*This content was translated by AI.
With the ace's upward momentum, his team is also soaring. Thanks to Son Heung-min's (34, LAFC) outstanding performance, LAFC has climbed to second place in the power ranking.
On the 4th (Korea time), U.S. sports specialty outlet 'ESPN' released its 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) team power rankings.
The most noticeable change is LAFC's rise. Having been ranked third in the previous release, LAFC moved up one spot to claim second place. 'ESPN' explained, "After the break, Son Heung-min scored in four consecutive games and led Vancouver Whitecaps to a 1-1 draw. Combined with the solid defense of the central defensive line and outstanding saves by goalkeeper Wigo Yoris, they secured a valuable result."
Son Heung-min's perfect performance upon returning after the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup has stirred excitement among U.S. experts. Earlier, MLS highlighted Son Heung-min on its official website, stating, "Son Heung-min and Thomas Müller shared the spotlight in a fierce duel." The league also focused attention on Son Heung-min, who has been scoring in every game since returning from the World Cup break.
MLS even praised, "Although Son Heung-min failed to score in the first 13 regular-season games after the season opener, he has scored in every match since returning from the World Cup." The outlet added, "Since joining LAFC last August for the highest transfer fee in league history after leaving Tottenham Hotspur, he has been showing the best form by far."
In fact, Son Heung-min started in the crucial match against Vancouver, which is competing for the top spot, and demonstrated overwhelming finishing ability by scoring one goal from three shots.
Although LAFC had been struggling somewhat, they found relief thanks to their savior, Son Heung-min. In the 37th minute of the first half, during an LAFC counterattack, Son Heung-min received a pass from Denis Bouanga inside the penalty box. Instead of immediately controlling the ball, he skillfully turned his body and attempted a sharp right-footed turning shot past the Vancouver defenders, sending the ball into the corner of the Vancouver net.
With this goal, Son Heung-min exploded with four consecutive regular-season goals: starting with the LA Galaxy match after returning from the North American World Cup, followed by matches against Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas City, and culminating in today's game against Vancouver. Including his multi-goal performance in the midweek MLS All-Star Game, he has been unleashing a goal storm in every match.
Meanwhile, 'ESPN' power ranking No. 1 remained with Lionel Messi's Inter Miami. Miami secured a 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew after Rodrigo De Paul and Messi returned for their first match since the World Cup, while Luis Suárez contributed one goal and one assist. Although their winning streak ended at six games, they maintained the top position.
Previously ranked first, Vancouver dropped to third place. Despite unleashing 21 shots against LAFC and dominating much of the game, Vancouver could only settle for a 1-1 draw thanks to a penalty kick goal scored by Müller in the latter half of the match.
Ranking changes among other teams featuring superstars also drew attention. Chicago Fire, which defeated Charlotte FC 2-1 with Robert Lewandowski scoring two goals in his home debut, rose two spots from eighth to sixth place. On the other hand, San Jose Earthquakes, despite Timo Werner's efforts with one goal and one assist, lost 2-4 to Cincinnati and remained in fifth place. Orlando City, which had gained momentum after signing Antoine Griezmann, fell 2-3 to New York Red Bulls and stayed at 23rd place.
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*This content was translated by AI.
