LAFC and Son Heung-min Secure MLS Cup Playoff Berth in Dramatic Off-Field Twist
LAFC and Son Heung-min have secured their spot in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs without even stepping onto the field on Saturday evening.
Prior to the Black and Gold's Sunday clash with Real Salt Lake as part of Matchday 35, they guaranteed their playoff position when the San Jose Earthquakes fell 3–1 to St. Louis CITY SC, eliminating any possibility for their California rivals to overtake them.
However, despite clinching their playoff berth, Sunday's encounter and the subsequent five fixtures remain crucial.
They aim not only to position themselves optimally for home-field advantage in the opening best-of-three playoff round, but also to conclude the regular season on a positive note under head coach Steve Cherundolo's final campaign.
During the middle of the season, Cherundolo revealed that 2025 would mark his final year leading LAFC from the sidelines, and the organization has supported him with significant investment, acquiring Son for an MLS-record transfer sum exceeding $26 million.
Currently, he aspires to guide them to a second MLS Cup championship and establish a dual-title legacy, having previously steered the Gareth Bale-led LAFC to the 2022 championship.
Following their encounter with Salt Lake, LAFC will meet St. Louis CITY SC, Toronto FC, Atlanta United, Austin FC and the Colorado Rapids to wrap up the MLS campaign, before turning attention to the playoff opening round, scheduled from Oct. 24 to Nov. 9, ultimately leading to MLS Cup on Dec. 6.
Bouanga Pursuing Messi, Surridge for Golden Boot
Denis Bouanga has displayed excellent form for LAFC and will aim to maintain his high performance level throughout the remainder of the season, while also pursuing a second career MLS Golden Boot after claiming the honor with 20 goals in 2023.
Going into the match against the Sounders, Bouanga had tallied 19 goals and eight assists, placing him third in the Golden Boot competition, trailing only Inter Miami's Lionel Messi and Nashville SC's Sam Surridge, who have netted 22 and 21 goals, respectively.
Bouanga has already etched his name in goalscoring history this season, surpassing Carlos Vela as LAFC's all-time top scorer, but now, with Son's assistance, will attempt to become the fourth player to capture multiple Golden Boots.
Son Enters Playoffs
LAFC may not be contending for the Supporters' Shield, but they won't be an opponent anyone desires to face in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
For Son, this marks his inaugural postseason experience, but also his first knockout competition at club level since claiming the 2024–25 Europa League with Tottenham Hotspur.
The South Korean star has netted five goals and recorded an assist in his initial six appearances with LAFC, and will certainly pose a significant threat during the postseason.