MLS Scores: LAFC stuns Union via penalties to secure MLS Cup
LAFC successfully claimed their first MLS Cup title. Gareth Bale scored an equalizer to send the game into a penalty showdown. Follow for more MLS scores here!
This is a historic Major League soccer season for Los Angeles FC as they clinched their first MLS Cup after demolishing Philadelphia Union 3-0 in penalty kicks in front of their home crowd at Banc of California Stadium. Both Philadelphia Union and Los Angeles FC are hungry for their MLS Cup title that makes the game more intense and tight. Visit for mls playoffs updates and news here!
John McCarthy, the unsung hero of the match, made two important saves in the shootout to help LAFC win their first league title.
In the stoppage time, when the game was tied 2-2, Jack Elliot delivered a dagger to give Philly an important lead and send the momentum of the match on their side. The Union players celebrated that goal while water bottles and other debris from Los Angeles FC fans were flying through their side. However, fate was not on the Union’s side as Gareth Bale did not give up and delivered an equalizer. The Welsh international gave his best to contribute for the team despite coming off the bench. The elite winger only played six minutes for LAFC since mid of September.
In the penalty shootout, John McCarthy became the hero as he denied the penalty kick that gave the City of Angels a 3-0 shootout victory over the Philadelphia Union. While Ilie stamped the final nail in the coffin for the Los Angeles FC lift the MLS Cup trophy at home. The MLS Cup Final MVP is none other than the LAFC goalkeeper John McCarthy.
Carlos Vela, the long time first player and team Captain of LAFC that the MLS Cup final gave him an exhaustion he never experienced before and made him subbed out at the 97th minute for Gareth Bale, who ended up scoring an equalizer to send the game into penalty.
“For the first 10, 15 minutes, it was a Halloween movie… and then we finished with a Hollywood movie.”
The road to MLS Cup title for Los Angeles FC is not quite easy and simple as they face pressure as a number one seed in the Western Conference and if they were able to reach the MLS Cup final as no top seeded team ever do it in a decade. Last Saturday, LAFC ended their MLS campaign with a celebration including confetti and a dramatic scene like a movie witnessing the trophy being lifted under the LAFC jersey and at home.
“The game had a little bit of everything, for sure,” said Kelly Acosta who scored the first goal for LAFC. “Goals galore. PKs. It was a roller coaster. It was crazy. It was an incredible game. It was a collective effort. We’re proud of this moment, but we really earned it, and we’re excited.”
Gareth Bale became a key piece for LAFC in this championship campaign. He left Real Madrid during this summer with a vision of preparing for Wales in the World Cup 2022 campaign.
“It’s Gareth being Gareth,” Cherundolo said. “Big qualities and makes big plays. Let’s hope he doesn’t do it in the first World Cup game. He makes a difference in games. I wish he was 24.”
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