The MLS Cup 2022 was the 27th edition of the [[MLS Cup]], the championship match of [[Major League Soccer]] (MLS), the top professional soccer league in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]]. It was contested between [[Los Angeles FC]] (LAFC) and [[Philadelphia Union]], the top seeds from the [[Western Conference (MLS)|Western]] and [[Eastern Conference (MLS)|Eastern]] Conferences, respectively. The match took place on November 5, 2022, at [[Banc of California Stadium]] (now [[BMO Stadium]]) in [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], home of LAFC.
Match Summary
The final is widely regarded as one of the most thrilling and dramatic in MLS history. Both teams finished the regular season with the best records in their respective conferences, setting up a highly anticipated clash between two dominant sides known for their attacking prowess.
- Date: November 5, 2022
- Venue: Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles, California
- Teams: [[Los Angeles FC]] vs. [[Philadelphia Union]]
- Score: 3–3 after extra time (LAFC won 3–0 in a penalty shootout)
Key Moments:
- First Half: LAFC took the lead in the 28th minute through [[Kellyn Acosta]].
- Second Half: The Philadelphia Union equalized in the 59th minute with a goal from [[Dániel Gazdag]]. LAFC regained the lead in the 68th minute via [[Jesús Murillo]]. However, the Union responded almost immediately, with [[Jack Elliott]] scoring in the 67th minute, just before Murillo's goal, and then again in the 85th minute to level the score at 2–2, sending the game into extra time.
- Extra Time: The drama escalated in extra time. LAFC goalkeeper [[Maxime Crépeau]] received a red card in the 116th minute for a professional foul, leading to midfielder [[Illie Sánchez]] taking over in goal as LAFC had used all their substitutions. Despite being down to ten men, LAFC took the lead again in the 124th minute with a dramatic header from substitute [[Gareth Bale]], seemingly securing the win. However, the Union's Jack Elliott scored his second goal of the match in the 124th minute as well, just moments after Bale's strike, to tie the game at 3–3.
- Penalty Shootout: With the score locked at 3–3, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout. LAFC's backup goalkeeper, [[John McCarthy]], who had been substituted on for Crépeau, became the hero, saving two of Philadelphia's penalties. LAFC converted all three of their penalties, winning the shootout 3–0.
Outcome and Significance
[[Los Angeles FC]] secured their first-ever MLS Cup title, completing a historic season in which they also won the [[Supporters' Shield]] (for the best regular-season record). The match is remembered for its relentless back-and-forth action, late goals, a red card, and a thrilling penalty shootout, solidifying its place as a classic in MLS history.
MVP: LAFC goalkeeper [[John McCarthy]] was named the MLS Cup MVP for his crucial saves in the penalty shootout.