News Summary
Son Heung-Min made his debut for LAFC in a 2-2 draw against Chicago Fire, showcasing his impact by drawing a penalty kick that led to an equalizer. Despite falling behind, LAFC’s standout players delivered, marking the match full of excitement for fans. With the playoff race intensifying, Son’s addition could be crucial as LAFC pushes for a spot in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
Bridgeview, Illinois – Son Heung-Min made his highly anticipated Major League Soccer (MLS) debut for Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Chicago Fire at SeatGeek Stadium on Saturday. The match took place in front of a sold-out crowd of 19,831 fans, all eager to witness the South Korean superstar in action just days after his unveiling with the club.
The 31-year-old forward entered the game as a substitute in the 61st minute and quickly influenced the match’s dynamics. In the 77th minute, Son drew a penalty kick after being fouled by Chicago defender Carlos Terán, a significant turning point in the match. Denis Bouanga, who had already established himself as a scoring threat this season, successfully converted the penalty, leveling the match 2-2.
LAFC initially fell behind in the match when Chicago’s Jonathan Bamba scored in the 70th minute, giving the Fire a brief lead at 2-1. However, Son’s addition to the lineup revitalized LAFC, and Bouanga’s equalizer marked his 14th goal of the season, contributing to the team’s ongoing campaign for a playoff spot.
Steve Cherundolo, LAFC’s head coach, highlighted Son’s immediate impact on the match, noting the excitement that both him and Bouanga generated on the field. The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric, with fans proudly donning jerseys from South Korea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Bayer 04 Leverkusen, showcasing Son’s journey through football’s major leagues.
Despite having just arrived in Los Angeles and participating in only a handful of training sessions leading up to the game, Son expressed satisfaction with his debut and the positive reception from the crowd. The momentum generated by Son’s performance has the potential to play a crucial role as LAFC continues to push towards the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
During the match, Chicago’s Carlos Terán opened the scoring early, putting the Fire ahead in the 11th minute. However, LAFC responded quickly with a goal from Ryan Hollingshead, who equalized in the 19th minute with an assist from David Martínez. The back-and-forth nature of the match kept fans engaged, embodying the competitive spirit of MLS.
In terms of goalkeeping, Chicago’s Chris Brady made four impressive saves to maintain his team’s position, while LAFC’s Hugo Lloris recorded one save during the match. Both teams showcased moments of skill and determination, with Chicago aiming for a playoff spot for the first time since 2017.
Looking ahead, LAFC is set to face the New England Revolution in their next match, as they strive to solidify their standings. Currently positioned in sixth place in the Western Conference, the team remains focused on maintaining their momentum and pushing for a playoff berth, with Son Heung-Min now part of the squad’s journey.
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HERE Resources
Son Heung-min Joins LAFC After Tenure at Tottenham
Additional Resources
- Daily News
- Google Search: Son Heung-Min MLS debut
- New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Son Heung-Min
- Korea Joongang Daily
- Google News: LAFC vs Chicago Fire
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
