LAFC vs. Philadelphia Union

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LAFC won its first ever MLS Cup title, beating the Philadelphia Union on penalty kicks after a thrilling, rollercoaster final at Los Angeles' Banc of California Stadium on Saturday.

LAFC's hero was a substitute goalkeeper named John McCarthy, who came off the bench late in the game and saved two penalties for his hometown club.

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Philadelphia looked to have won the trophy for the first time when JackElliott scored his second goal of the game in the final minute of extra time. LAFC was reduced to 10 men after Crepeau was sent off.

Bale, who came off the bench in extra time, scored in the 128th minute to tie the game.

The end of regulation time was also very fast.

Jesus Murillo put LAFC in front with seven minutes left in regulation time, but Philadelphia tied it up right away.

All four of LAFC's goals came from set-pieces, with Kellyn Acosta giving the team a 27th-minute lead through a free kick before Daniel Gazdag equalized for the Union.

LAFC became the first team to win the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup in the same year. The last time the Eastern and Western Conference's top seeds faced off was in 2003

Ilienchez scored the winning penalty for LAFC after successful efforts by Denis and Ryan. Philadelphia failed to find the net from the spot, with McCarthy diving to deny the other two, and Daniel Gazdag sending his effort high over the bar.

The game began with no hint of the thrill ride that was to follow.

There was more than luck involved in the game's opening goal.

There was a reckless foul just over 20 yards from goal that led to the Union's first goal of the game when the ball went in off the head of Jack McGlynn.

LAFC had a chance to extend its lead before the half time break. As many times this season, he came up big, blocking from point blank range to deny Diego Palacios' volley.

LAFC's fourth-choice center back, playing in place of Giorgio Chiellini, took the ball off Philadelphia's Mikkel Uhre as he bore down on the goal in the 43rd minute.

The Union weren't deterred despite going into the half-time interval down by a goal. The game was level by the 15th minute of the second half.

There was an element of good fortune when the goal was scored. Another person was involved as well. His ambitious shot after a corner broke to him more than 35 yards out broke perfectly into the path of Gazdag, who turned masterfully before finishing high into the net.

The Hungary international's 24th goal of the season restored parity and set up a nail-biting final 30 minutes as the LAFC fans rose in volume once more to encourage their side to find a winner.

No one could have predicted how dramatic the finale would be.

In the 83rd minute, the action started. The LAFC supporters' section erupted with the anticipation of the trophy staying in LA as Murillo rose highest at the near post to head emphatically pastBlake from captain Carlos Vela's inswinging corner.

The joy wouldn't last long. Despite the LAFC keeper getting a glove to the free kick,Elliott beat Crepeau with the help of another set piece.

Crepeau's place in the drama was still to be determined. The Canada international raced from his box to try to stop Burke from getting on the end of a short backpass. He cost himself a red card and suffered a serious leg injury that required several minutes of treatment and a cart to leave the field.

There is always a chance with a star on the field.

LAFC history will be enriched by the equalizing goal that was scored by the 33-year-old, who joined from Real Madrid in the summer.