LAFC needed extra time but still managed to take down Sporting Kansas City to lift the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
This is the first time that LAFC won the U.S. Open Cup, the oldest soccer competition in the nation. It was also the franchise’s first trip to the finals of the tournament. Kansas City, on the other hand, missed an opportunity to win its fifth U.S. Open Cup.
The U.S. Open Cup finals was a meeting of two teams that haven’t been in the best form lately. LAFC hadn’t won a single match since late August, while Kansas City had just won in its last four games.
Both teams had their chances in the first half, but neither managed to capitalize on them. It wasn’t until the 53rd minute that the deadlock was broken. LAFC’s Olivier Giroud made a smart run in the penalty box and wrestled two defenders to score a goal after a pass.
Kansas City didn’t wait too long to respond. Daniel Salloi received a long pass in the box and laid the ball down to Erik Thommy, who blasted it into the net.
After the regular time ended with 1-1, LAFC proved to be the hungrier team in extra time. Substitute Omar Campos gave the LA team the advantage in the 102nd minute with a well-placed shot from the top of the box.
Veteran forward Kei Kamara then iced the game for LAFC seven minutes later with a header.
The U.S. Open Cup trophy is the fourth trophy for LAFC in its history, a remarkable achievement considering the franchise was only founded in 2014 and made its MLS debut in 2018.
