How did LAFC star Gareth Bale score his first goal in MLS?
Bale scored his first goal for LAFC on Saturday, as the MLS Western Conference leaders beat Sporting Kansas City 2-0 at Children’s Mercy Park.
Gareth Bale opened his goalscoring account for Los Angeles FC on Saturday, his late strike sealing a 2-0 win at Sporting Kansas City as Steve Cherundolo’s men stretched their lead at the top of the MLS Western Conference.
Arango turns provider as Bale secures points
After Cristian Arango had given LAFC the lead early in the second half at Children’s Mercy Park, it was the Colombian whose pass set Bale up to find the net with seven minutes remaining.
Having burst past Andreu Fontás and advanced towards the Kansas City penalty area, Arango slipped the ball to the right to Bale. The Welshman then cut inside Nicolas Isimat-Mirin and into the box, before sliding a low shot past goalkeeper Timothy Melia and into the near corner.
Introduced as a 65th-minute substitute, Bale was making his second appearance for LAFC, after coming off the bench for his debut in the Black and Gold’s away win over Nashville SC last weekend.
Watch Bale’s goal:
“Nice to get off the mark”
“It was nice to come on and grab a goal to help the team get the three points,” Bale said post-match. “From a personal point of view, it’s nice to get off the mark and, more importantly, get the three points.
“I’m enjoying it here. Everybody at the club has made me feel very welcome very quickly and I feel very settled straight away. I think any player will tell you, if they feel happy and settled they’ll start to play their best football. I hope that continues, and I’ll keep working hard for the team.”
The 33-year-old added: “Obviously I would be in preseason now in Europe, so I’m getting my fitness back quickly. The club’s doing an amazing job to progress me and not push me too quick, so I’m starting to feel better and better each day as training goes on.”
LAFC also top dogs in Supporters’ Shield standings
LAFC’s victory on Saturday - their third in a row in MLS - takes them four points clear of Austin at the head of the Western Conference, albeit the Verde and Black will cut that gap back to one point if they beat the Seattle Sounders on Sunday evening.
LAFC also lead the way in the Supporters’ Shield - the MLS’ combined Eastern and Western Conference standings. Philadelphia Union, who are top in the East, are three points behind the Californians.