In a thrilling encounter at Providence Park, Olivier Giroud finally found the back of the net for Los Angeles FC, scoring his first Major League Soccer (MLS) goal on Saturday night, April 19, 2025. The 38-year-old French international, who has had a challenging start to his MLS career, executed a stunning free kick in the 45th minute, which not only marked a personal milestone but also sparked a comeback for LAFC in a match that ended in a 3-3 draw against the Portland Timbers.
Giroud, a former star with Arsenal, Chelsea, and AC Milan, had been searching for this moment since joining LAFC in the latter stages of the 2024 regular season. After 16 league appearances without a goal, the pressure was mounting, but he showcased his quality with a spectacular strike that hit the underside of the crossbar before nestling into the net. "Olivier Giroud's first MLS goal is a beauty of a free kick," Major League Soccer tweeted, encapsulating the excitement of the moment.
The match began unfavorably for LAFC, as they fell behind 2-0 early in the game with goals from Felipe Mora and Santiago Moreno. However, Giroud's goal changed the momentum, allowing LAFC to regain their footing. David Martinez leveled the score at 2-2 in the 64th minute, continuing the fight for the Black and Gold. The drama continued until the very end, with Denis Bouanga converting a penalty kick in the 90th minute to secure a point for LAFC.
Despite the draw, the match highlighted both the struggles and potential of LAFC this season. They dominated possession and outshot the Timbers 19-10, winning the expected goals (xG) battle 2.65 to 2.27. This performance came at a crucial time for the team, as head coach Steve Cherundolo announced he would be leaving at the end of the season. His tenure has seen LAFC capture the 2024 U.S. Open Cup title and the 2022 MLS Cup title, but the current season has been a test of consistency.
Giroud's journey to this moment has been anything but straightforward. After an impressive season in Europe where he netted 17 goals across all competitions for AC Milan, expectations were high upon his arrival in MLS. However, adapting to the pace and style of play in the league proved challenging, with Giroud often finding it difficult to fit into the fast-paced attacking system employed by Cherundolo.
Before his stunning free kick, Giroud had only managed to score twice in other competitions for LAFC: once in the 2024 U.S. Open Cup final victory over Sporting Kansas City and another in the Leagues Cup final loss to the Columbus Crew. His long-awaited first league goal has not only relieved pressure on him but may also signal a turning point in his form.
Denis Bouanga, who had been underwhelming in the early stages of the season after winning the MLS Golden Boot in 2023 and 2024, finally found the net in the previous week against the San Jose Earthquakes. The pressure on LAFC's attacking players has been palpable, with the team struggling to convert chances into goals consistently. Bouanga's penalty in the dying moments of the match against Portland was crucial, as it allowed LAFC to walk away with a point rather than a loss.
As the season progresses, LAFC will need to build on this momentum. Currently sitting seventh in the MLS Western Conference with 13 points through nine matches, they face a tough upcoming challenge against St. Louis CITY SC. The need for consistent goal-scoring and solid performances is critical if they wish to climb the standings and secure a playoff spot.
Looking ahead, Giroud's first MLS goal could be the catalyst for a revival in form, not just for him but for the entire LAFC squad. With the right adjustments and continued support from teammates, the French striker may yet prove to be the key to unlocking LAFC's potential this season.
In conclusion, Giroud's free kick was not just a personal achievement; it represented hope for LAFC as they navigate a challenging season. With their next match on the horizon, fans will be eager to see if this moment marks the beginning of a scoring spree for Giroud and a turnaround for the team.
