Los Angeles FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes: Olivier Giroud’s Anticipated MLS Debut in Leagues Cup Showdown

As the 2024 edition of the Leagues Cup enters its round of 16, the highly anticipated match between Los Angeles FC (LAFC) and San Jose Earthquakes is set to take place on Tuesday, August 13, at BMO Stadium. The game, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. PT, promises to be a thrilling encounter, especially with the potential debut of French football legend Olivier Giroud for LAFC. Fans can catch the action live on Apple TV using the MLS Season Pass or tune in to radio coverage on the ESPN LA app, 710 AM ESPN, and KFWB 980 AM LA Mera Mera.

The Kaiser Permanente player status report has been released ahead of the match, providing crucial updates on the health and availability of LAFC players. This report also includes special invitations and offers for fans, along with updates from the LAFC Academy. Moreover, it highlights various community involvement opportunities, allowing fans to engage with the team beyond the pitch. With LAFC playing at home, they will be looking to leverage their strong record at BMO Stadium to secure a win against the San Jose Earthquakes and advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

LAFC head coach Steven Cherundolo has confirmed that Olivier Giroud will make his debut for the team in this crucial match. Giroud, who was signed on a free transfer in April, officially joined the team on August 1 after fulfilling his commitments with the French national team in the European Championship. The veteran striker had an impressive season with AC Milan, scoring 15 goals and recording eight assists in 35 regular-season matches. His addition to the LAFC roster is expected to provide a significant boost to the team’s attacking prowess.

Giroud’s arrival has been met with high expectations, not just from fans but also from his teammates. Fellow Frenchman Hugo Lloris believes that Giroud’s leadership and experience will have an immediate impact on the team. Lloris praised Giroud’s ability to guide younger players and contribute to the team’s overall development. Giroud himself expressed his excitement about joining MLS, stating that he had always wanted to play in the league and felt that this was the right time to make the move. After 18 years of playing in top professional leagues like Ligue 1, Premier League, and Serie A, where he scored a total of 285 goals in 716 club matches, Giroud is ready to take on a new challenge in the United States.

Interestingly, Giroud revealed that he was contacted by LA Galaxy in 2021 but chose to sign with AC Milan instead. He sees his move to LAFC as destiny, believing that it was meant to be. Giroud’s first game in the Leagues Cup will be a significant moment for both him and the team, as they look to make the most of his skills and experience to secure a victory over the Earthquakes. The winner of this match will advance to the tournament’s quarterfinal round, where they will face either Seattle Sounders FC or Pumas UNAM on Saturday, August 17.

Los Angeles FC comes into this match with a strong track record in must-win situations. They advanced to the round of 16 with a 2-0 win over Austin FC, showcasing their ability to sustain pressure and capitalize on counter-attacks. LAFC has a formidable home record, having won all of their knockout stage matches at BMO Stadium last season by a combined margin of 11-1. The team has only dropped four points in the 2024 MLS regular season when scoring the opening goal, and they have never lost to an MLS team in the knockout stage of the Leagues Cup.

On the other hand, San Jose Earthquakes surprised many with their 5-0 victory over Necaxa in the round of 32. Despite being at the bottom of the MLS standings, the Earthquakes put on a dominant performance, even before an Alan Montes red card gave them a man advantage. Interim head coach Ian Russell, who took over in June, has a chance to win consecutive games for the first time since his appointment. However, the Earthquakes have struggled away from home, losing four consecutive matches against MLS opponents and not winning a game away from home under Russell’s tenure.

San Jose’s recent form and away record will be a challenge for them as they face a formidable LAFC side. The Earthquakes have not beaten LAFC at BMO Stadium since 2020, and their leaky backline could be exploited by LAFC’s potent attack. Despite some key players potentially missing from LAFC’s lineup, including Timothy Tillman, Luis Muller, and Lorenzo Dellavalle, the team will be bolstered by the presence of new signing Olivier Giroud. San Jose also has players dealing with injuries, including Carlos Akapo and Jamar Ricketts, but they have added Emi Ochoa, Cruz Medina, and Niko Tsakiris to their lineup after their return from international duty.

In their last match, San Jose Earthquakes had a strong showing with a 5-0 victory, led by a brace from Jeremy Ebobisse. LAFC’s possible starting lineup includes goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and forward Denis Bouanga, who scored an 11th-minute goal in their last match. Bouanga’s goals have been instrumental for LAFC this season, and the team will rely on his scoring and assist record in past Leagues Cup matches. The defense will also be key to their success, as they look to maintain their strong home record and advance to the next round of the tournament.

San Jose Earthquakes’ possible lineup includes goalkeeper William Yarbrough and forward Jeremy Ebobisse, who currently leads the tournament with four goals. The Earthquakes will come into this match with a sense of freedom and a desire to pull off an upset, despite their poor league form. They have scored eight goals in Leagues Cup play under interim coach Ian Russell and will be looking to use the tournament as a way to improve their overall performance. However, LAFC’s experience and opportunism should give them the upper hand in this encounter.

The prediction for this match is that LAFC will win 3-1, with Olivier Giroud expected to make a significant impact. Giroud’s availability adds excitement and intrigue to the match, as fans eagerly await his debut. LAFC head coach Steven Cherundolo has confirmed that Giroud will be available for selection, although it remains unclear if he will start the match. Regardless, Giroud’s presence on the field is likely to inspire his teammates and boost their performance.

This Leagues Cup match between LAFC and San Jose Earthquakes is not just about advancing to the next round; it’s also an opportunity for both teams to make a statement. For LAFC, it’s a chance to showcase their strength and depth, particularly with the addition of a world-class player like Giroud. For San Jose, it’s an opportunity to redeem their season and prove that they can compete with the best, despite their current standing in the MLS. As the teams prepare to face off at BMO Stadium, fans can expect a thrilling and competitive match filled with moments of brilliance and high stakes.

In conclusion, the upcoming Leagues Cup round of 16 match between Los Angeles FC and San Jose Earthquakes promises to be an exciting encounter, highlighted by the potential debut of Olivier Giroud. With both teams eager to advance to the quarterfinals, the match is set to deliver high-intensity action and memorable moments. Fans will be watching closely to see how Giroud integrates into the LAFC squad and whether his presence can help propel the team to victory. As the anticipation builds, one thing is certain: this is a match that no soccer enthusiast will want to miss.