LAFC once again claim championship glory, seizing their inaugural US Open Cup trophy after a gripping 3-1 extra-time victory over Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday night. This momentous win unfolded before a fervent, energized crowd at BMO Stadium, marking a turning point for the Black & Gold, who had endured four consecutive final heartbreaks — notably falling short in both the 2024 Leagues Cup and the 2023 MLS Cup against Columbus Crew. Their last taste of major silverware came with the MLS Cup in 2022.
Omar Campos cemented his place in LAFC’s storied history, delivering the decisive blow in extra time. His low-driven shot, fired into the far corner in the 102nd minute, broke the deadlock and sent waves of euphoria through the stands. Then, just seven minutes later, veteran striker Kei Kamara, capitalizing on a pinpoint cross from Denis Bouanga, secured the victory with a powerful header. In a moment of poetic justice, Kamara helped vanquish the team he once led to a US Open Cup title over a decade ago.
Earlier in the match, Olivier Giroud, the French football legend and recent acquisition from AC Milan, opened the scoring in the 53rd minute. Giroud’s finish came after a beautifully orchestrated low cross from Mateusz Bogusz, marking his second goal in a final for LAFC since his summer arrival. However, LAFC’s joy was short-lived as Sporting Kansas City’s Erik Thommy answered swiftly. The midfielder unleashed a ferocious first-time strike, blasting the ball under the crossbar to level the score at 1-1 on the hour mark.
Nevertheless, LAFC’s resilience shone brightly in extra time, thanks to the decisive contributions from Campos and Kamara. With these goals, the Black & Gold secured their third major title under head coach Steve Cherundolo, a triumph that could act as a much-needed catalyst for the remainder of the regular season and their upcoming Audi MLS Cup Playoffs campaign.
The Broader Implication: Steve Cherundolo can finally lay to rest the murmurs of LAFC’s recent stumbles in finals since their MLS Cup triumph in 2022. This victory, achieved in dramatic fashion at BMO Stadium, offers the momentum the team needs as they approach the business end of the season. On the other hand, Sporting Kansas City’s hopes for a fifth US Open Cup title were dashed, and with their playoff dreams already extinguished, the focus will inevitably turn towards rebuilding for next season.
This victory not only ends a streak of near misses for LAFC but signals a resurgence for a team with eyes set on further accomplishments in the months ahead.