Los Angeles FC (LAFC) claimed their first-ever US Open Cup title with a thrilling 3-1 extra-time victory over Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday night.
Former Sierra Leonean international striker, Kei Kamara, played a pivotal role in securing the win, scoring the game-winning goal against his former club in the 109th minute.
The match saw Olivier Giroud, LAFC’s marquee summer signing from AC Milan, open the scoring in the 53rd minute, only for Erik Thommy of Sporting Kansas City to equalize seven minutes later.
With the game tied 1-1 after regulation time, LAFC’s Omar Campos broke the deadlock in the 102nd minute. Kamara then sealed the victory with a stunning header from a Denis Bouanga cross, giving LAFC their first US Open Cup trophy.
For Kamara, it was a full-circle moment. The 40-year-old journeyman, who previously led Sporting Kansas City to a US Open Cup title 12 years ago, delivered the decisive blow to his former team.
The victory marked an emotional triumph for Kamara, whose experience and poise were crucial in LAFC’s extra-time success.
Sporting Kansas City, four-time winners of the US Open Cup, were hoping to become the first MLS team to win the competition five times but fell short in their attempt.
This was LAFC’s second final appearance of the season, having also reached the 2024 Leagues Cup final, where they lost to Columbus Crew.
LAFC will now return to MLS action, where they remain in contention for a playoff spot in the Western Conference despite a recent dip in form. Sporting Kansas City, on the other hand, have already been eliminated from playoff contention.
Kamara’s late-game heroics earned him the MVP honors for the night, highlighting a storied career that continues to defy age and expectations.
