Matchday

"Best MLS Cup ever": Social media raves about LAFC vs. Philadelphia Union

Cristian Arango

Don't say we didn't tell you!

After a week of hype leading up to Saturday's grand finale between LAFC and the Philadelphia Union, MLS Cup 2022 surpassed all expectations. By a lot.

To (briefly) recap: an absolutely bonkers 3-3 draw over 90 regulation minutes ā€” plus 30 minutes of extra time ā€” was followed by a dramatic 3-0 penalty shootout win for the Black & Gold.

The game had it all: fantastic goals, a red card, a last-gasp Gareth Bale header to force PKs and, to cap it all off, LAFC backup goalkeeper John McCarthy, a Philadelphia native, emerging as the unlikeliest of heroes en route to MLS Cup MVP presented by Audi honors.

We're confident in saying this was the greatest MLS Cup ā€“ if not the greatest game ā€“ the league has ever seen.

But don't take our word for it. Social media was ripe with fans, players, celebrities, and pundits alike who made the very same claim, calling it a game for the ages: