"8.2 + 5 key passes." Son Heung-min's explicit playmaking that overcame the check... It's been 6 games and 7 assists

*This content was translated by AI.

Son Heung-min (34, Los Angeles FC) did not score a direct goal, but it was definitely Son Heung-min (34) who dominated the game. Son Heung-min, who led the team's attack with sharp killer passes and seasoned game management, proved his class once again on the stage in North and Central America.

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

LAFC's winning streak, which had won five consecutive official games this season, has stopped, but amid Son Heung-min's performance, he avoided defeat and promised the second round of the round of 16.

After the game, the statistics media "Foot Mob" gave Son Heung-min, who was responsible for the full season and helped the equalizer, an 8.2 score. According to the media, Son Heung-min recorded five key passes, one big opportunity creation, two effective shots, and two dribbles, and shone on both sides of the offense and defense, including four passes in the offensive area and five successful ball contests.

In particular, if you look at the heat map delivered by the media, Son Heung-min played a perfect role as a playmaker to unravel LAFC's overall offensive flow by traveling widely to the midfield area, not limited to the front line. Son Heung-min focused on creating a goal opportunity for his teammates by reversely using Alahuelense's strong checks.

On this day, LAFC operated a 4-3-3 formation. Son Heung-min was selected as the central striker, and Dennis Buanga and Timothy Tillman worked together on the side. The midfield was handled by Marco Delgado, Amin Budri and Mathieu Shuaniere, with Ryan Hollingshead, Nkosi Tapari, Ryan Porteous and Serhiy Palencia forming the defensive line. The goal was defended by Hugo Lloris.

LAFC took the lead in the first half. Son Heung-min came down to the halfway line, accepted the ball, and focused on opening up space for his teammates.

However, LAFC was hit with a counterattack in the 43rd minute. Alahuelense's Alejandro Bran scored the first goal with a right-footed volley.

LAFC also launched a wave of attacks in the second half. In the 7th minute, Son Heung-min's sharp right-footed mid-range shot slightly turned away from the post, and Tapari's header, who received Son Heung-min's cross from the ensuing corner, headed in front of the goalkeeper.

It was Son Heung-min's toes that scored the equalizer. Son Heung-min, who caught the ball in the penalty box in the 11th minute of the second half, beat the defender and poked a left-footed through pass to Buanga. Buanga, who received it, shook the net with a right foot winding to balance the game. This marks Son's first goal and seventh assist in six games this season.

LAFC then pushed for a come-from-behind goal, but failed to score an additional goal until 5 minutes of extra time in the second half to end the game 1-1.

Son Heung-min, who started for three consecutive games from the first round of this tournament to the first round of the round of 16, reaffirmed that his influence on the game was unique, although the field goal continued to remain silent. During the first game of the first round against Real Spain, Son Heung-min scored one goal and three assists to lead his team's 6-1 victory.

LAFC, which aims to win the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, will play Alahuelense in the second leg of the round of 16 on the 18th.

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*This content was translated by AI.