Thursday 26th September 2024

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Sporting Kansas City’s bid for a record-tying fifth title in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup came up short Wednesday night on the west coast, as two goals in extra time lifted Los Angeles FC to a 3-1 win and their first title in the 109-year-old tournament.

After a scoreless first half, striker Olivier Giroud put the hosts on the board first in the 53rd minute. Sporting would equalize seven minutes later, when Erik Thommy’s right-footed shot went in the top left corner. Both sides had their chances, with LAFC outshooting Sporting 18-14, including an 8-5 advantage on shots on goal. However, LAFC would wear out Sporting, with goals by Omar Campos and former Sporting standout Kei Kamara assuring LAFC of the cup to go with their Leagues Cup runner-up finish.

The loss was Sporting’s first-ever in a U.S. Open Cup Final, having won their four previous trips to the final. The loss also prevented Sporting from becoming the first MLS side to have five Open Cup titles, which would have had the franchise join Bethlehem Steel FC and Maccabee Los Angeles as five-time winners.

Sporting Kansas City now turn to their final three games of the season, starting with a trip to St Louis City SC this Saturday at CITYPARK.