Son Heung-min embraced him tightly! "Wow" to teammate's stunning free-kick goal... but LAFC failed to hold their lead, ending in a 1-1 draw

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"Captain" Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) beamed at his teammate's spectacular free-kick goal. However, his club LAFC failed to maintain their lead until the end, recording a disappointing draw.

On the 18th (Korean time), LAFC drew 1-1 in an away match against New York City FC at Citi Field in Queens, New York, USA, in the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season.

LAFC took the lead first. With the score tied 0-0 in the first half stoppage time minute 1, LAFC won a free kick from a promising position. Leo Valencia, who stepped up as the kicker, aimed directly at the goal, and the sharply shot ball went straight into New York City's net.

Although it was from a somewhat long distance, Valencia boldly chose to shoot directly. The ball traced a precise trajectory toward the goal, leaving the opposing goalkeeper unable to make a proper save.

Immediately after the goal, LAFC players all rushed toward Valencia. Son Heung-min also smiled broadly and hugged Valencia tightly with both arms. He celebrated his teammate's fantastic free-kick goal as if it were his own goal.

LAFC finished the first half leading 1-0 thanks to Valencia's strike.

Son Heung-min started the match as LAFC's attacking midfielder. Denis Bouanga played up front, while Son Heung-min supported the attack from the second line alongside Jacob Shaffelburg and Valencia. The formation was a 4-2-3-1.

Son Heung-min received a rating of 6.6 from football statistics media outlet FotMob.

He attempted one shot, which resulted in an on-target shot. He made 38 ball touches and completed 16 out of 22 passes accurately, recording a success rate of 73%. He attempted three dribbles, succeeding once, and won the ball back three times.

However, New York City did not easily give Son Heung-min attacking space, making it difficult for him to create decisive opportunities.

Nevertheless, Son Heung-min continued to change his position, serving as a link in LAFC's attack.

However, New York City's counterattack intensified in the second half.

Eventually, an equalizer came in the 14th minute of the second half. Andres Pereira, assisted by Nicolas Fernandez, shook LAFC's net, bringing the score back to a 1-1 tie.

It was a disappointing concession for LAFC, who had been trying to hold onto their one-goal lead.

LAFC subsequently pushed forward in attack to regain the lead but failed to score an additional goal. New York City also failed to score a winning goal, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Although Son Heung-min did not record an attacking point, he shared in the joy of his teammate's beautiful free-kick goal and contributed to the team's one away point.

With this draw, LAFC extended their unbeaten streak to two consecutive league matches (1 win, 1 draw). They had won 3-1 in their previous home match against Austin FC. LAFC currently stands with a record of 12 wins, 10 draws, and 9 losses (46 points).

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original