'Unusual' Son Heung-min diving → Hollywood action 'yellow card' U.S. was also surprised, LAFC coach said, "What do you think? It's hard to answer, but..."

*This content was translated by AI.

Son Heung-min (34, Los Angeles FC) created an unusual scene in which he was warned with a simulation action, drawing great attention there. LAFC coach Mark dos Santos directly mentioned Son Heung-min's warning situation in an interview after the game.

LAFC won 1-0 thanks to David Martinez's winning goal in the third round of the 2026 U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS) at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California at 12:30 p.m. on the 8th (Korea time). Son Heung-min, who started as the center striker in the 4-3-3 formation, played full season and won his team's fifth consecutive game.

A rather unusual situation has emerged. Son was warned 10 minutes into the match. It is the first yellow card since entering the U.S. stage in August last year.

On this day, Son Heung-min collapsed on the ground while trying to beat the goalkeeper in front of the Dallas goal. Judging that there was no contact, the referee took out a warning card according to the simulation action.

According to LAFC, coach Dos Santos said, "When I first saw the situation, I thought it was a penalty, but it wasn't," adding, "After seeing Son Heung-min's reaction, I guessed it wasn't a penalty." However, it is difficult for me to answer the player's thoughts directly."

In addition, coach Dos Santos added, "As an experienced and strong player, I don't think the scene would have had a big impact on Son Heung-min."

On this day, Dallas tied LAFC's attack tightly by placing a large number in the midfield. "It was really hard for Dallas because it was a very physical and well-off team," coach dos Santos said. "It was another type of difficulty with Real Spain, Miami and Houston. If it were last year, I might have lost 0-1 to a set piece in a game like this," he said, adding to the victory.

The team's patience was highly appreciated in the final goal scene. "When Dallas got down 5-4-1, Dennis Buanga was patient, changing directions instead of forcing his way in," coach Dos Santos said. "The ball was turned outside and Martinez's left-footed shot led to three points."

Son Heung-min, who has been playing for the last three games, showed strong belief in his scoreless league. "It's going to explode soon," coach Dos Santos said. "Every player has a difficult time," Son said. "Son Heung-min has already scored one goal and five assists in five games. He also induced two opposing red cards. "Imagine the team when Son Heung-min and Buanga burst perfectly," he said, expressing expectations.

As for the defense, he said, "We have allowed only one goal in five games. "This is a tremendous achievement," he said. "In particular, World Cup champion Hugo Lloris showed amazing defense. He is a leader who says really good things every time he opens his mouth and has a great talent."

LAFC, which has won five consecutive official matches, will now face Alahuelense (Costa Rica) in the round of 16 match of the North-China Caribbean Confederation (CONCACAF) Champions Cup. The winner of this tournament qualifies for the FIFA Club World Cup. "The game against Allahuellensse is very important," coach Dos Santos said. We will recover and release the players in the best shape possible," he said.

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*This content was translated by AI.