MLS gets its fair share of shit when it comes to the total makeup of the league. Yes, it’s an intramural league, and relative to the rest of the world it consists of a bunch of cast-offs from more competitive leagues across the Atlantic and beyond.
Take today’s MLS Cup Final between LAFC and the Philadelphia Union. It was undoubtedly the most entertaining MLS Cup of all time and maybe the greatest Major League Soccer match ever played and that’s not hyperbole.
Welsh legend and Real Madrid castoff Gareth Bale scored the game-tying goal in the 120+8’ after not coming on until the 97’. All this with LAFC playing a man down when their keeper Maxime Crepeau was sent off in the 116’ with a red card. This after Crepeau’s ankle seemingly being dislocated and dangling from the bottom of his leg when a late challenge potentially reversed fate for Los Angeles.
Heading into penalties an unlikely hero stepped up for LAFC as their backup keeper and former Union player John McCarthy completely blanked his former squad propelling LAFC to a 0-0 (3-0 penalties) victory and their first League title.
Even before all the shit that went down though in extra time and into penalties, the dramatics ensued within the final 10 minutes of regular time. LAFC seemed poised to secure the title before the 90’ when Murillo scored in the 83’ only to have the Union answer back two minutes later when Elliott capitalized off yet another Philly set piece.
Notes
- The six goals are the most in an MLS Cup final since 2003 between the Chicago Fire and San Jose Earthquakes. Ironically enough that would also be the last time until this season when two No. one seeds would face off in the final.
- John McCarthy was named MLS Cup MVP.