"Son Heung-min's first list excluded → humiliating defeat." LAFC finally gave up first place in the power ranking... Champions Cup 'All In'

*This content was translated by AI.

The absence of ace Son Heung-min (34) led to the failure of his team's unbeaten streak and a drop in valuation. LAFC, which lost Son Heung-min's first entry since entering the U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS), finally gave up the top spot in the power rankings.

Sports media "Sports Illustrated" reported on the 14th (Korea Standard Time) that LAFC, which was ranked first last week, fell one place to second place in the MLS power ranking.

In response to the evaluation, the media pointed out, "LAFC without veteran stars did not win," adding, "The decision of coach Mark dos Santos, who operated the rotation, ended the fourth-longest scoreless record in club history and the season's unbeaten streak."

LAFC lost 1-2 to the Portland Timbers in the 2026 MLS 7th round away game at Providence Park in Portland, USA on the 12th.

On the same day, coach dos Santos chose an unconventional rotation in preparation for the second leg of the quarterfinals of the 2026 North American Caribbean Football Confederation (CONCACAF) Champions Cup against Cruz Asul (Mexico) on the 15th. Key striker Son Heung-min and main goalkeeper Hugo Lloris were removed from the list and given a break. This is the first time Son Heung-min has been excluded from the MLS list except during the A-match period.

LAFC, where Son Heung-min was absent, placed Nathan Ordas and Tyler Boyd on the three-top with Dennis Buanga at the forefront, and appointed a large number of young players, including 17-year-old prospects Jude Terry and 19-year-old Matthew Evans.

Ace's absence was painful. Against Portland, the bottom of the league, LAFC eventually allowed Christopher Welde to score the first goal in the 32nd minute of the first half.

In the fourth minute of the second half, LAFC put out the urgent fire with Terry's equalizer. However, they lost 1-2 in the 6th minute of extra time when Kevin Kelsey scored the winning goal. As a result, LAFC ended its six-game unbeaten streak (5 wins and 1 draw) since the opening and 11 consecutive official matches.

"Coach Dos Santos has been criticized for being stingy in the rotation, but he eventually put the continental tournament on the priority list due to injuries to key players such as Stefan Eustachio," Sports Illustrated said. "The rotation against Portland came back to defeat, but due to the nature of MLS, the result will not be a big concern for LAFC."

Meanwhile, the Vancouver Whitecaps, which beat LAFC to rank No. 1 in the power rankings, defeated New York City FC 2-0. Lionel Messi's Inter Miami finished fifth with a 2-2 draw with the New York Red Bulls.

First of all, LAFC is expected to go all-in on the road to Mexico, saving Son Heung-min's physical strength. Local media such as Mexico's Soy Football also expected Son Heung-min to start. LAFC and Cruz Asul will be held at 10 a.m. on the 15th.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.