VANCOUVER ENDS LAFC'S UNBEATEN STREAK IN GIROUD'S FAREWELL MATCH

On a night that blended celebration with farewell, BMO Stadium pulsed with pride, community, and emotion as Los Angeles FC returned from a three-week break. The club hosted its annual Pride Night, honoring LGBTQ+ voices with vibrant pageantry, while also marking Olivier Giroud’s final appearance in Black & Gold. From the moment Mariachi Arcoiris, the world’s first LGBTQ+ mariachi band, performed the U.S. national anthem to the soaring flight of Olly the falcon above a sea of Pride flags and club banners, the atmosphere was electric. The famous 3252 supporters’ section amplified the energy with nonstop chants, drums, and a sea of waving flags. Despite the color and passion in the stands, LAFC fell short on the pitch, suffering a narrow 1–0 defeat to the visiting Vancouver Whitecaps.

On the field, despite controlling possession in the opening stages, LAFC couldn’t find a way through early. A few shots from the edge of the box—most notably by Giroud—called for attention but failed to test the Vancouver keeper seriously. Unfortunately,  Vancouver struck in the 20th minute when Emmanuel Sabbi pounced on a rare chance, converting a close-range finish that ultimately proved decisive. Crucially, just minutes earlier (around the 18th), Vancouver forced an early substitution as Ralph Priso replaced an injured Andres Cubas. That change bolstered Vancouver’s midfield resilience and subtly disrupted LAFC’s rhythm, likely paving the way for their breakthrough goal. 

The remainder of the first half saw LAFC maintain their pressure, with Vancouver’s Tate Johnson receiving a yellow card in the 25th minute for a particularly poor challenge. After seven minutes of added time, the teams returned to the tunnel without adding to the scoreline. By halftime, LAFC were trailing by a single goal. Though the team’s frustration was evident, their determination remained intact. 

The second half saw a flurry of discipline, with yellow cards for Priso and LAFC’s Artem Smoliakov at the 57th minute. Manager Steve Cherundolo sought a spark in the 60th minute, bringing on Mark Delgado, Ryan Hollingshead, David Martinez, and Nathan Ordaz to reshape the attack but despite the buoyant home support, BMO Stadium fell tragically silent after three added minutes as Vancouver held firm.

This defeat abruptly ended LAFC’s nine-game unbeaten MLS run, a streak that culminated with their 3–1 victory over Sporting Kansas City on June 8, marking their final match before departing for the FIFA Club World Cup. Despite returning from their Club World Cup campaign (where they were eliminated by Flamengo), LAFC entered tonight’s match hoping to carry that momentum forward. However, Vancouver’s disciplined, compact defense and Emamanuel Sabbi’s clinical strike proved too much to overcome.

In the postgame press conference, Coach Steve Cherundolo expressed his frustration with the attacking unit, noting that the forwards had played “individualistically,” lacked patience in their build-up play, and failed to exhibit the necessary quality and togetherness. He emphasized the team’s mental side, pointing out a clear deficiency in discipline and positional integrity that contributed to the loss but said the team would regroup and continue pushing forward. 

The rivalry between these clubs, intensified since April 2023, was on full display with this being their 14th meeting. Last month’s 2–2 draw hinted at sequel fireworks, but tonight Vancouver nudged ahead with a narrow victory.

Olivier Giroud’s appearance against Vancouver was his final match in the Black & Gold, capping a heartfelt farewell to LAFC. In the postgame press conference, he expressed deep gratitude and emotion, stating he would “deeply miss” his teammates, the fans, and the club’s vibrant culture. Turning the page, he looks forward to rejoining Lille in Ligue 1, a move that brings him closer to family, back in his native France, and into a system better suited to his “target-man” strengths. Giroud remains committed to wishing LAFC all the best as he seeks a final chapter on home soil.

Looking ahead, LAFC must regroup on the road. Their next match is away against LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 4, with the next home date set for July 19. The chants, the celebration of inclusion, and the vibrant atmosphere were all potent reminders of LAFC’s collective spirit but soccer is ultimately decided on the pitch. This one revealed the razor-thin margins that define MLS and hinged on Vancouver’s opportunism. For LAFC, the journey continues with lessons learned and resolve renewed.

Written by: Ana Oquendo

Photographed by: Steven Esperanza