*This content was translated by AI.
Son Heung-min (34, LAFC), whose streak of consecutive goals halted due to physical strain amidst a packed schedule, will aim for his first League Cup goal and a momentum shift against the weaker Querétaro FC.
Son Heung-min will face Mexico's Querétaro in the third group stage match of the 2026 Leagues Cup at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA, on the 13th at 11:30 a.m. (Korean time).
On this day, Son Heung-min will start as the central forward, with Denis Bouanga and Jacob Shaffelburg positioned on both wings. Mark Delgado, Mathieu Choinière, and Jude Terry will play in midfield. Eddie Segura, Yucoshi Tapia, Ryan Porteous, and Ryan Laposa will form the back four, while Hugo Lloris will guard the goal.
Currently, LAFC has recorded one win and one draw (five points) in two group stage matches, maintaining an unbeaten run. In contrast, opponent Querétaro has lost both of their previous two matches, sitting at the bottom of the group with zero goals scored and five conceded. This match presents a perfect opportunity for both LAFC and Son Heung-min, who are eager to secure a win and build solid momentum.
After returning from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, Son Heung-min displayed explosive form on the regular league stage. Starting with the match against LA Galaxy, he scored four consecutive goals in MLS regular league matches against Real Salt Lake, Sporting Kansas City, and Vancouver Whitecaps, adding multiple goals in the MLS All-Star Game, earning praise from local media. The U.S. outlet 'ESPN' highlighted Son Heung-min's consecutive goal performances, boosting LAFC's power ranking to second place, while the official MLS website also praised him, stating, "He has been firing on all cylinders in every match since the World Cup, showing absolutely top form."
However, Son Heung-min's footwork has been somewhat hesitant since entering the League Cup stage. In recent League Cup matches against Chivas Guadalajara and Toluca (both from Mexico), he struggled to score due to tight marking by opposing defenses in two consecutive games. Notably, in the match on the 9th against Toluca, although he started as the central forward, he failed to register a single shot under intense opposition pressure and was substituted off in the 23rd minute of the second half.
Fatigue accumulation appears critical. Son Heung-min, who returned to his team immediately after the World Cup, started in six consecutive matches up to the Toluca game, hitting physical limits. Marc Dos Santos, LAFC's head coach, also expressed deep concern after the Toluca victory, stating, "The physical burden and overuse of the squad are very worrying. If we had seven substitution cards available, we would have used them all. It is difficult to guarantee who will be in top condition for the next match."
LAFC faces a ruthless schedule ahead, playing four matches in just about ten days, including three consecutive MLS regular league matches on the 16th, 20th, and 23rd following the Querétaro game.
Nevertheless, Son Heung-min's performance as the core of the team's offense is essential. It remains to be seen whether he can break through Querétaro's defensive wall amidst a packed schedule and physical challenges, restarting a goal storm.
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*This content was translated by AI.
