Substitute goalkeeper John McCarthy, in just his second appearance for the club, was LAFC’s hero, coming off the bench late in extra time to save two penalties in the process against his hometown club. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more (US) Only minutes earlier, Philadelphia looked to have clinched the trophy for the first time when Jack Elliott scored his second goal of the game from close range late in overtime. By that point, LAFC had been reduced to 10 men following a red card for goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau minutes earlier. But Wales star Gareth Bale, who came off the bench in extra time, miraculously equalized for LAFC in the 128th minute with the latest goal in MLS history. This was followed by a similar end of breathless conditioning time. Jesus Murillo put LAFC ahead 2-1 with seven minutes left in regulation, but Philadelphia equalized almost immediately with Elliott’s first goal. All four goals in normal time came from set-pieces, with Kellyn Acosta giving LAFC the lead in the 27th minute through a deflected free kick before Daniel Gazdag equalized for the Union following a half-corner. The result means LAFC become the first team since Toronto FC in 2017 to win both the Supporters’ Shield, as the best team in the regular season, and the MLS Cup. Saturday’s matchup marked the first time since 2003 that the No. 1 seeds in the Eastern and Western Conferences met in MLS action. Midfielder Elie Sanchez scored the winning penalty for LAFC in the process, after successful efforts from Denis Buanga and Ryan Hollingsend. Philadelphia failed to find the net from the spot, with McCarthy diving to deny Jose Martinez and Kai Wagner and Daniel Gazdag sliding to send his effort high over the crossbar.
