News Summary
Son Heung-Min made his debut for LAFC, helping the team secure a 2-2 draw against the Chicago Fire. His arrival invigorated the match, particularly as he drew a penalty that led to the equalizer. The sold-out crowd welcomed him enthusiastically, showcasing the excitement surrounding the new addition to the team. With this draw, LAFC remains in the playoff race as they continue their season.
Bridgeview, Illinois – Son Heung-Min made his much-anticipated debut for LAFC on Saturday, helping the team secure a 2-2 draw against the Chicago Fire in a thrilling match at SeatGeek Stadium. The game unfolded in front of a sold-out crowd of 19,831, who welcomed Son with enthusiasm as he took the field in the 61st minute.
LAFC, looking to solidify their position in the playoff race, saw Son’s energy transform the game after he entered. The 31-year-old forward’s influence was immediately felt, contributing to a pivotal play in the 77th minute when he drew a penalty kick following a foul by Chicago defender Carlos Terán. Denis Bouanga successfully converted the penalty kick, leveling the score at 2-2.
Prior to Son’s involvement, the match had shifted in Chicago’s favor after Jonathan Bamba scored in the 70th minute, putting the Fire ahead 2-1. The late equalizer by Bouanga marked his 14th goal of the season, allowing LAFC to come away with a point.
Match Highlights
Chicago Fire took an early lead in the match with a goal from Carlos Terán in the 11th minute. LAFC quickly responded, however, with Ryan Hollingshead finding the back of the net in the 19th minute, thanks to an assist from David Martínez. This back-and-forth highlighted the competitive nature of the match.
Chris Brady, the goalkeeper for Chicago, made a total of four saves, while LAFC’s Hugo Lloris managed to stop one shot on goal. Although both teams aimed for victory, they ultimately shared the points, leaving Chicago with hopes of making the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Son Heung-Min’s Impact
Son, who had joined LAFC just three days before the match, was eager to contribute despite having participated in only a few training sessions. His presence on the field injected new life into LAFC’s lineup, especially when combined with Bouanga, who was also a second-half substitute. Head coach Steve Cherundolo acknowledged Son’s impactful debut, reflecting on the excitement it generated for both the players and fans alike.
The atmosphere inside SeatGeek Stadium was electric, with fans donning jerseys from South Korea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Bayer 04 Leverkusen, showcasing Son’s international appeal and support. After the match, the star forward expressed his enjoyment of the experience and the warm reception he received from the crowd.
Looking Ahead
LAFC’s draw leaves them in sixth place in the Western Conference standings, as they continue their pursuit of a playoff spot in the upcoming Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. The team’s next match will be against the New England Revolution, a fixture that could be crucial for their playoff aspirations.
As the season progresses, Son Heung-Min’s debut demonstrates not only his potential to influence games but also the significance of his presence in elevating the team’s morale and performance on the pitch. Both LAFC and their supporters will eagerly anticipate further contributions from their new star as they aim for success in the current MLS season.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Son Heung-min Transfers to LAFC from Tottenham Hotspur
Additional Resources
- Daily News
- Google Search: Son Heung-Min MLS debut
- New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Son Heung-Min
- Korea Joongang Daily
- Google News: LAFC vs Chicago Fire
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK CITY STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYorkCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York City, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York City, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
