Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney would be envious of the story that played out at LAFCs Banc of California on Saturday at the MLS Cup Final LAFC vs. the Philadelphia Union. It could have been a script from any Hollywood movie!
Reynolds and McElhenney developed a love for the beautiful game when they bought Welsh Football Club Wrexham AFC in February 2021. If you haven’t watched the Welcome to Wrexham documentary you are missing out! Ted Lasso has nothing on the heart warming show about the history and present day of the former mining town along with the players, staff, and fans of Wrexham AFC.
LA resident McElhenney was even at the LAFC game on Saturday along with the Biebers, Magic Johnson, and many other celebrities.
So what made this game so beautiful? (- apart from the fact LAFC won on penalties after 3-3 at extra time) It was the so-good-they-must-be-from-a-cheesy-movie moments that made this game so beautiful:
Knowing when to switch out the right players
It was a bold move to take Captain Carlos Vela off the pitch and bring on Gareth Bale. But when Bale scored the crucial equalizer to bring the game to penalties that move well and truly paid off! He’s only played a handful of minutes since LAFC signed him but he scored right when it mattered.
Being ready even if you think you might not be needed.
It’s the stuff Hollywood movie storylines are made of…when substitute goalkeeper woke up on Saturday could he have ever believed that he would win the MVP Most Valuable Player award - against his former club and home town team the Philadelphia Union too? It’s rare for a substitute goalie to be needed but when Maxime Crepeau broke his leg after a foul that also earned him a red card, it was time for LAFC John McCarthy to take over. McCarthy saved two penalties and won the MVP player award.
Keeping your ego in check, especially when others make mistakes
You read a lot about egotistical footballers and sports players, but keeping that ego in check isn’t always as simple as it sounds. LAFC’s Kellyn Acosta showed everyone how it is done at a pre match press conference. A Philadelphia reporter asked him what the vibe was like in Philly with the World Series and the Eagles undefeated, (even though he had an LAFC badge next to his name plate!!) Acosta handled the question perfectly, first trying to gently reposition the question, but as the reporter persisted with his question, Acosta told him “I don’t play for Philly, it is exciting for them I guess…” I happened to met Acosta’s Grandmother at the game and I shared with her how proud she can be of her grandson not humiliating the reporter and just calmly correcting him.
Random fact:
Pelé made the phrase “The Beautiful Game” popular, but it was originally coined by English commentator Stuart Hall as early as 1958.
Maybe you are reading this from outside the US and can’t believe that an MLS game could be this exciting. I challenge you to watch the highlights and decide then.
Maybe you are reading this from inside the US and can’t believe I am calling soccer football, but my British upbringing makes that hard for me to adjust to!
Cheers to a great week.
Dedicated to growing your business,
Val
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