When he was absent, everything collapsed. Son Heung-min's absence was more than numbers. LAFC's unbeaten run came to an end, and their No. 1 spot in the power rankings disappeared at the same time.
Sports Illustrated released MLS power rankings on the 14th (Korea time) and dropped LAFC one spot to No. 2. They fell from No. 1 last week. The reason was clear. The absence of their ace.
The outlet said, "Without the veteran stars, LAFC could not secure a victory," and noted, "The rotation choice ended both the shutout record and the unbeaten run." It was not a simple defeat. The momentum was broken.
LAFC lost 1-2 to the Portland Timbers in their MLS round 7 away match at Providence Park in Portland on the 12th. The process stung more than the result. The balance of the entire match was shaken.
Coach Mark Dos Santos' choices were significant. He made bold rotations to prepare for the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal against Cruz Azul on the 15th. He left Son Heung-min and Hugo Lloris off the roster. It was a decision made for fitness management.
In particular, Son Heung-min's absence was symbolic. It was the first time since his MLS move that he was left out of a league match that was not during an international window. It was that big a decision. At the same time, it was a risky choice.
The attacking structure changed significantly. Denis Bouanga led a front three with Nathan Ordaz and Tyler Boyd. In addition, young players such as 17-year-old Jude Terry and 19-year-old Matthew Evans were extensively used. It was an experiment.
But the result was cold. In the 32nd minute of the first half they conceded the opening goal. They were first broken down by Cristopher Velde. LAFC failed to create decisive moments throughout the match. There was no center.
In the 4th minute of the second half, Terry scored an equalizer and sought a turnaround. The young player's fighting spirit seemed to revive the team. But they could not hold on. In the sixth minute of added time in the second half, they conceded the winning goal to Kevin Kelsy. The final concentration collapsed.
With this loss LAFC ended their six-match unbeaten run (5 wins, 1 draw) since the opening. By official match standards their 11-match unbeaten streak also ended at the same time. It was the moment the momentum was broken.
The outlet pointed out the coach's choice. "Dos Santos had been sparing with rotations, but with starters' injuries piling up he ultimately prioritized the continental competition." The choice is understandable, but the cost was clear.
However, looking at the whole season it is not fatal. The MLS is a long race. It is not a structure that will collapse from a single loss. The problem is direction. The dependence on key resources has been reaffirmed.
Conversely, the No. 1 spot changed. Vancouver Whitecaps beat New York City FC 2-0 to rise to the top. Inter Miami remained in fifth after a 2-2 draw. The rankings battle has also begun to shake up.
Now attention turns to the next match. It is the away second leg against Cruz Azul. Local media expect Son Heung-min to return to the starting lineup. LAFC is also focusing on this match.<
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