Olivier Giroud made his debut for Los Angeles FC on Tuesday night during a Leagues Cup Round of 16 match against the San Jose Earthquakes.
The 37-year-old French striker entered the game as a substitute in the 71st minute of LAFC’s 4-1 win. He had an opportunity to score in the 90th minute, but his shot was blocked by San Jose’s Daniel Munie close to the goal.
Giroud signed with LAFC in May and first practiced with the team on August 3. He moves to the United States after 18 years playing in top leagues in France, England, and Italy, including the last four seasons with AC Milan. He has scored 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 to get my fitness back. When you start a new season, you need to work hard in training, but I understand what the manager expects from me and I will try to get ready as soon as possible.”
Before Tuesday, Giroud’s last games were with France last month in the European Championship, where he came off the bench in four games, including a 2-1 loss to Spain in the semifinals on July 9.
Giroud is the second French player on LAFC, joining goalkeeper and former national teammate Hugo Lloris.
LAFC will play at Seattle on Saturday in a Leagues Cup quarterfinal match.
