'Fantastic Turn → Killer Assistance' Son Heung-min's 7th assist, LAFC Champions Cup 1-1 draw... Official six-game winning streak failed

*This content was translated by AI.

It was a superb turn and killer pass. Son Heung-min (34, Los Angeles FC) saved his team's defeat by helping out for the seventh time of the season on the stage of the North American Champions Cup.

LAFC tied LD Alahuelense (Costa Rica) 1-1 at home in the first leg of the round of 16 of the 2026 North American Caribbean Football Confederation (CONCACAF) Champions Cup at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA at 12 p.m. on the 11th (Korea time).

LAFC, which allowed the first run in the first half, finished the first round of the round of 16 with a draw amid the performance of Son Heung-min, who scored one goal and seven assists in six games this season.

On this day, LAFC operated a 4-3-3 formation. Son Heung-min played as a central striker, and Dennis Vuanga and Timothy Tillman were placed on both wings. Marco Delgado, Amin Budri and Mathieu Shuaniere were in the midfield, with Ryan Hollingshead, Nkosi Tapari, Ryan Porteous and Serhiy Palencia forming the four backs. The goal was defended by Hugo Lloris.

In the first half, LAFC took the lead and continued to tap Allahuellense's goal. Son Heung-min came down to the halfway line and focused on creating space for his teammates by solving the game.

However, LAFC had difficulty creating accurate shooting opportunities as Alahuelense responded by lowering the line deep. Amid the frustrating trend, even the central defender came up to the offensive area and attempted a mid-range shot.

LAFC, which had been driving hard, was hit at the end of the first half. In the 43rd minute, Alahuelense's Alejandro Bran scored the first goal with a right-footed volley. goalkeeper Lloris reached out, but it was not enough to stop him. This was LAFC's first loss in five recent official games. Alahuelense, who scored only one shot in the first half, ended the first half with a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, LAFC increased its offensive for an equalizer, but was blocked by opposing goalkeeper Ortega. In the 7th minute of the second half, Son Heung-min's sharp right-footed mid-range shot slightly went off the post, and Tapari's header shot from the ensuing corner was also headed in front of the goalkeeper.

It was Son Heung-min and Buanga duo who balanced the game. In the 11th minute of the second half, Son Heung-min, who defended the ball in the penalty box, connected an exquisite through pass, and Buanga, who received it, shook the net with a right foot winding shot. After the touch, Son Heung-min took off the defense with an exquisite trick move and gave an assist.

Five minutes were given extra time in the second half. The game ended 1-1 with no extra points. LAFC's victory streak, which had won five consecutive games this season, was cut off.

As a result, Son Heung-min reaffirmed his team's key striker by starting three consecutive games in North Korea and the U.S. from the first round to the first round of the tournament. Although the field goal silence continued for the fourth consecutive game, it proved its excellent ability to help again.

LAFC, which aims to win the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, will play the second leg of the round of 16 against Alahuelense on the 18th to determine whether it will advance to the quarterfinals.

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*This content was translated by AI.