LAFC have clinched their first ever league title after beating Philadelphia Union on penalties in the MLS Cup final, with Gareth Bale helping them on their way after coming off the bench and scoring in extra-time.
After making their MLS debut in 2018, LAFC have been one of the standout teams in the league, and have been knocking on the door for some time after winning two Supporters Shield's. However, the post-season has continued to prove challenging - until now.
LAFC got over the line and clinched MLS Cup success after a tense encounter, and designated player Bale came off the bench and scored in the perfect warm-up to the World Cup that begins in just under two weeks. It'll be the first time that Bale's beloved Wales have made an appearance on the World stage for 64 years, and the LAFC star will be heading into the competition as a winner.
There was little to seperate LAFC and Philadelphia, so it was perhaps fitting that the game went beyond 90 minutes. LAFC took the lead initially after a deflected Kellyn Acosta free-kick found the net and got the Bank of California Stadium rocking. But Daniel Gazdag levelled things up after an hour for the visitors, and Philadelphia started to gain control.
Just as it looked like the game would be heading to extra-time, Jesus Murillo scored with seven minutes remaining after heading home from a corner, and LAFC thought they'd won it. However, even that wasn't the winner as just two minutes later Jack Elliott muted their celebrations as he popped up with a header of his own, and the game then did move into additional time.
The game looked to be heading for penalties, but then goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau was shown a straight red card, and a lengthy stoppage due to injury ensured there was an extra nine minutes of injury time. Deep into the additional time, Elliott thought he had won it when he put Philadelphia ahead for the first time on the night with just minutes remaining, bundling in his second goal of the game.
But the most experienced player on the pitch then took the game into his own hands, and equalised in the dying seconds with a thumping header. Bale delivered like he so often does, and rescued LAFC at the death to force penalties.
It was then that LAFC finally won the MLS Cup after going ever so close since their debut season in 2018, and their acquisition of Bale proved to be the difference just as predicted. With Bale's recent fitness record it was certainly a gamble, but it's paid off immensely for LAFC.
LAFC general manager John Thorrington knew the risk they were taking when signing Bale, as injuries have proved to be an issue. However, Thorrington admitted even ahead of kick-off that there were no regrets, and there definitely won't be now.
"He's been frustrated by the injuries and his inability to participate more," Thorrington said. "But we went into the situation eyes wide open, we knew the risks that we were taking.
"What I will give Gareth utmost credit for is how professional he is," he added. Bale looks to be enjoying life over in Los Angeles, after his nightmare situation at Real Madrid and now has another trophy to add to his collection.
