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Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-Min waves to the crowd before an MLS soccer match against San Diego FC, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
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Aug 31, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; LAFC forward Denis Bouanga (99) celebrates with forward Son Heung-Min (7, right) after scoring a goal during the first half against San Diego FC at BMO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
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The home debut match in front of a packed audience. It was a very bitter result.
Son Heung-min (33, LA FC) started the 2025 Major League Soccer Western Conference game against San Diego FC at BMO Stadium in his home stadium on the 1st (Korea time) and played full time. In the match, Son Heung-min showed a fantastic left-footed curl shot at the end of the first half, and attempted a decisive shot in the middle of the second half, but failed to score due to the goalkeeper's save and the crossbar hit, respectively. LA FC took the lead with Dennis Buanga's first goal on the day, but lost 1-2 as they lost a point midway through the second half after giving up an equalizer to Irving Rosano.
The atmosphere in the stadium was hot. KABC, an ABC-affiliated broadcaster in the Los Angeles area, introduced 'The first game that Korean superstar Son Heung-min played in front of home fans in about a month after joining the team was full of spectators' The game was then sold out a few weeks ago, and the demand for tickets and prices soared. Tickets were sold for more than $200 (about 280,000 won), twice the average price of LAFC tickets. The stadium's standing area is also sold out,' he added.
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Supporters of LAFC hold South Korea's national flag as they cheer for LAFC's Korean forward #07 Son Heung-min during the Major League Soccer (MLS) football match between Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) and San Diego FC at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California on August 31, 2025. (Photo by Frederic J. Brown / AFP)
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Supporters of LAFC cheer for LAFC's Korean forward #07 Son Heung-min during the Major League Soccer (MLS) football match between Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) and San Diego FC at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California on August 31, 2025. (Photo by Frederic J. Brown / AFP)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 31: Son Heung-min #7 of the Los Angeles FC runs on to the field before the match against the San Diego FC at BMO Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Harry How/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Harry How / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
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The power of LA, the largest Korean community overseas, was evident at the game. Most of the 22,000-seat BMO Stadium seats were filled by Korean fans. The Associated Press reported 'They cheered enthusiastically for Son Heung-min, who was warming up before the game. Thousands of fans wore LAFC and South Korea's national team uniforms and walked around the stadium. Son Heung-min also wowed the crowd with his arms just before kick-off.
Son Heung-min said after the game, `I've been looking forward to tonight. I'm sad that I've disappointed the fans." "I've had a lot of experience in many great stadiums, but today was really special," he said. "The fans were amazing. That's why I'm even more upset. Our fans deserved something bigger than zero points." I'm really looking forward to playing in the home game again. The fans welcomed me really warmly. It really felt like home." Son Heung-min, who will enter the A-match break, said "The next two months after returning from the national team will be very important. I will do my best..."
LA FC coach Steve Cherundolo said, `The combination between Son Heung-min and Buanga was really good. He created many chances during three away games and one home game. Both players are moving for the team and helping each other."
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
