Gareth Bale’s spell at Los Angeles FC might not have gone as swimmingly as he would have hoped since arriving from Real Madrid, but on Saturday night on the biggest stage of all, he wrote in his name into Major League Soccer history.
LAFC were locked in an enthralling battle with Philadelphia Union, which finished 2-2 after normal time. In extra time, LAFC went a man down after goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau was sent off with four minutes to go. Philadelphia then managed what seemed like a 124th minute winner.
Such was the delay from an injury to Crepeau, it still allowed time for Gareth Bale to score in the final, 128th minute.
⏰ 128'
The latest goal in @MLS history. THIS CLUB DOES NOT QUIT. pic.twitter.com/ELXEyMyhJa
— LAFC (@LAFC) November 5, 2022
Bale had not started the match, but made the difference when it mattered most, making it 3-3 and giving his side a chance on penalties.
HE'S GARETH ******* BALE. #ForLosAngeles pic.twitter.com/yqqi67RSdz
— LAFC (@LAFC) November 5, 2022
Philadelphia struggled with their penalties (it finished 3-0), allowing LAFC’s Ilie Sanchez, raised at La Masia in Barcelona, to score the winner and spark more wild celebrations.
ILIE. PANDEMONIUM. pic.twitter.com/v5HSDvu9Ic
— LAFC (@LAFC) November 5, 2022
Although Wales fans would surely rather Bale was starting and scoring more goals ahead of the World Cup, on Saturday they saw that Bale can still do what he needs to for Wales – make the difference.
