Bale’s first MLS goal paces LAFC on road

KANSAS CITY, Kan — Gareth Bale came on as a substitute in the 65th minute and scored his first MLS goal to lead LAFC to a 2-0 win over Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park on Saturday night.

Bale, who signed with LAFC on June 27, slipped a left-footed shot inside the lower right post to make it 2-0 in the 83rd minute after taking a pass on the right side of the field from Cristian Arango on a counterattack.

Maxime Crepeau stopped each of the three shots he faced for LAFC and his six shutouts this season match his career high.

Arango’s team-leading ninth goal of the season put LAFC (14-4-3) on the scoreboard in the 56th minute.

LAFC, which won its third consecutive game against a Western Conference opponent, had a 13-11 edge in shots over Sporting KC (5-13-5).

LAFC remained perfect (11-0-0) this season when scoring the first goal.