LAFC backup keeper John McCarthy WINS the MLS Cup MVP award, as the ex-Union man comes off the bench after Maxime Crepeau is sent off and makes TWO vital penalty shootout saves vs Philly
John McCarthy started Saturday’s MLS Cup on the bench, but ended it as the game’s MVP.
The LAFC backup goalie was thrust into action following Maxime Crepau’s second-half red card (and injury) following a poor back pass to the starting keeper from Jesus Murillo.

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McCarthy entered the game in the 117th minute and played out the rest of a dramatically extended extra time period, but performed his heroics in the shootout afterwards.

John McCarthy made two massive saves in the penalty shootout to hand LAFC the MLS Cup

McCarthy was awarded with MLS honors after the game, which he began on the bench
The Philadelphia native saved attempts from Jose Martinez and Kai Wagner to help LAFC to a 3-0 shootout victory and their first MLS Cup.
McCarthy, who played with the Union from 2015-18, made just one start for LAFC this season and hasn’t been a regular starter since he was a division below, in the USL, in 2019.
The goalkeeper was also beat out by current Philly goalie Andre Blake for the starting spot there, adding another layer to his improbable involvement and award win.
After the match, Crepau FaceTimed into LAFC’s title celebrations, and his deputy had a touching message to share with him.
‘I f***ing love you Max,’ McCarthy said. ‘I f***ing love you.’
Crepau was supposed to travel with Canada to the World Cup but pending the results of any medical tests, that dream now looks to be in major jeopardy after his gnarly collision with Cory Burke that led to his red card.
The Canadian international gave a ‘thumbs up’ sign to the crowd as he was stretchered off, but a trip to Qatar may come far too soon with the tournament set to kick off later this month.