Los Angeles FC striker since last July, Olivier Giroud has yet to score in MLS. He is not his team's penalty taker for the end of the season.
Certainly, Olivier Giroud has already experienced worse periods. But his debut at Los Angeles FC was not a great success. After joining his friend 2018 world champion Hugo Lloris last July, the 38-year-old striker has not scored in 11 MLS matches played with his new Californian club. For the moment, he has only scored in the Leagues Cup (the summer competition mixing American and Mexican clubs) and in the US Open Cup (the United States Cup).
Giroud did not shake the net (nor gave an assist) during LAFC's 2-1 victory against the Vancouver Whitecaps, last Sunday in the City of Angels, in the round of 16 first leg of the MLS playoffs. The Canadians reduced the gap after added time – much to the chagrin of Lloris – and the outcome of the return match, Sunday in British Columbia, remains uncertain.
Giroud eclipsed by Bouanga
The former Arsenal striker knows that he is definitely not in charge of taking the penalties in his team. The other French player in the Angeleno squad, Gabonese international Denis Bouanga (native of Le Mans), converted LAFC's penalty last Sunday. The former Stéphanois is clearly the offensive crack of the team. He has now scored 28 goals this season and scored 38 last year!
In the event of qualification, Los Angeles FC will face the winner of Seattle-Houston (0-0 first leg). Note that Inter Miami of
Lionel Messi beat Atlanta 2-1 in the round of 16 first leg. David Beckham's club was chosen by Fifa to participate in the 2024 Club World Cup in the United States after its first place in the regular season rankings. However, it is the playoffs which will produce the 2024 MLS champion, at the end of the final on December 7.
