Bale goal in the 128th minute: Los Angeles wins the MLS

Former Bundesliga professional Steven Cherundolo celebrated the Major League Soccer championship title in his first year as head coach of Los Angeles FC. LAFC won 3-0 on penalties (3-3, 2-2, 1-0) against Philadelphia Union on Saturday (local time) in a memorable final, thanks in part to its Welsh star Gareth Bale, at the Banc of California Stadium at home.

Ilie Sanchez scored the winning penalty for Los Angeles. Wagner had previously failed because of Los Angeles' backup goalkeeper John McCarthy. McCarthy was only substituted in extra time after regular goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau was shown a red card and injured himself so badly that he had to be transported from the field. Los Angeles took the lead twice in regular time.

Bale becomes a hero The hero of the evening was also Bale, who only saved Los Angeles in a penalty shootout: In the eighth minute of added time in extra time, Bale headed in to make it 3-3. “When he feels good and healthy, he makes a difference in games,” Cherundolo said of his 33-year-old star player, who struggled with injuries throughout the season and never played a full playing time.

Most of the time Bale was only substituted on - in the final only in extra time. It was his first mission since the beginning of October. “At the moment I’m not at 100 percent. “I’m still coming back,” said Bale, also referring to the World Cup, in which Wales is taking part for the first time in 64 years.

Both Los Angeles and Philadelphia qualified for the final of the US Championship for the first time in their club history. Before the season, the team from Los Angeles had significantly strengthened itself, including Bale and the long-time captain of the Italian national team, Giorgio Chiellini, who, however, did not play in the final.

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Bale goal in the 128th minute: Los Angeles wins the MLS

Los Angeles FC are Major League Soccer champions for the first time. In a memorable final, top star Gareth Bale saves the team to penalties - even though he can only play for half an hour.

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