*This content was translated by AI.
Korea national team ace Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) put on a 'one-man show' with one goal, one assist, and even inducing an own goal from the opponent.
On the 23rd (Korean time), LAFC defeated Real Salt Lake City 3-1 in their home match of the 17th round of the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA.
With this victory, LAFC extended their winning streak to three games. Their season record now stands at 9 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses (30 points), placing them third in the Western Conference.
Son Heung-min was at the heart of the victory. Starting as a forward, Son Heung-min scored the opening goal in the 11th minute of the first half, then set up an additional goal by his 'attacking partner' Denis Bouanga in the 40th minute. In the 23rd minute of the second half, Son Heung-min's pass led to an own goal by opposing defender DeAndre Yedlin.
Son Heung-min was involved in all three goals scored by LAFC that day. Football statistics outlet FootMob awarded Son Heung-min a rating of 7.8. With momentum on their side, Son Heung-min played for 72 minutes before being substituted. He recorded two shots on target, created two chances, and achieved a 94% pass success rate.
Son Heung-min had scored his first MLS goal in his return match against LA Galaxy on the 18th. In this match against Salt Lake City as well, he found the back of the net again, recording consecutive goals over two matches and his second league goal.
He also completely shed the disappointment of failing to score during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Son Heung-min added an assist today as well, tallying his 10th league assist.
Son Heung-min formed the attacking line with Bouanga and Jacob Shaffelburg positioned on both flanks. The opening goal came in the 11th minute of the first half.
After receiving the ball near the penalty area, Son Heung-min skillfully dribbled past an opposing defender and fired a left-footed shot. The ball flew directly into the net, giving LAFC the lead.
Having taken control early, LAFC continued their attack centered around Son Heung-min and Bouanga. In the 40th minute of the first half, the two players combined for an additional goal.
After blocking an opposing attack, LAFC immediately launched a counterattack. Son Heung-min delivered an accurate pass forward, after which Bouanga received the ball from Mathieu Choiniere and calmly shot to find the net inside the penalty box. Son Heung-min's pass was both the starting point of the team goal and officially recorded as an assist under league rules. This marked his 10th league assist.
Son Heung-min's sharp movements continued into the second half. In the 12th minute, he attempted a shot from a position similar to where he scored the opening goal. After evading pressure near the penalty area with his skills, he took a right-footed shot, but the ball narrowly missed the goalpost.
In the 23rd minute of the second half, Son Heung-min even induced an own goal from the opponent. LAFC dismantled Salt Lake City's defense with precise one-touch passes. Receiving the ball on the right side of the penalty box, Son Heung-min made a low pass toward a teammate on the opposite side. Yedlin attempted a sliding tackle to intercept it, but the ball struck his foot and went into the net.
Although officially recorded as an own goal by Yedlin, the goal was created by Son Heung-min's sharp pass. With this goal, LAFC extended their lead to 3-0, effectively sealing the match.
Having completed his mission, Son Heung-min was substituted off in the 27th minute of the second half. This allowed him to manage his physical condition given the tight schedule following the World Cup.
Although LAFC conceded one goal in the 41st minute of the second half, it had no impact on the outcome. Ultimately, thanks to Son Heung-min's one goal, one assist, and the induced own goal, LAFC secured a 3-1 victory and completed their three-game winning streak.
<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>
*This content was translated by AI.
