LAFC coach Mark Dos Santos lavished overwhelming praise and expressed strong trust in Son Heung-min. He also drew a clear line regarding criticism from outside and moved to protect him.
On the 5th (KST), LAFC recorded a 6-0 rout over Orlando City in the sixth round of the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California. With this, LAFC extended its unbeaten run to six matches since the opening, maintaining a steady momentum.
Son Heung-min was the focal point of the match. Returning after fulfilling A match duties, Son started and led the attack in the first half. In the 7th minute of the first half, a cross from the right flank induced an own goal by the opponent, serving as the starting point for the opening goal. Then in the 20th minute of the first half, he connected an accurate through pass to Buanga for the first assist.
Son Heung-min's influence continued. In the 23rd minute of the first half, he set up Buanga's goal in a counterattack situation, and in the 28th minute of the first half, after exchanging passes, he again assisted Buanga's goal, completing a hat trick. In the 40th minute of the first half, following a breakthrough on the flank, a cut-back pass produced Palencia's goal, giving him four assists in the first half alone. Including the induced own goal, he was involved in all five first-half goals.
The record was significant. Son Heung-min became the second player in MLS history since Lionel Messi to record four or more assists in a first half. With the game's momentum decided early, Son was substituted early in the second half to manage his stamina. The decision also took into account the midweek CONCACAF Champions Cup schedule against Cruz Azul.
After the match, Dos Santos said, "Sonny (Son Heung-min) was phenomenal today. He was involved in all five first-half goals — what more could you ask for?"
He added, "If people think he will score five goals every game, that's a delusion. He perfectly performs the role of helping the team, and the efficiency he showed today was simply overwhelming."
Son Heung-min was highly rated after playing 58 minutes. He received a 9.8 rating according to statistical outlets, created five chances and made two big chance creations, leading the attack build-up. It was a match that proved his influence on the game even without a goal.
The chemistry with Buanga also stood out. Son Heung-min's passing and vision combined with Buanga's finishing to raise the attack's completeness. In the rear, Lloris produced steady saves, maintaining the balance between offense and defense.
[OSEN]