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The Hindu
32 minutes ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
French striker Olivier Giroud parts ways with MLS club LAFC after disappointing year
Olivier Giroud is parting ways with Los Angeles FC after one disappointing year with the Major League Soccer (MLS) club. The 38-year-old Giroud and LAFC announced the decision on Friday on social media. He will play in his final match on Sunday night at home against Vancouver. After scoring only five goals in 37 matches for LAFC, Giroud will become a free agent after his departure. He is widely expected to join Lille, which finished fifth in the French league last season, on a free transfer. 'I want to thank all of the fans, my teammates and the staff at LAFC for making this an enjoyable stop in my career,' Giroud said in a statement. 'I am happy to have played a part in the success of LAFC. From winning a trophy last season to participating in the Club World Cup, this has been a great experience in LA for me and my family.' Giroud joined LAFC in July 2024 as a designated player after a long European career highlighted by prolific tenures with Arsenal and Chelsea. The top goal-scorer in the history of France's national team was expected to provide dynamic offense alongside MLS stars and fellow Frenchmen Denis Bouanga and Hugo Lloris. Instead, Giroud clearly struggled to adapt to the MLS game and to LAFC's counter-attacking style under coach Steve Cherundolo. LAFC also failed to figure out ways to involve Giroud in the offense consistently, unable to provide service to one of the sport's most dangerous finishers earlier in his career. Giroud usually played as a substitute for LAFC, and he didn't score his first MLS goal until last April 19. He did find the net in big moments, scoring in the US Open Cup final last season and in the Leagues Cup final. 'Olivier has been an exemplary professional during his time at LAFC,' general manager John Thorrington said. 'He brought humility and a winning mentality that helped elevate everyone around him. Olivier has been a tremendous ambassador for the club on and off the field. We are grateful for his contributions.' LAFC is suddenly a team in full transition after a winless three-game run at the Club World Cup earlier this month. Cherundolo already has announced he will leave the club to move back to Germany after the season, and LAFC could be down to Bouanga as its only designated player by next month. LAFC added Dutch winger Javairô Dilrosun on loan from Club América earlier this month, but the loan is only through July 24. Dilrosun replaced Cengiz Ünder, whose disappointing MLS tenure ended this month. LAFC's lengthy pursuit of Antoine Griezmann also came up fruitless earlier this month when the French star extended his contract with Atlético Madrid through 2027. LAFC (7-4-5) still sits sixth in the Western Conference standings with two or three games in hand on every club above it, and it has an infusion of cash from beating América in a play-in match to reach the Club World Cup.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
MLS Faces FIFA Fire on Promotion and Relegation
MLS Faces FIFA Fire on Promotion and Relegation originally appeared on Athlon Sports. FIFA president Gianni Infantino is rattling cages in American soccer. He's urging Major League Soccer (MLS) to adopt promotion and relegation, a system defining global soccer leagues. Citing Wrexham AFC's meteoric climb from non-league to England's Championship, Infantino argues it fuels competition absent in MLS's closed structure. Advertisement Wrexham's Hollywood-backed saga, fueled by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, showcases soccer's underdog magic. Promotion and relegation let minnows dream big, toppling giants through grit. MLS, like the NFL or NBA, operates as a sealed fortress, with franchise fees soaring past $500 million, making owners wary of risking relegation according to Infantino's vision isn't just romantic; it's strategic. A 2016 study revealed 88% of 1,000 U.S. soccer fans backed promotion and relegation, craving heightened stakes says Yet, MLS's stability, with 2024 attendance hitting 11.4 million, suggests fans aren't fleeing its current model. 'It has to must be discussed with common sense and a dialogue in a positive spirit' - Gianni Infantino said in a 2025 fireside chat with Fox Sports. The United Soccer League (USL), MLS's rival, is stealing a march. In 2025, USL owners voted to launch a three-tier system with promotion and relegation by 2027, challenging MLS's dominance according to This move amplifies pressure on MLS to evolve or risk being outshone. Advertisement Infantino's claim that soccer will eclipse all U.S. sports in 'three to four, maximum five years' feels audacious. A 2025 poll of 2,501 Americans showed only 14% follow soccer, trailing football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and even the Olympics ( His timeline seems more hope than reality. MLS owners face a $500 million gamble. Relegation could devalue franchises, spooking investors who banked on guaranteed top-flight status says Unlike Wrexham's fairy tale, MLS clubs lack the cultural roots to survive a drop, critics argue. Football Role Models - Rob and Ryan are winning with Wrexham.(Photo by) Wrexham AFC's value has surged since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchased the club for $2.55 million in 2021. As of April 2025, following their third successive promotion to the EFL Championship, football finance expert Kieran Maguire estimated the club's valuation at approximately $191 million (£150 million). This marks a 7,400% increase from the 2021 price. Yet, Infantino's push taps into soccer's global soul. Promotion and relegation reward ambition, not just wallets. European giants like Manchester United thrive under this pressure, per UEFA's 2024 report. Advertisement MLS's closed shop has drawbacks. Stagnant teams face no real penalty, dulling competition. Fans crave the drama Wrexham embodies, where every match pulses with consequence. The USL's bold experiment looms large. If successful, it could force MLS's hand, reshaping American soccer. Infantino's dream hinges on MLS embracing risk over comfort. FIFA's challenge is clear: evolve or stagnate. MLS must weigh its fortress against soccer's beating heart. Will it dare to dream like Wrexham? This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Malay Mail
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Malay Mail
French striker Giroud to leave LAFC after just over a year, to play last game on Sunday
LOS ANGELES, June 28 — Olivier Giroud, France's all-time top goalscorer, and Los Angeles FC have mutually agreed to part ways, the MLS club announced on yesterday. The 38-year-old striker, who joined LAFC in May 2024 from AC Milan, will play his last match for the team on Sunday against Vancouver. 'Olivier has been an exemplary professional during his time at LAFC,' team co-president and general manager John Thorrington said. 'He brought humility and a winning mentality that helped elevate everyone around him.' Giroud has been heavily linked with a move to Ligue 1 club Lille, according to several media reports in France. Giroud helped LAFC reach the 2024 Leagues Cup final, where he scored his first goal for the club. He also scored in the 2024 US Open Cup final, helping LAFC win the trophy for the first time. 'I want to thank all of the fans, my teammates and the staff at LAFC for making this an enjoyable stop in my career,' Giroud said. 'I am happy to have played a part in the success of LAFC.' Giroud has scored nearly 300 goals in more than 700 club matches, winning major trophies at Montpellier, Arsenal, Chelsea and AC Milan. The 2018 World Cup winner leads France's all-time scoring charts with 57 goals. — AFP
Vancouver Sun
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Vancouver Whitecaps look to snap two-game skid against Los Angeles FC
The Vancouver Whitecaps are in unfamiliar territory and looking to snap a losing skid. A 5-3 defeat to expansion side San Diego FC on Wednesday marked Vancouver's second loss in a row. It's the first time this season the team has dropped back-to-back games. The result saw the Whitecaps (10-3-5) slip to the No. 2 spot in Major League Soccer's Western Conference. They'll strive to reclaim first place Sunday when they visit Los Angeles FC (7-4-5). Even after a pair of losses, there's no panic among the 'Caps, said head coach Jesper Sorensen. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'It's about believing in what we should be good at and what we should be doing well,' he said. 'We're in a very good position. We've earned our position. So we earned the right to step aside a couple of times. But we, of course, have to get back into winning things as well. But it's a difficult position.' There are lessons to be taken from Wednesday's loss, he added, including that the team needs to play with courage and without hesitation. 'Of course we got punished pretty hard,' the coach said. 'That's what it is. But also that we shouldn't wait to start taking initiative — we should take it right away.' LAFC is a team Vancouver knows well — Sunday's matchup will mark the 14th time the two sides have clashed since April 2023. The last bout came May 11 at B.C. Place , where the 'Caps fell behind early before rallying to earn a 2-2 draw. The Whitecaps need to play with more intensity to collect all three points this time out, said defender Mathias Laborda. 'We have to step forward and do a good game,' he said. With elite players — including striker Denis Bouanga — on the roster, L.A. presents a number of offensive threats, Laborda added. 'They're a really good team. They have really good players with quality. So we expect a really good game,' he said. L.A. is coming off a tough run at the FIFA Club World Cup where they finished at the bottom of their group with two losses and a draw, but is unbeaten in the club's last nine MLS games (4-5-0). The club is one of the better teams Vancouver has faced this season, Sorensen said, and Sunday's contest will be a difficult one. 'We know that they have some players we have to give special attention to. We know they have some things in their play that they're very good at and we have to take care of,' the coach said. 'But we also know we're a pretty good team ourselves and we have to also believe and trust in what we are doing. And then believe that that's how we're going to win the game.' NEXT GAME Sunday Vancouver Whitecaps vs. LAFC 7 p.m., BMO Stadium Goodbye Giroud: Olivier Giroud is set to play his final game for LAFC on Sunday. The club announced Friday that is has 'mutually parted ways' with the famed French striker. Giroud signed with L.A. in May 2024, but has struggled in MLS, putting up five goals in 37 games across all competitions. Home field advantage? : LAFC has been solid at BMO Stadium this year, posting a 6-1-1 record in MLS play. The Whitecaps have been one of the league's best road teams, though, and are 4-1-3 away from B.C. Place . Locked down : Despite giving up five goals on Wednesday, Vancouver has conceded the fewest goals in the Western Conference (19) and is tied with San Diego for the best goal differential (+15) in the West.
CTV News
6 hours ago
- Sport
- CTV News
Defender Zane Monlouis the latest to join Toronto FC's growing injury list
Toronto FC defender Zane Monlouis (12) looks for an open teammate during the first half of an MLS soccer match against FC Cincinnati, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Tanner Pearson) TORONTO — The hurt continues for Toronto FC, with defender Zane Monlouis the latest player to be sidelined. The former England youth international, who left the Arsenal under-23 side to sign with TFC in February, fell awkwardly while trying to make a tackle in Wednesday's 1-1 draw with the visiting New York Red Bulls. He fell to the ground, clutching his groin area, and had to be helped off the field. 'It's going to be a long-term injury again,' Toronto coach Robin Fraser said after training Friday. 'Something in the hip, groin area. And these sort of things, they seem to take quite a while. 'With regards to injuries, if we didn't have bad luck, we'd have no luck, it seems like.' Toronto (3-10-5) was missing eight players mid-week, six injured and two on international duty, prompting Fraser to deploy the 21-year-old Monlouis, primarily a centre back, at right back. The injured were defenders Kobe Franklin, Nicksoen Gomis and Henry Wingo, midfielders Jonathan Osorio and Markus Cimermancic, and winger Federico Bernardeschi. Fullback/wingback Richie Laryea and midfielder Deybi Flores are with Canada and Honduras, respectively, at the Gold Cup. Gomis is gone for the season after surgery to repair his Achilles tendon, while Wingo was seen on crutches this week. 'It'll be a couple of months, I think,' Fraser said when asked about Wingo's possible return. Bernardeschi, meanwhile, is suffering from a 'lingering' lower-body injury. Fraser did not seem hopeful that any of the walking wounded might be back for Saturday's visit by the Portland Timbers. 'It does feel like a MASH unit at times. We've had incredibly bad luck,' he said. 'Injuries are part of the game and it happens. But when you get this number of injuries — and different types and different severities and different durations — it does feel odd. Because there are years when you basically have very few if any (injuries). And those years feel completely normal. You forget about what this feels like when you're having one of those years.' It seems like a while since TFC has had one of those good years. Toronto is winless in its last four games (0-3-1) and winless in five at home (0-4-1). On the plus side, forward Deandre Kerr saw 14 minutes of action mid-week in Toronto's first game in 25 days. It was his first involvement since suffering a high ankle sprain March 29. Osorio, who suffered a lower-body injury training with Canada, was seen running with a trainer in the portion of training open to media on Friday. It seemed to speak volumes that despite all the absences Wednesday, Italian designated player Lorenzo Insigne was glued to the bench. Fraser said later he wanted to give some of his younger players their opportunity — hardly a vote of confidence in a player who is earning US$15.4 million this season. Portland (8-4-6) arrives in fourth place in the Western Conference. The Timbers had to settle for a 1-1 draw with visiting San Jose on Wednesday after conceding a 94th-minute equalizer. Portland had won two straight before that. 'Collectively, they have a very aggressive mindset when they go forward. They're a difficult team to deal with because of that,' said Fraser. 'Their athleticism is the sort of thing that bodes really well for this league but they have athletic players who are also talented, skilful.' Portland manager Phil Neville was quick to praise Toronto. 'I think they're a dangerous team,' he said. 'You watch their last five or six games, they've been in every single game. They're at the point of the season where they're going to have to go for it. They need points.' Portland's Jonathan Rodríguez, Ariel Lassiter and Brazil's Anthony are dealing with injuries. The Timbers also have players at the Gold Cup with goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau and defender Kamal Miller both with Canada. It is just the 12th league meeting between the two teams, with Toronto holding a 5-4-2 edge. They last met in 2022 when Toronto won 3-1 at home. TFC goes into weekend play in 14th place in the Eastern Conference, 11 points and five places below the last playoff position. And after Portland, only five of their remaining 15 games are at home, not that playing at BMO Field has been much of an advantage with only five out of a possible 33 points collected there in 11 outings (1-7-3) this season. Fraser insists his players see the severity of the situation. 'It's something we talk about consistently. It comes down to does it resonate? And I certainly think it is starting to.' 'Now we have to talk about results, as opposed to just improving or just doing the things that we need to do,' he added. 'We need to talk about results. That's where we are right now … Time is running out and we can't afford to waste opportunities.' Despite the lack of success on the field, Fraser believes in his roster, calling his players honest and hard-working. 'To dig ourselves out of where we are, it's going to take so much work,' he said. 'It's going to take so much teamwork. But again, I believe in the character of the group.' Toronto has not made the playoffs since 2020, when it stumbled at the first hurdle, beaten by expansion Nashville SC. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 27, 2025 Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press
