When Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) was absent, LAFC's unbeaten run ended.
LAFC lost 1-2 to the Portland Timbers in an away match of the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon, on the 12th (KST). They conceded the winning goal to Kevin Kelsy in the sixth minute of added time in the second half, suffering their first loss of the season.
Both the unbeaten streak and the clean sheet streak came to an end. Before this match, LAFC had run six straight wins since the MLS opener without conceding a single goal. They set a club record of 572 consecutive minutes without conceding. It was the longest in club history and the fourth-longest in MLS history.
The British magazine Sports Illustrated reported, "With Son Heung-min and Hugo Lloris absent, LAFC's historic records also came to an end."
Coach Mark Dos Santos made major rotations to prepare for the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals against Cruz Azul, to be played midweek. LAFC had already beaten Cruz Azul 3-0 in the first leg. Key players, including Son Heung-min and Lloris, were left off the roster entirely.
That absence was significant. Starting goalkeeper Thomas Hasal collided with an opposing attacker in the 30th minute of the first half and was substituted due to injury. LAFC brought on third goalkeeper Cabral Carter. The defense that had been holding on eventually collapsed.
In the 39th minute of the second half they conceded an equalizer to Christopher Velez, and in the sixth minute of added time in the second half they also conceded the go-ahead goal to Kevin Kelsy. It was their first goal conceded of the season and their first loss.
The attack without Son Heung-min was also disappointing. LAFC created several chances but lacked finishing. Trailing 0-1 in the second half, 17-year-old prospect Jude Terry rescued the team.
Terry curled a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area into the corner of Portland's goal. It was an impressive strike in only his second MLS match since turning pro.
Sports Illustrated noted, "Jude Terry showed excellent performance throughout the match, not just for his goal. He completed 58 of 63 passes and recorded 80 touches."
In the end LAFC lost, but a more important match remains. Attention turns back to the Cruz Azul tie. LAFC must protect their 3-0 first-leg lead in Mexico. Son Heung-min is also likely to return for that match.
After the Cruz Azul match, LAFC will resume MLS play on the 20th against the San Jose Earthquakes. They aim to reclaim the top spot in the league and reach the Champions Cup semifinals, pursuing both objectives.
[OSEN]