Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) created two decisive moments in one match, setting a new milestone along with the team's victory.
LAFC beat Toluca 2-1 in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on March 30 (KST). They gained the upper hand in the first hurdle toward reaching the final.
The match did not open easily. Both teams dropped their lines and focused on minimizing concessions. The first half was slow in tempo, and chances were limited. LAFC had only two shots during the first half.
In the meantime, Son Heung-min produced the first moment. In the 22nd minute of the first half he aimed at the goal with a low shot from outside the box. It did not result in a goal, but it was the scene that signaled the start of the attack.
The center of the first half was elsewhere. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was key. He blocked the opponent's on-target shots in succession to prevent concessions. In particular, he preserved the flow with a series of superb saves at the end of the first half.
The balance was broken in the second half. In the 6th minute of the second half Son Heung-min played the role of a "consolidation". He sensibly redirected a ball delivered from the flank, changing the direction of the attack. That sequence led to Timothy Tillman's opening goal.
LAFC soon produced an additional goal. The joy was brief, however, as it was ruled out for offside. They could not completely seize the momentum.
Eventually Toluca caught up. In the 28th minute of the second half, a long-range shot restored the balance. It was back to square one.
The result was decided at the end. In stoppage time of the second half, Son Heung-min appeared again on a set piece. He delivered the ball accurately in front of the goal from a free kick. Enkoçi Tafari finished it with a header to complete the winning goal.
That day Son Heung-min was involved in both goals. Officially he had two assists. His assist total in this competition rose to six. At the same time he broke the single-season record for most assists.
Looking at the whole season, the pattern is clearer. He has no league goals but has scored twice in the Champions Cup while consistently adding assists. Recently his role has leaned more toward creating chances than scoring.
LAFC secured the win at home. However, it is not over yet. The second leg is an away match in Mexico. The outcome is still to be decided.
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