From Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California – LAFC have beaten Philadelphia Union to win the MLS Cup final in front of 22,000 spectators at the Banc of California Stadium following a 3-0 penalty shoot-out victory (2-2 after 90 minutes and 3-3 after 120 minutes). It was a dramatic final that could not see the two teams separated.
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€63.68m
Market Value
€39.85m
First Tier
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First Tier
€4.82m
Expenditures 22/23
€655k
Steven Cherundolo
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Jim Curtin
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Kellyn Acosta (28′) opened the scoring with a freekick for LAFC; Daniel Gazdag then equalized from close range in the second half (59′). The game then went back and forward; first, Jesus Murillo (83′) brought LAFC back in front, with Jack Elliott (84′) equalizing. Elliott then also scored the Union’s lead in extra-time (124′), but Gareth Bale (129′) would equalize in dramatic fashion. Here are our thoughts from a great final.
MLS Cup Final: Banc of California Stadium provides a magnificent backdrop
Home advantage and market values are the two major factors when you want to bet on MLS games, according to economist Stefan Szymanski. With LAFC winning the Supporters’ Shield, they, therefore, had a significant advantage as they played both at home but also had a bigger market value.
But even without the market value advantage playing at the Banc of California Stadium is always a major advantage for LAFC. Providing a stunning view of downtown LA and the San Gabriel mountains. The inside of the stadium is a cauldron, with the 3252 providing constant noise from the north stand.
Although it holds just 22,000 spectators, the noise is constant, with a mix of Latino and European chants. The crowd kept at it throughout the game; even when Philadelphia scored, there was no stopping the majority of the 22,000 spectators at the Banc of California. A remarkable crowd provided a perfect backdrop for a great final, and the LAFC fans will feel that they have greatly contributed to their team winning their first-ever MLS Cup.
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An early goal guaranteed an entertaining final
Four goals in regular time! It was an entertaining final, and it took just 28 minutes for LAFC to open the scoring. Acosta’s freekick might have been deflected, but even though the Union held the majority of the possession up until that point, that goal felt deserved. Although both teams started cagey, it felt that LAFC were doing a bit more for the game up until that point.
The goal then naturally changed the complexion of the game. With LAFC holding the lead, Philadelphia had to be more aggressive, and Mikael Uhre forced a spectacular stop of Canadian keeper Maxime Crépeau just before halftime, which was immediately countered with Carlos Vela just about missing the net on the other end.
With the game more open, the Union would strike, with Gazdag just about breaking the offside trap to beat Crépeau from close range. What was remarkable was LAFC’s reaction as the team in black and gold kept attacking, throwing wave upon wave toward Andre Blake’s goal. First, Murillo and then Elliott would provide more goals in what was a fantastic 90 minutes of regular-time football.
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MLS Cup final: Set pieces the key
LAFC would find a second goal when Murillo scored with a thunderous header from a corner kick in the 84th minute. That lead was, however, evaporated when Elliott responded with a header from a freekick just moments later to make it 2-2.
When one includes Gazdag’s goal, which was preceded by a corner kick, all four regular-time goals were produced from set pieces. With both teams relatively evenly matched, it is no surprise that it was ultimately set pieces that provided the chaos necessary to create goals.
Perhaps that is not surprising, considering that the two teams came into the match with the highest point total in the league. And although LAFC have the higher squad value and played at home, there was never an underdog story here in the typical fashion as the Union were a fantastic match. Hence, with two teams evenly balanced, set pieces are a crucial weapon to score and ultimately win games as extra time would highlight.
Heroes and villains: Crépeau drama, Bale and McCarthy heroics
Overtime provided more drama but also one sad moment. First, we need to discuss the sad moment. In the 116th minute, goalkeeper Crépeau was sent off after he stopped Corey Burke on a breakaway following a terrible LAFC giveaway.
The red card was just consequential but will be just a side story to Crépeau’s injury suffered in the foul. The Canadian would have to be stretched off with what looked like a fractured leg and will surely miss the World Cup.
What then followed, however, was pure mayhem. First, Elliott scored his second of the game, and then Bale equalized with just moments to go. Both goals were naturally scored from set pieces. Set pieces, too, then were needed to provide a winner as LAFC won it 3-0 on penalties where former Philadelphia goalkeeper John McCarthy was the hero.
First title! #LAFC have done it!!! They have won their first ever #MLSCup! Congratulations pic.twitter.com/YNcylRIhYI
— Transfermarkt.us (@TMusa_news) November 5, 2022
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