´Phenomenal´ Son makes instant impact for LAFC on MLS debut

Son Heung-min wasted no time in making an influence on his MLS debut, approaching to win a penalty as Los Angeles FC twice got here from behind to attract 2-2 with the Chicago Hearth.

Simply 4 days after being unveiled as an LAFC participant following 10 years at Tottenham Hotspur, Son was named on the bench by Steve Cherundolo at SeatGeek Stadium.

He watched on as his new crew twice fell behind, with Carlos Teran nodding Philip Zinckernagel’s nook residence for Chicago’s Tenth-minute opener.

Ryan Hollingshead levelled 9 minutes later with a header of his personal from David Martinez’s nook supply, however the Hearth inched again in entrance through Jonathan Bamba’s highly effective near-post end within the seventieth minute.

Son, who had changed Martinez within the 61st minute, darted in behind the Chicago backline within the 77th minute and was chopped down by Teran, permitting Denis Bouanga to degree from the spot following a VAR evaluate.

And the South Korea celebrity may have scored a 93rd-minute winner, too, if not for a heroic block from Chicago’s Jonathan Dean.

“His following is worldwide, and there’s a motive for it; he’s phenomenal,” Hollingshead mentioned of his new team-mate.

“You noticed him are available in for 20, half-hour and alter the sport for us, and provide one thing completely different from what we had. That’s why we introduced him in, as a result of he’s nonetheless acting at a excessive degree.”

Immediate Impression

Son Heung-Min in his extremely anticipated debut.#LAFC | @Topps pic.twitter.com/5fNmRxjySR

— LAFC (@LAFC) August 10, 2025

The outcome leaves LAFC fifth within the Western Convention, 12 factors adrift of leaders San Diego FC however with three video games in hand on account of their participation on the Membership World Cup.

Having loved a optimistic debut, Son is now eager to construct his health forward of the ultimate 11 video games of the common season, and hopefully for LAFC, a deep playoff run.

“I actually loved it,” Son mentioned. “I’ve by no means had this welcome at an away recreation. It was good to see that persons are celebrating and persons are having fun with the soccer. I like to be right here.

“It was a fantastic cross and there was undoubtedly contact and it was undoubtedly a penalty, little doubt about it.

“I used to be a bit disillusioned not getting three factors however I feel everyone put in plenty of effort. I’m completely happy I made my debut and I hope the objectives come quickly.

“I’m preparing and it was a good half-hour in my legs, preparing for subsequent week. We’ll see how I progress within the coaching classes and with the gamers and we’ll see if subsequent week I can begin the sport and make a big effect.”

LAFC have two extra street video games subsequent up, in opposition to the New England Revolution and FC Dallas, with Son’s residence debut probably set for August 31, versus San Diego.