'Goal-scoring machine returns after 8 games': Son Heung-min's slump explained, "I worry every time..." LAFC coach expresses frustration

*This content was translated by AI.

Son Heung-min (34) and Denis Bouanga (32, both of LAFC) should have been paired closely together long ago. Unlike previous matches where the two players were spread wide on opposite flanks and appeared isolated, they narrowed their spacing and organically swapped roles, immediately unleashing explosive synergy by combining for both of LAFC's goals.

On the 6th (Korean time), Son Heung-min delivered a standout performance with one goal and one assist in Major League Soccer (MLS) Round 23 against Real Salt Lake at America First Field in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. This ended his month-long drought of zero offensive contributions across seven official matches since the match against Vancouver Whitecaps on February 2nd.

The driving force behind LAFC's attack today was the change in positioning and roles for Son Heung-min and Bouanga. LAFC deployed a 3-4-3 formation, bringing the two players much closer together at the front. In the 14th minute of the first half, Son Heung-min dropped deep into midfield near the halfway line and delivered a precise left-footed through pass into the space behind the defense; Bouanga immediately cut inside from the left and scored the opening goal with a curling right-footed shot.

In the 39th minute of the first half, they completed their second goal using the exact opposite pattern. This time, Bouanga drove down the left flank before delivering a cutback pass toward the center in front of the penalty area; Son Heung-min connected with a non-stop left-footed shot to send the ball into the net.

This was a scene that instantly reversed the frustrating flow from the previous away match against Washington DC United, where the two players were isolated as wide wingers spread far apart on either flank.

According to an official LAFC video, Marc Dos Santos, LAFC's head coach, also explained in a post-match interview that the reason for the improved chemistry between the two players today, unlike in the Washington match, was: "The advantage of using a back three is that it allows us to position our three forwards closer together toward the center and place them much nearer to each other."

Additionally, Coach Dos Santos noted, "Setting up three forwards closely together creates very good opportunities," but also added, "However, we must require our midfielders to cover wide spaces, which is a concern because the current midfielders in our squad do not possess that specific trait."

Bouanga, who played in close coordination with Son Heung-min today, also acknowledged the effectiveness of this formation. When asked by local reporters whether he was playing closer to Son Heung-min than in the Washington match, Bouanga responded: "Every match is different. I think the formation for this game was good." He further explained, "We still need to defend well, but we needed to push forward a bit more. LAFC played with three forwards today, and there were many players looking to score inside the box."

However, the two goals created by Son Heung-min and Bouanga's perfect chemistry ultimately did not lead to a victory. LAFC conceded an equalizer from Saba Lobzhanidze in the 18th minute of the first half, followed by a late equalizer from Noel Kaliskan in the 30th minute of the second half. Even Son Heung-min's decisive shot, which he took after beating the goalkeeper in the 42nd minute of the second half, was blocked by an opponent's body tackle, and the match ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw.

Regarding the result, Bouanga said, "We lost two points. We know it is difficult to earn points away from home, but we cannot just defend like we did in the second half." He bowed his head, adding, "It is very disappointing that we are returning to Los Angeles with only one point today."

LAFC has managed only one win, five draws, and two defeats in their last eight matches, falling behind in the race for first place. Coach Dos Santos also emphasized, "We have drawn too many games recently. We must now focus solely on moving forward and definitely secure three points in our next home match."

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*This content was translated by AI.