Son Heung-min Makes Explosive MLS Debut: Breaking Down His LAFC Performance
Son Heung-min is set to make a significant impact for LAFC in Major League Soccer.
Within just 10 days, the South Korean icon transitioned from thunderous applause in Seoul during his Tottenham Hotspur farewell match to stepping onto the MLS stage in suburban Chicago for LAFC's 2–2 tie with the Chicago Fire.
Despite the hectic schedule for the 33-year-old forward, he wasted no time making his MLS entrance, entering as a 61st-minute replacement for LAFC with the score locked at 1–1.
Perhaps fittingly for LAFC—typically donning black uniforms—they wore their white jerseys for the former Spurs legend's inaugural appearance.
The debut couldn't have unfolded much more favorably. In the 77th minute, LAFC's Nathan Ordaz sent Son through on a breakaway during an intense exchange before Fire defender Carlos Terán brought him down inside the penalty area, with VAR confirming the spot kick.
Nevertheless, it was LAFC's other marquee player, Denis Bouanga, who converted the penalty to equalize at 2–2, though Son delivered several impressive moments in his first outing.
Manager Steve Cherundolo deployed LAFC in a 4-3-3 formation to begin the contest, notably starting without any Designated Players as both Son and Bouanga began on the substitutes' bench. The halftime adjustments saw Bouanga occupy the left flank while Son assumed a more central attacking position.
The South Korean sensation quickly made his presence felt. In the 67th minute, he registered his inaugural shot with the team, dropping deeper during transition to create space for Ordaz to locate him centrally following a wing run.
This wasn't the sole instance of Ordaz and Son combining effectively, as the El Salvador international created another opportunity for Son with a backheel attempt from a cross in the 72nd minute, though the former Premier League standout couldn't make contact.
Beyond his partnership with Ordaz, Son also coordinated well with Bouanga, creating overlapping runs with the Gabonese international through rapid interchanges. However, LAFC were exposed shortly after their initial combination, allowing the 2–1 goal in the 70th minute.
Subsequently, Son came close to his maiden goal with his finest opportunity in the 93rd minute. He played the ball to Bouanga wide, then moved to the penalty area's edge, timing his run perfectly to receive a through pass from Sergi Palencia, though the sequence resulted in a corner kick.
In summary, Son delivered an impressive display, and LAFC wouldn't have earned the draw without his contribution, as he won the penalty that allowed Bouanga to score and secure the 2–2 outcome.
Position Questions
When LAFC acquired Son, immediate questions emerged regarding where the veteran Premier League winger would be deployed. With LAFC already featuring Bouanga as a left winger, either player would likely need to adapt their role.
Despite lasting only 30 minutes, Son's initial MLS appearance saw him function as a striker capable of drifting wide, and while this may not represent his natural role, he appeared comfortable in the position. Notably, he wasn't rigidly confined to central areas, frequently moving wide to support Ordaz and Bouanga in the attacking phase.
For instance, examining Son's heatmap revealed relatively flexible positioning during his brief substitute appearance, with his greatest influence coming when he operated centrally and recorded his three attempts. He made a meaningful contribution in limited time, earning a penalty, registering 20 touches, and completing six passes.
His inaugural official goal contribution remains pending but could materialize in LAFC's upcoming fixture as they prepare for an Aug. 16 encounter with the New England Revolution.