Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) raised his condition ahead of the World Cup. But LAFC, which still has not been able to utilize him 100%, could not avoid criticism.
LAFC defeated the Seattle Sounders 1-0 in the 2026 U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS) round 15 held at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, U.S., on the 25th (Korean time). With three more points, LAFC rose to fifth with 7 wins, 3 draws and 5 losses (24 points), and Seattle, which had played two fewer games (24 points), fell to sixth.
The match was important for both LAFC and Son Heung-min. It was the last game before the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) North and Central America World Cup. For LAFC, it was an opportunity to end a four-game official losing streak, enter the break and lay a foundation for a second-half rebound, and for Son Heung-min, it was crucial to break his long scoring drought and join the Hong Myung-bo-led squad, which had set up a precamp in Salt Lake City, U.S.
Son Heung-min also said, "It is hard to say in this situation, but I think we are still maintaining a good atmosphere," and added, "Football is ultimately judged by results. Still, we are in the process, and everyone is working hard. Let's see if we can rise again before the break. I hope we get a good result and regain a good atmosphere."
Showing his desire to score, Son Heung-min targeted the Seattle goal more aggressively than ever. Since he had failed to score in 12 MLS matches after the season opener, his determination to score his first league goal was evident.
However, he did not achieve his intent. Son Heung-min led LAFC's attack with five shots in the first half and seven attempts in 90 minutes, but none found the net. In particular, a half-beat quick shot attempted inside the box in the 32nd minute of the second half was stopped by the opposing goalkeeper's super save, leaving regret. Nevertheless, LAFC earned three points for the first time in a while thanks to Timothy Tillman's dramatic winning goal late in the match.
Although he did not score, Son Heung-min's aggressive play left hope. MLS-focused podcast "MLS Moves" also said, "Son Heung-min showed flashes of brilliance in attack, and Deni Bouanga struggled to lead the attack," adding, "Son Heung-min was truly explosive. He may have had lingering minor injuries, but he has performed well throughout the season."
The outlet added, "No matter what anyone says, it does not bother him. Son Heung-min has 16 assists this season. He has been an incredible provider of balls. In this match, it felt like his speed had returned. He was much more threatening."
But praise for Son Heung-min did not equate to praise for the entire LAFC team. Quite the opposite. MLS Moves criticized, "But there is still no support at all," and said, "It also shows how many problems this team has. This match was truly boring. It was a complete poor performance, not a 10-goal game like the Inter Miami match."
Midfielder Tillman, who scored, also could not avoid criticism. The outlet said, "I should mention that Tillman scored. But honestly, I do not care. He is a terrible player. He has been a disaster all season. This is his first goal in 15 MLS matches this season," and added, "I would rather praise the Seattle goalkeeper. It was an incredible save. Without him, more goals could have been scored."
LAFC finished the first half of the season in fifth place for now. However, considering the number of matches played, they are effectively in seventh place. Given that they were considered strong title contenders before the season started, the first half of the season must be called a failure.
In particular, the tactics of coach Mark Dos Santos, which are stifling Son Heung-min's strengths, have been pointed out as a problem. MLS Moves sighed, "There is the league's best player in Son Heung-min, yet golden opportunities are being wasted. It is truly sad. I am not an LAFC fan, but it is painful to watch these wasted chances. The Inter Miami and Lionel Messi cases are similar. The best opportunities must be maximized. It is shameful."
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