On Sunday, LAFC defeated Austin FC 3-0 in the Western Conference final to go to their first MLS Cup final. Gareth Bale sat on the bench for the victory.
Los Angeles took the lead on a header from Cristian Arango right before the break, and they never looked back. LA finished the regular season undefeated at home (11-0-2), which earned them the Supporters Shield. After halftime, Maximiliano Urruti added to the advantage with an own goal, and late in the game, replacement Kwadwo Opoku scored to make it 3-0. This sets up a championship match against the Philadelphia Union, who breezed through New York City to win their conference final 3-1.
Though his effect in the MLS may not have been as significant as Bale and Rob Page would have hoped, he now has a chance to add to his growing collection of honours. The 33-year-old has played only five minutes of football for LAFC since making two Nations League outings for Wales back in September, and this weekend’s final may potentially be his last chance to show his health ahead of the World Cup, which begins in less than a few weeks.
Bale has played in 12 games so far in MLS season, but has only started two. He also recently had a scare with an injury. There were reports last week that Bale had suffered a leg injury, but Page has now downplayed such fears, telling Sky Sports, “He’s alright. He’s fine. I’ve had conversations with him and he’s okay. He’s fine. He’s at the age now where he has to manage his body. He’s got that experience to help him understand his body and how to get him in the best place possible for us.”
However, there may be some doubts about Bale’s lack of game time leading up to the showpiece in Qatar, and seeing him show his thing in the championship game with Philadelphia on Saturday could well soothe those issues.
