Hugo Lloris hits LAFC milestone in Minnesota United win

LAFC’s bid to clinch back-to-back MLS Cup titles fell just short last year, losing to Columbus Crew in the final. Steve Cherundolo’s side lost club icon Carlos Vela over the off-season but they once again look set to mount a serious post-season challenge.

On Wednesday evening LAFC beat high-flying Minnesota United 2-0 at BMO Stadium, extending their winning run to six Games. With that latest victory goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has now gone 485 minutes without conceding a goal, setting a club record.

Speaking after the Minnesota victory, Cherundolo paid tribute to his side’s historic defensive record: “It’s always a collective. It’s making good decisions with the ball when you’re moving forward.”

“There’s still room for improvement, but I was very happy and pleased tonight with the performance. It was professional. It was controlled. At no point in the Game did I fear us losing nor did I see Minnesota being dangerous. It was how you need to play at home against a very good team.”

When will Olivier Giroud join up with LAFC?

Lloris wasn’t the only LAFC player to reach a significant milestone on Wednesday evening. Denis Bouanga, the 2023 MLS Golden Boot winner, scored the 50th goal of his LAFC career with a first half penalty. Vela and Diego Rossi are the only two other players to have reached a half-century for the Black and Gold.

After a slow start to the year Bouanga is returning to his 2023 performance level and will benefit from LAFC’s big summer signing. French World Cup winner Olivier Giroud will arrive from AC Milan after representing his nation at the European Championships. The veteran striker will provide a crucial focal point for the LAFC attack and his Game intelligence will help to unlock Bouanga’s searing pace.

Giroud cannot complete his MLS move until the opening of the league’s secondary transfer window on 18 July. However, with major international commitments that could culminate with a Euros final on 15 July, the 37-year-old will almost certainly need some time off before taking to the field in Los Angeles. He could look to make his debut after the mid-season Leagues Cup finishes and MLS fixtures resume on 24 August.

“I am delighted and excited to join LAFC,” Giroud said when he was officially announced as an LAFC player earlier this month. “I can’t wait to get to Los Angeles and to play in front of the 3252 and all of the incredible fans.”