'Why was Son Heung-min excluded from the lineup?' LAFC withstands 24 shots and secures a 1-0 victory, with 'Yoris' stellar saves shining'... Real Madrid-born James remains 'silent'

*This content was translated by AI.

LAFC, without Son Heung-min (34), finally sounded the victory bell.

On the 26th (Korea time), LAFC secured a narrow 1-0 away win against Minnesota United at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in the 10th round of the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS).

After remaining unbeaten in six matches since the season opener (five wins, one draw), LAFC had fallen into a three-match winless slump (one draw, two losses) but finally claimed a victory after four games.

With 20 points (six wins, two draws, two losses), LAFC moved into third place in the Western Conference. Minnesota, which failed to add any points (17 points), remains in fourth place.

Son Heung-min was completely excluded from the matchday roster. This absence is a measure to manage his fitness ahead of the first leg of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals against Toluca (Mexico) on the 30th. This marks the second time Son Heung-min, who joined the MLS stage last year, has sat out a regular league match, following his absence in the seventh-round game against Portland Timbers.

This season, Son Heung-min has appeared in eight league matches, recording zero goals and seven assists.

In the ace's absence, LAFC formed a front three with Denis Bouanga, David Martinez, and Nathan Ordaz.

The hero was Martinez. He scored an early goal in the ninth minute of the first half, becoming the top contributor to the victory. After exchanging a one-two pass with a teammate, Martinez penetrated to the left side of the penalty box and curled a precise and powerful shot into the net from a tight angle.

Although LAFC secured the victory, they were outplayed in terms of performance. They were outmatched in ball possession, 38.3% to 61.7%, and trailed significantly in shots, 7 to 24. The foundation of the win was built on goalkeeper Hugo Yoris's six crucial saves.

Meanwhile, Minnesota United started with Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez, who has played for European powerhouses including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Everton. However, he remained silent without making any significant impact.

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

*This content was translated by AI.