*This content was translated by AI.
Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) has once again been excluded from the starting lineup for the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS).
On the 3rd at 10:30 a.m. (Korean time), Son Heung-min was named in the substitution list rather than the starting lineup for the 2026 MLS Round 11 match against San Diego FC at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, USA.
As a result, Son Heung-min has been excluded from the starting lineup in two consecutive MLS matches, following his absence from the starting lineup in the MLS Round 10 match against Minnesota United on the 26th of last month. In the Minnesota match, he did not even appear on the substitution list and took a rest instead.
Son Heung-min's consecutive absences from the MLS lineup coincide with a tight match schedule. LAFC has matches scheduled at intervals of three to four days, starting with the Colorado Rapids match on the 23rd of last month, followed by Minnesota on the 26th, Toluca (Mexico) on the 30th, San Diego FC today, and another match against Toluca on the 7th. The Toluca match is the CONCACAF Champions Cup 2026 semi-final.
In response, LAFC opted for rotation to focus more on the Champions Cup, which determines advancement to the final, resulting in limited playing time for Son Heung-min in the MLS. In fact, after resting for the Minnesota match, Son Heung-min played the full 90 minutes in the Toluca match and the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final, recording two assists and leading his team to a 2-1 victory.
For the San Diego FC match, Son Heung-min may either enter as a substitute depending on the flow of the game or take a rest, as he did in the Minnesota match. However, he is expected to return to the starting lineup for the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final against Toluca, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on the 7th.
With Son Heung-min out of the starting lineup, LAFC's attacking lineup will consist of Jeremy Ebobisse, Nathan Ordaz, and Denis Bouanga. The midfield will be composed of Ryan Hollingshead, Jude Terry, Stephen Eustáquio, and Ryan LaRosa. The defense will be built by Eddie Segura, Nkosinathi Tshabalala, and Kenny Nielsen. Hugo Lloris will be the goalkeeper.
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*This content was translated by AI.
