Former Real Madrid striker Gareth Bale has successfully led Los Angeles FC (LAFC) to the American League champions after defeating the Philadelphia Union at Bane of California Stadium, Sunday 6 November 2022. After undergoing 120 minutes of normal time, the two teams drew with a score of 3-3. The penalty shootout was unavoidable and Gareth Bale became the winner of LAFC in the penalty shootout and led LAFC to become the Major Laegue Soccer (MLS) Champion.
Gareth Bale, who is a former Tottenham Hotspur retainer, is not a startup player, but thanks to his experience he is able to change the situation on the field. In the 28th minute of the first half, LAFC managed to take the lead thanks to Kellyn Acosta who scored a very beautiful goal.
Starting from a free kick he did and the head of Philadelphia Union winger Jack McGlyyn actually changed the direction of the ball and rattled the Philadelphia Union goal. The 1-0 score for LAFC lasted until the first half was over, but in the 59th minute of the second half, the Philadelphia Union managed to make it 1-1 thanks to Hungarian striker Daniel Gazdag.
The match was even more thrilling when the players from both teams played more openly. It was 2-1 for LAFC in the 83rd minute with a corner and LAFC centre-back Jesus Murillo headed the ball perfectly into the Philadelphia Union goal. Two minutes after Murillo’s goal, Philadelphia Union defender Jack Elliot returned with a header from a free kick. Then the position is equal to 2-2 and must be extra time.
In the 97th minute of extra time, Gareth Bale Wales captain and former Tottenham player Hostpur came off the bench to replace Carlos Vela, an LAFC winger who is a former Arsenal player. There was a bloody tragedy in this extra time. In the 109th minute, Maxime Crepeau, LAFC goalkeeper, collided with Philadelphia Union player Cory Burke. Both players suffered serious injuries and had to leave the field for treatment.
Ironically, in a state of injury and had to be carried off the pitch on a stretcher, the LAFC goalkeeper Crepeau was shown a red card by the referee for fouling Burke. In nine minutes of added time to be precise in the 124th minute, Philadeloia Union managed to take advantage of the number of players and Jack Elliot again contributed a goal for the Philadelphia Union so that the position changed to 3-2.
In a state of being left behind and losing players, Gareth Bale emerged as a savior. Palcios’ cross from the right wing of the Union defense was completed by Bale with a header in the 128th minute, 3-3. The score is equally strong 3-3 last until the final whistle. The winner of the MLS match between Los Angeles FC (LAFC) vs. Philadelphia Union must also be determined through a penalty shootout.
LAFC substitute goalkeeper John McCarthy was named MVP of the match for his heroism. He was able to withstand the penalty kicks of two Philadelphia Union players Jose Martinez and Kai Wagner so that LAFC won on penalties and became MLS champions. Congratulations, Gareth Bale. It is a proof that he is the living legend in football right now.
ASL
