*This content was translated by AI.
Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) finally broke his goal drought that had lasted for seven consecutive matches. Although he could not lead his team to victory and the performance lacked luster, he shone brightly with one goal and one assist of his own. The match against Real Salt Lake, where Son Heung-min has historically shown a 'natural enemy' trait, became the turning point in his form.
On the 6th (Korea time), Son Heung-min started and played the full 90 minutes in the 2026 MLS match against Real Salt Lake at America First Field in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, recording one goal and one assist. The team ended in a 2-2 draw, leaving him with regrets after missing a crucial late-game opportunity to score the winning goal. However, it was significant that he finally broke his recent prolonged silence.
In fact, Son Heung-min had not recorded any offensive points for over a month since the match against Vancouver Whitecaps on February 2nd. His scoring drought continued across four MLS matches and three League Cup games. Not only did he fail to score, but he also failed to record an assist, marking a period of poor form. The team itself fell into a slump with five consecutive draws in recent league matches. Son Heung-min's silence was especially painful given his role as the team's ace and problem-solver.
Three consecutive goals and five goals plus one assist. The match against Salt Lake, where Son Heung-min has historically been particularly strong, became an 'opportunity' for him. Last year, he scored a hat-trick against Salt Lake and followed it up with another goal and assist in the subsequent match. Even in this year's matchup, he recorded a goal, proving that he is always strong whenever he faces Salt Lake. It was also an opportunity to break his long silence.
And that dominance proved effective once again. The first assist for LAFC's opening goal came in the 14th minute of the first half. Son Heung-min dropped deep into midfield and delivered a precise pass to Denis Bouanga, who was cutting in from the left flank. Son Heung-min's pass broke through the defensive line, and Bouanga curled a shot with his right foot that shook the opponent's net. This marked Son Heung-min's first offensive point in eight matches.
It did not end there. In the 39th minute of the first half, when the score was tied 1-1, he finally executed his signature 'click' celebration. This time, Bouanga delivered a low pass from above, which Son Heung-min connected with a left-footed non-stop shot in front of the goal. Although it appeared the goalkeeper had blocked the shot, the ball struck the crossbar, deflected inward, and crossed the goal line for a score. This was his first goal in eight matches and over a month since February 2nd, breaking his scoring drought.
The chance to become a hero was unfortunately missed. In a counterattack during the final moments of the second half with the score tied 2-2, Son Heung-min dribbled past the goalkeeper and attempted a right-footed shot toward the empty net. However, the shot was blocked by a diving defender's tackle and came to nothing. The match ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw. For Son Heung-min, it was a result where he recorded one goal and one assist but could not smile brightly.
Nevertheless, his historically strong performance against Salt Lake continued. With another goal and assist today, Son Heung-min's record against Salt Lake now stands at six goals and two assists across all four previous matches. For opposing teams, he has become a presence that could genuinely give them 'Son Heung-min phobia.' Having broken his silence, Son Heung-min will aim for back-to-back goals in the home match against Red Bull New York on the 10th at 11:30 a.m.
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*This content was translated by AI.
