Gareth Bale scores 128th-minute goal to help LAFC win MLS Cup

 

 

Before Los Angeles FC defeated Philadelphia Union on penalties to win the MLS Cup in extra time, Gareth Bale struck a last-second equalizer in overtime.

The Wales captain, who had been sidelined with a leg injury, was listed on the game’s roster as a reserve.

A few minutes after Philadelphia scored, he entered the game in the 97th and scored to tie the score at three.

Then LAFC triumphed 3-0 in the shootout to win the championship for the first time.

 

“It’s always nice to score in finals, and I seem to have a knack for doing that,” said Bale. “It’s big. It’s important for the club. It’s important for the fans.”

 

It is fortunate for Wales that Bale has regained his fitness and played a key role in the victory because Wales will pick its World Cup team on Wednesday, just before the competition in Qatar gets underway on November 20.

 

Kellyn Acosta’s deflected free-kick gave LAFC the lead early on in what was undoubtedly one of the most memorable matches in Major League Soccer history.

Midway through the second half, Daniel Gazdag equalized by deflecting in a close-range goal after stopping a low shot from a distance.

With a goal in the 83rd minute, Jesus Murillo thought he had given LAFC the advantage in normal time, but Jack Elliott equalized two minutes later.

 

In extra time, there was further drama as LAFC goalie Maxime Crepeau was dismissed for a foul and had to be carried off on a stretcher.

Elliott then scored in the fourth minute of overtime, seemingly giving Philadelphia the win.

However, Bale’s stunning equalizer in the 128th minute forced overtime and nine additional minutes of play, forcing the game to penalties. LAFC’s backup goalkeeper John McCarthy made two huge saves before Ilie Sanchez converted the winning penalty kick to secure a remarkable victory.