GARETH BALE jumped off the bench to score a dramatic extra-time leveller as Los Angeles FC scooped MLS glory last night.
The Welsh ace sparked wild celebrations after nodding in an 127th minute equaliser when it had looked like a brace from London-born centre-half Jack Elliott was sending Philadelphia to their first ever MLS title.
Bale’s late show sent a wild game into penalties and after sub keeper John McCarthy pulled off two saves in the shoot-out, Ilie Sanchez rolled home the winner.
Bale has struggled with injury since moving to California in the summer and will now head to the World Cup with Wales off the back of just two starts Stateside but with another piece of silverware for his mantlepiece.
The 33 year-old has been in full training but has failed to really break into a side led by former Arsenal forward Carlos Vela who was excellent for the home side until being replaced by the Welsh skipper six minutes into extra-time.