On November 5, the Philadelphia Union lost to Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) for the MLS Cup title.

It was a thrilling game.

At the end of the regulation game, after 90 minutes, it was 2 – 2.

In the overtime, with about 4 minutes to go, the LAFC goalie, Maxine Crépeau, came out and took out the Union scorer on a breakaway. He hurt his leg, got a red card, and needed to leave the game.

The substitute goalie, John McCarthy, had to come into the game. He had only played two games this year. It also means that the LAFC would have only ten players.

As soon as I saw John McCarthy, I sent my son a message and said, “Wasn’t the goalie, McCarthy, at your wedding?” My son said, “Yep, McCarthy’s goalie was at the Union six years ago, and his girlfriend (now wife) was friends with Lauren.” Lauren is my daughter-in-law. 

During the 120 minutes + 4 extra time, the Union scored to go ahead 3-2, and we all thought that we would win the game.

But again, LAFC scored four minutes later with very little time left, and it ended up tied at 3 -3. 

The game meant that it would be a shootout.

John McCarthy would also be the goalie to try to stop the goals for the LAFC to win.

He became the hero for the LAFC by stopping two penalty shots and winning the game.

Go figures.