpine Skiing - FIS Alpine Ski World Cup - Men's Downhill - Val Gardena, Italy - December 21, 2024 France's Cyprien Sarrazin reacts after his run. (Reuters)

French skier Cyprien Sarrazin said he cannot remember everything from the days after his heavy crash at the World Cup downhill event in Bormio, Italy and still suffers from double vision but is on the road to recovery.

Sarrazin was airlifted to the hospital after his crash last month and underwent surgery to drain a bleed in his brain while he also suffered injuries to his foot and knee. He left intensive care earlier this month.

"I feel better day by day. I had some medical examinations... and they are very positive," Sarrazin said in a video posted by the French Ski Federation.

"The only problem that remains is double vision but MRI (scans) said that there is no reason why it can't be completely cured. I'm happy, everything is positive."

The 30-year-old said there were times when he struggled with his memory, adding that he could not remember five days of his recovery period even though he was conscious.

"I'm starting to have all the elements from my fall until now. Everything is clear. I've been explained a lot of things and it felt good," he said.

"I was very lucky. I thank everyone because I'm here on my own two feet and in good health."