Olivier Giroud makes Los Angeles FC debut as a substitute during Leagues Cup match

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Olivier Giroud made his Los Angeles FC debut Tuesday night during a Leagues Cup Round of 16 match against the San Jose Earthquakes.

The 37-year-old French striker came on as a substitute in the 71st minute of LAFC's 4-1 victory. He had a chance inside the box in the 90th minute, but his shot was blocked by San Jose's Daniel Munie near the goal.

Giroud signed with LAFC in May and had his first practice with the club on Aug. 3. He comes to the United States after spending 18 years in the top professional leagues in France, England and Italy. That included the past four seasons with AC Milan. He has 285 goals in 716 club matches.

“I wish I could play even more tonight, but it was a good first step. I'm looking forward to the next game,” Giroud said. “I need my fitness back. When you restart a season you need to work hard at training, but I understand what the manager is expecting from me and I will try to get ready as soon as possible.”

Prior to Tuesday night, Giroud's most recent action was with France last month in the European Championship. He came off the bench in four games, including a 2-1 loss to eventual champion Spain in the semifinals on July 9.

Giroud is the second French player on LAFC, joining goaltender and former national teammate Hugo Lloris.

LAFC is at Seattle on Saturday in a Leagues Cup quarterfinal match.

AP MLS: https://apnews.com/hub/major-league-soccer

French forward Olivier Giroud poses with his wife Jennifer and their four children during a press conference at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles, Thursday, August 1, 2024. Giroud held his first press conference with Los Angeles FC since announcing in May he would sign with the Major League Soccer club. (David Crane/The Orange County Register via AP)

French forward Olivier Giroud is introduced to Los Angeles FC fans during a press conference at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Giroud holds his first press conference with Los Angeles FC since announcing in May he would sign with the Major League Soccer club. (David Crane/The Orange County Register via AP)

CHICAGO (AP) — Guardians right-hander Ben Lively left Tuesday night's game at the Chicago White Sox after he was struck by a comebacker.

The 32-year-old Lively was hit on the outside of his right leg by Dominic Fletcher's liner in the second inning. The ball caromed off Lively to first baseman Josh Naylor, who stepped on the bag for the final out.

The 6-foot-4 Lively was helped off the field, but he made the final few steps into the Guardians' dugout on his own. The team said he had a right thigh contusion.

Lively struck out two in two scoreless innings for the AL Central leaders. He is 11-9 with a 4.01 ERA in a career-high 26 starts and 137 innings.

Pedro Avila replaced Lively on the mound.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Cleveland Guardians' trainer Jeff Desjardins, left, helps Ben Lively, middle, off the field with manager Stephen Vogt, right, and pitching coach Carl Willis during the second inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Melissa Tamez)

Cleveland Guardians' pitcher Ben Lively lays on the field after being hit by a ball during the second inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Melissa Tamez)

Cleveland Guardians' pitcher Ben Lively lays on the field after being hit by a ball during the second inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Melissa Tamez)