MLS Move: Gareth Bale | OneFootball

My colleagues Mark Lim and Josep Packsten have been covering some of the big historical moves to the MLS, in our build up to the season kickoff on Feb. 22. Today the Qooligan is squaring his sights on Gareth Bale, the Welsh winger and former Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid star. His transfer to LAFC in 2022 certainly raised some eyebrows, briefly upped the profile of the man bun in the basin, maybe got some paparazzi excited, but ultimately didn’t do much – except for that one thing.

A High-Profile Signing, But…

(Source)

Despite a glittering career which included a then-record transfer fee ($100M+) to go from Spurs to Real Madrid, more trophies than you can shake a stick at, and single-handedly reviving the Wales national team, Bale’s stock had plummeted. Internal squabbling with Real coaches like Julen Lopetegui and Zinedine Zidane had led to him pouting on the bench. His touted return to Spurs on loan was a bust. He spent more time on the putting greens than the soccer pitch. By 2022, the MLS was his only possible outlet.

… Low Impact Performace

Let’s be real. Bale wasn’t ready to play when he flew west to Los Angeles. He hadn’t played more than a handful of competitive minutes in the year prior, and never really showed the commitment on the training ground to regaining his killer edge. He brought some star-like aura, elevated LAFC’s profile on the global stage and retained a whisper of his former danger. That on-pitch intelligence and powerful strike were still present, but overall he was still a shadow of his former self.

Ultimately, Bale played 436 minutes in LAFC colors over 14 games. He scored twice in the regular season. Good goals, but not needle movers. LAFC were doing just fine without his help, winning the Supporter’s Shield and rolling over the opposition in the playoffs. But then…

That One Thing

The Philadelphia Union learned just how dangerous Gareth Bale could be during the MLS Cup finals in 2022. Anyone who knows soccer history knows that Bale LOVES himself a final. He’s scored in the final matches of: Copa del Rey, FIFA Club World Cup, Champions League (three times!).

Manager Steve Cherundolo knew his history. He subbed Bale on during the extra-time periods with the score tied 2-2. After the Union’s Jack Elliott tapped in a deflected save in the 124th minute, the match looked over. Bale just looked like Bale. In the 128th minute, Diego Palacios drove to the goal line and put in a cross. Cue Bale, who channeled his younger self, leapt over Elliott and headed the ball into the net. It was the latest goal ever scored in an MLS game, and sent both teams into penalty kicks which LAFC won 3-0. So, so clutch.

I’d put the video in here, but the money-grubbing bastards at MLS and LAFC have all the clips blocked.

Bale’s MLS Legacy

Bale’s MLS legacy sits in the LAFC trophy case. Without his header they would not have won that MLS Cup in 2022. Arguably one of the best MLS Cup finals ever played, it brought global attention to MLS soccer, all thanks to the broad forehead of a Welsh golf-nut who happens to love drama. Well-played, Gareth. Well-played.