Son Heung-min's one-man show with 1 goal and 2 assists → MLS Best XI... Selected alongside Bouanga: "Led LAFC's turnaround"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

'Captain' Son Heung-min (LAFC) not only put on a one-man show with 1 goal and 2 assists, but also firmly secured a spot in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Matchday 30 Best XI.

The MLS office announced the 2026 season Matchday 30 "Team of the Matchday" through its official website on the 16th (Korean time).

Son Heung-min occupied one spot as the left midfielder in a 3-4-3 formation. Denis Bouanga, his "partner in crime," who scored a brace against Austin FC, also made the list in the forward category, with both players selected for the Best XI side by side.

MLS also focused its spotlight on the performances of Son Heung-min and Bouanga.

MLS evaluated that "LAFC defeated Austin FC 3-1 to return to a winning streak and reclaim their dominance."

It further praised, "Son Heung-min recorded 1 goal and 2 assists, while Bouanga scored 2 goals, delivering decisive performances."

Son Heung-min started in LAFC's home match against Austin in the 2026 MLS regular season held at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA on the 15th, exploding with 1 goal and 2 assists. LAFC also secured a comprehensive 3-1 victory.

LAFC, which ended the first half 0-0, broke the deadlock in the 7th minute of the second half through the synergy between Son Heung-min and Bouanga.

Son Heung-min, who received the ball in the opponent's territory, drove forward himself to create a decisive chance facing the goalkeeper. Although he could have attempted a shot himself, he did not get greedy. He passed the ball to Bouanga, who was rushing in from the side, and Bouanga calmly finished it off to score the opening goal.

Although LAFC conceded an equalizer in the 21st minute of the second half, the Son Heung-min and Bouanga combo solved it again just one minute later.

A ball cleared by the opposing defense hit Son Heung-min and connected to Bouanga, who shook the net again with a precise shot. It was Son Heung-min's 15th assist of the season and his second assist of the day.

In the 27th minute of the second half, Son Heung-min stepped up as the direct finisher himself. Receiving a pass from Jacob Shapenberg, Son Heung-min struck with his right foot from the center of the penalty box to shake the net and nail down the victory.

LAFC, which had gone winless in its last 4 matches (2 draws, 2 losses), also succeeded in turning the atmosphere around by securing a rare 3 points led by the performances of Son Heung-min and Bouanga.

Football statistics media FootMob also awarded both Son Heung-min and Bouanga a rating of 9.2.

Son Heung-min's record for this season has grown to 9 goals and 22 assists in all official competitions. In the MLS regular season, he has recorded 7 goals and 15 assists, while in cup competitions, he has recorded 2 goals and 7 assists.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original