As a Philadelphia Union (sports) fan, here are some more heartbreaking things: 1. Thank you for the reminder LMAO (I'm still recovering) 2. Later that SAME night, the Phillies would lose the WORLD Series. 3. The Eagles would also lose the Super Bowl that SAME season. 4. McCarthy (the LAFC Backup gk) was actually born in Philly (rubbing salt to the wound) 5. Prior to that penalty, Gazdag (the 1st pk shooter for the U) was basically perfect at penalties that WHOLE season. (So that was almost his first pk miss of the season 6. The 2021 season (the prior season) we looked like favorites to win the whole thing, but got hit with a sickness (I believe COVID) and that left half of our starters to play in the conference final against NYCFC. (who would eventually go on to win the whole thing) 7. Gareth Bale has an insane leap to beat our 6'5" CB to score in the LAST minute of ET.
As a Galaxy fan even I have to say that this was probably the best MLS Cup final. A close second would the ‘06 final but, this was absolute cinema. I think casual fans needed this good warm up prior to the World Cup
Same dude. All the deep playoff runs that didn’t result in hardware until the Open cup this year… hope the transfers work out… I’m going to miss the matty f9 with Bouanga and Olivera days of that run this year. Unsure if Giroud will pan out but supposedly he scored in preseason a couple days ago
I Agree. I had the pleasure in meeting Bogusz at a "meet and greet" in Lynwood. He is very down to earth and approachable. Definitely going to be missed. Cruz Azul fans already adore him!
Not to mention McCarthy had played for the Union literally the season before. Also the fact that prior to this game McCarthy had only played 1 game for LAFC, a friendly match against Club America, a game that LAFC also lost on penalties
Would love a recap of last years Galaxy NYRB final. The redemption arcs for both teams were special. While the game itself wasn’t nearly as exciting, as someone who covered the Galaxy in 2024, the rise from the ashes (fueled by ex Lafc GM will Kuntz and Lafc hero John McCarthy) is such a great story
I was at that game and man, that was the most stressful sporting event I had ever seen in person, ever. I actually didn’t erupt in joy like the rest of the stadium when Bale scored and ran over to the corner I was sitting in because my only thought was “shit, we still gotta go to penalties.” But man, the joy I felt after winning that will forever be unmatched. Also as a Boyle Heights native, the intentional / unintentional shoutout to Tacos El Pecas at 4:58 is personally hilarious. This video was a very fun watch.
The storyline not mentioned in the video, is that McCarthy spent YEARS at Philly under Jim Curtin being trained as a spot kick specialist GK. Spent all year as a backup, and brought in against everyone he knew. He didn't even realize that LAFC had wone immediately afet Ilie's penalty. He was walking back out to go get in between the sticks again when he felt the entire team around him. Crazy how this game was exactly the same as WC final just a few months later. (RIP Max Crepeau who gave up the chance at a world cup appearance with Canada and his fractured leg.)
Your Finals recap video gave me the same feels I had when I was at the stadium watching said Final. Rollercoaster of emotions to the jubilation of watching LAFC lift the cup. 🏆
Nice video! Other storylines you could have mentioned… McCarthy Is from Philly and played with the union for years, Martinez missed penalty was so satisfying because he kept taunting the 3252, Philly players dismissed Bale in the pregame presser, Philly’s social media put “Elliot>Bale” and minutes later Bale posterizes Elliot in his goal. This game has a lot, the reason it makes it the best mls final!
I didn’t grow up watching many sports besides the lakers and dodgers. Never paid attention to the MLS, but in the later 00s. I was getting into the USMNT. After those year with some WC, gold cups and the timing of LAFC’s announcement. It was perfect alignment to apoyar LAFC.
My brother and I went to every Union match the season prior. We were down by the water with the Sons of Ben in Subaru Park every playoff match in '21. We screamed SHOOOT at Glesnes in double ET to win against the NJRB. We flipped shit when Zimmerman shoot the wide pk to seal the deal for Union to punch their way to the ECF. And we were gutted while standing in line to get into Subaru when we all heard that the core of our side caught COVID because they were partying after the Nashville match... Watching NYC beat us and go on to beat the Timbers was even more gut wrenching, because it was the unions final to win.... All of that made Union's '22 run even better. My brother and I had to stream their run since we had moved out of Philly early 2022. Watching them was retribution for the crap we witnessed the year before. All being said, even though the Union lost to LAFC... THAT WAS THE BEST MLS MATCH WE EVER WATCHED!! It was a great time to be an fan of MLS.
Galaxy fans: LOL Chivas USA has no fans! Also Galaxy fans: LOL That sold out LAFC stadium were all Chivas USA fans! The boys from Carson cant make up their minds on which is true. Also just to address the question on the video on WHY so many people rallied behind LAFC when the club was announced was largely due to the fact that it was announced early that LAFC would actually play in LA and not some far off suburban town outside LA. While the Galaxy neglected Los Angeles from its inception. LAFC made it clear that they wanted to embrace Angeleno culture and it was definitely noticed right from the start.
Lol you missed 14:09 dude at the front of the crowd trying to get through the stewards during the scuffle and throwing his drink in their face 😂 MLS baby.
6:31 - there's already an LASC. It's the rebranded, reborn Los Angeles Kickers of old, founded in 1951, who actually have two U.S. Open Cups in their trophy cabinet. They currently compete in the UPSL (unofficial fourth division in our pyramid but there's internal pro/rel so I guess they're technically in the fifth division... anyway). Pretty damn cool really, this country has a lot more soccer history than people care to acknowledge so I just wanted to put that out there
My favorite story line is the LAFC back up keeper... Is from Philadelphia. Even played for the Union... And left because the Andre Blake era had begun in Philly. To then beat Blake, by saving two pens no less, is insanity. Oh and no big deal he went on to play for the Galaxy and win another trophy.
I can't believe you missed the most Philly thing about this whole game. John McCarthy. John had been Philly's backup keeper for like 2 years. Being behind Blake. He didn't get a ton of game time. So they trained him to be their penalty specialist. How did that training go? It meant he trained by taking pens against his teammates over and over and over. By the time John got to LA that year. He had the most experience taking pens against Philly's players than any other keeper in the league and Philly ended up having to face him, in pens, in a final after trading him to LA. Which ultimately ended up being their undoing. If that's not the most Philly thing ever. I don't know what is.
That is what I call them LASC. It is such a fail the league caps everything else but doesn't do the smartest thing on the planet Don Garber has no common sense.
I went to the first DC United game in DC. I probably went to 90% of their games until 2013, and shit, I mean why should I care about the DC team when the owners don't? MLS is garbage until teams actually get sent to lower leagues so they actually care what happens in the season. I saw that game, yes it was a good game, but shit, the 1st final ever was more exciting.
As a Philadelphia Union (sports) fan, here are some more heartbreaking things:
1. Thank you for the reminder LMAO (I'm still recovering)
2. Later that SAME night, the Phillies would lose the WORLD Series.
3. The Eagles would also lose the Super Bowl that SAME season.
4. McCarthy (the LAFC Backup gk) was actually born in Philly (rubbing salt to the wound)
5. Prior to that penalty, Gazdag (the 1st pk shooter for the U) was basically perfect at penalties that WHOLE season. (So that was almost his first pk miss of the season
6. The 2021 season (the prior season) we looked like favorites to win the whole thing, but got hit with a sickness (I believe COVID) and that left half of our starters to play in the conference final against NYCFC. (who would eventually go on to win the whole thing)
7. Gareth Bale has an insane leap to beat our 6'5" CB to score in the LAST minute of ET.
I was rooting so hard for philly that year.. as a defender i live by the motto defense wins championships,, and they had THE best that year...
My favorite quote: "MAJOR! LEAGUE! SOCCER!!!"
As a Galaxy fan even I have to say that this was probably the best MLS Cup final. A close second would the ‘06 final but, this was absolute cinema. I think casual fans needed this good warm up prior to the World Cup
Loved this video so much! As an LAFC fan I’m chasing the high I felt after witnessing that game 🥹
Same dude. All the deep playoff runs that didn’t result in hardware until the Open cup this year… hope the transfers work out… I’m going to miss the matty f9 with Bouanga and Olivera days of that run this year. Unsure if Giroud will pan out but supposedly he scored in preseason a couple days ago
I Agree. I had the pleasure in meeting Bogusz at a "meet and greet" in Lynwood. He is very down to earth and approachable. Definitely going to be missed. Cruz Azul fans already adore him!
Best match in MLS history
As an LAFC fan, being at this game was the best sports experience I've ever had. A close second is this bit: 19:03. I miss that commercial now.
Not to mention McCarthy had played for the Union literally the season before. Also the fact that prior to this game McCarthy had only played 1 game for LAFC, a friendly match against Club America, a game that LAFC also lost on penalties
As a lafc fan, i genuinely loved this game so much. I'm also a madrid fan, and gareth bale being the one to save us was just perfect
frr it’s get me the chills every since
Would love a recap of last years Galaxy NYRB final. The redemption arcs for both teams were special. While the game itself wasn’t nearly as exciting, as someone who covered the Galaxy in 2024, the rise from the ashes (fueled by ex Lafc GM will Kuntz and Lafc hero John McCarthy) is such a great story
I was at that game and man, that was the most stressful sporting event I had ever seen in person, ever. I actually didn’t erupt in joy like the rest of the stadium when Bale scored and ran over to the corner I was sitting in because my only thought was “shit, we still gotta go to penalties.” But man, the joy I felt after winning that will forever be unmatched.
Also as a Boyle Heights native, the intentional / unintentional shoutout to Tacos El Pecas at 4:58 is personally hilarious. This video was a very fun watch.
This video … the production … SOLID.
The storyline not mentioned in the video, is that McCarthy spent YEARS at Philly under Jim Curtin being trained as a spot kick specialist GK. Spent all year as a backup, and brought in against everyone he knew. He didn't even realize that LAFC had wone immediately afet Ilie's penalty. He was walking back out to go get in between the sticks again when he felt the entire team around him.
Crazy how this game was exactly the same as WC final just a few months later. (RIP Max Crepeau who gave up the chance at a world cup appearance with Canada and his fractured leg.)
As a union fan this bring backs horrible memories
I was there for the final and that one game made me a huge fan of soccer with out that final I probably wouldn’t even be a fan of soccer like that
And it was my first one of my first MLS games ever
Yet another banger, loving this longform content
Your Finals recap video gave me the same feels I had when I was at the stadium watching said Final. Rollercoaster of emotions to the jubilation of watching LAFC lift the cup. 🏆
Just such an amazing final, MLS cup playoffs are always such a blast. Great video. The Continental commercial tho...ugh
Hate LA, though I’ll admit it was nice to see Philly lose this game, the World Series on the same day, and the Super Bowl three months later
Philly as a city got WHACKED this year lol didn't stand a chance
God that’s so true
SONS OF BALE
LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO fuck that’s gonna be a long memory for the club
Nice video!
Other storylines you could have mentioned… McCarthy Is from Philly and played with the union for years, Martinez missed penalty was so satisfying because he kept taunting the 3252, Philly players dismissed Bale in the pregame presser, Philly’s social media put “Elliot>Bale” and minutes later Bale posterizes Elliot in his goal. This game has a lot, the reason it makes it the best mls final!
lol that Kendrick reference took me out
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER!!! god I need it back.
Kevincho out here delivering North American CINEMA!
Thank you Fury 🙏🏻
For all the quirks MLS has if you watch it and learn a bit about it. It is incredibly entertaining
I didn’t grow up watching many sports besides the lakers and dodgers. Never paid attention to the MLS, but in the later 00s. I was getting into the USMNT. After those year with some WC, gold cups and the timing of LAFC’s announcement. It was perfect alignment to apoyar LAFC.
My brother and I went to every Union match the season prior. We were down by the water with the Sons of Ben in Subaru Park every playoff match in '21. We screamed SHOOOT at Glesnes in double ET to win against the NJRB. We flipped shit when Zimmerman shoot the wide pk to seal the deal for Union to punch their way to the ECF. And we were gutted while standing in line to get into Subaru when we all heard that the core of our side caught COVID because they were partying after the Nashville match... Watching NYC beat us and go on to beat the Timbers was even more gut wrenching, because it was the unions final to win....
All of that made Union's '22 run even better. My brother and I had to stream their run since we had moved out of Philly early 2022. Watching them was retribution for the crap we witnessed the year before. All being said, even though the Union lost to LAFC... THAT WAS THE BEST MLS MATCH WE EVER WATCHED!! It was a great time to be an fan of MLS.
Galaxy fans: LOL Chivas USA has no fans!
Also Galaxy fans: LOL That sold out LAFC stadium were all Chivas USA fans!
The boys from Carson cant make up their minds on which is true.
Also just to address the question on the video on WHY so many people rallied behind LAFC when the club was announced was largely due to the fact that it was announced early that LAFC would actually play in LA and not some far off suburban town outside LA. While the Galaxy neglected Los Angeles from its inception. LAFC made it clear that they wanted to embrace Angeleno culture and it was definitely noticed right from the start.
C I N E M A
This final had me losing it! Craziest game of any sports finals I’ve watched
Great video. I loved this format
That rocky scene gained you a sub man bravo lmao
Lol you missed 14:09 dude at the front of the crowd trying to get through the stewards during the scuffle and throwing his drink in their face 😂 MLS baby.
Holding out for the day you talk about St. Louis soccer history.
As an LA FC fan I watch this over and over
I was there. Truly an unforgettable experience!
6:31 - there's already an LASC. It's the rebranded, reborn Los Angeles Kickers of old, founded in 1951, who actually have two U.S. Open Cups in their trophy cabinet. They currently compete in the UPSL (unofficial fourth division in our pyramid but there's internal pro/rel so I guess they're technically in the fifth division... anyway). Pretty damn cool really, this country has a lot more soccer history than people care to acknowledge so I just wanted to put that out there
LAFC Season Ticket Holder Here. It was one of the best Finals ever in my opinion for that level of play. Best in MLS history by far.
This final was cinema.
My favorite story line is the LAFC back up keeper... Is from Philadelphia. Even played for the Union... And left because the Andre Blake era had begun in Philly. To then beat Blake, by saving two pens no less, is insanity. Oh and no big deal he went on to play for the Galaxy and win another trophy.
excellent work
Fire vid. Keep telling mls stories man 🔥🔥
Thank you Sam!
Please more of this, it was so goooood
Awesome video Kevincho!
I wonder if Jim curtain has his drivers license
You Atlanta fans understand
2022 - the one year that the Sounders missed the playoffs in their history, LAFC wins the cup. Coincidence?
👀👀
Damn. I wish i watched thst final!
Solid vid! Keep the good work up. ⚽️ fans/supporters are watching and listening.
Really really good video, keep it up!🙌🏻
Austin mentioned lol. Great video
such good edits. well done.
This was the same day as my high school's homecoming that year. I watched the entire match at my house then left like 5 minutes later
Commenting to let Kevin know I like these videos
I remember being in the stream
*Philadelphia likes sports in general. Just wish we had a better owner
What about the 1967 United Soccer Association final? Final score of 6-5, sudden death extra time.
LAFC desde la Cuna ⚫️🟡
Desde 6th grade maybe 😅
I can't believe you missed the most Philly thing about this whole game. John McCarthy. John had been Philly's backup keeper for like 2 years. Being behind Blake. He didn't get a ton of game time. So they trained him to be their penalty specialist. How did that training go? It meant he trained by taking pens against his teammates over and over and over. By the time John got to LA that year. He had the most experience taking pens against Philly's players than any other keeper in the league and Philly ended up having to face him, in pens, in a final after trading him to LA. Which ultimately ended up being their undoing. If that's not the most Philly thing ever. I don't know what is.
That is what I call them LASC. It is such a fail the league caps everything else but doesn't do the smartest thing on the planet Don Garber has no common sense.
I went to the first DC United game in DC. I probably went to 90% of their games until 2013, and shit, I mean why should I care about the DC team when the owners don't? MLS is garbage until teams actually get sent to lower leagues so they actually care what happens in the season. I saw that game, yes it was a good game, but shit, the 1st final ever was more exciting.
Atl united is gonna win this year
Te banco fuerte aunque seas hincha de River
Carson fc
Overrated lol just gets recency bias and MLS darling franchise media hype
Of course, but don't let that distract you from the fact that Philly absolutely bottled this
soccer lol