In a thrilling match, LAFC defeats Philadelphia Union to win the MLS Cup.
Gareth Bale leveled the score at 3-3 with a header from Diego Palacios past Jack Elliott of the Union, while John McCarthy, the backup goaltender, shut out Philadelphia in a penalty shootout.
On Saturday in Los Angeles, LAFC won their first MLS Cup after Gareth Bale’s goal in stoppage time of extra time and backup goaltender John McCarthy’s shutout of Philadelphia in a penalty shootout.
After missing the playoffs due to a wrist injury, Bale entered the game late and leveled the score at 3-3 by heading in a cross from Diego Palacios over Jack Elliott of Union.
Maxime Crepeau was carried off the field after a brutal collision with Cory Burke, but game MVP McCarthy stepped up to the plate, making outstanding saves to seal the 3-0 victory in penalties.
In the 28th minute, Kellyn Acosta’s free kick gave the home team, cheered on by the crowd, the lead. Jose Martinez of Philadelphia missed a penalty kick, but Daniel Gazdag scored to tie the game. Carlos Vela’s corner kick put LAFC ahead in the 83rd minute.
But in the 124th minute, Jack Elliott’s strike tied the score once more for Philadelphia. When the game proceeded to penalties, Ilie Sanchez scored the game-winning kick to give the 2018 North American League champion club the victory.
