The road near the LA BMO Stadium was blocked two hours before the game began. There was a long line at the entrance to the stadium waiting for security checks. LAFC uniform stores had no time to step on their feet. The stadium was almost like Son Heung-min's concert. The 22,000-seat BMO Stadium was packed to the top floor. Korean fans, including members of the Korean Town Supporters, a group of LA FC supporters, filled one side of the stands. They waved large Taegeukgi and placards to cheer for Son Heung-min enthusiastically. It was the scene of Son Heung-min (33, LA FC)'s home debut match.
Son Heung-min started in the 31st round of the 2025 U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS) against San Diego FC at BMO Stadium in California on the 1st (Korea time) and played full time. Son Heung-min, who wore an LA FC uniform for the highest MLS transfer fee of $26 million on the 7th of last month, made his U.S. debut through an away game against Chicago Fire FC on the 10th. Since then, they have continued to play away games. It was the first home game since the end of the three away games. Son said in a pre-match press conference "I had an incredible three weeks. A month has felt like a year, but I'm looking forward to the day when I'll be in front of my home fans."
LA was shaken by Son Heung-min's home debut. Son Heung-min appeared to become a 'LA star' as the first pitchman in the MLB game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati at Dodger Stadium on the 28th. After joining, club contents, media reports, and uniform sales showed an explosive increase. The price of tickets for Son Heung-min's LA home debut match was up to 5,200 dollars, and it was traded at about 7.2 million won in Korean won.
Expectations for Son Heung-min, who scored his debut goal with a fantastic free kick against FC Dallas on the 24th, soared. Son Heung-min led LA FC's attack with a sharp appearance. But luck didn't follow. Son Heung-min, who received the ball from Ryan Porteous on the right side in the 45th minute of the first half, attempted his trademark left foot swirling shot in front of the arc. He was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper's super save. The scene in the 33rd minute of the second half when they were dragged 1-2 was even more regrettable. He hit a right-footed shot in front of the arc, but he came out after hitting the right post. Son Heung-min was disappointed as he wrapped his head around him.
In the end, the game ended in a 1-2 defeat. LA FC led with Dennis Buanga's first goal in the 15th minute of the first half, but gave up consecutive goals to Irving Rosano in the 33rd minute of the first half and Anders Dreyer in the 21st minute. Son Heung-min showed his best performance in 90 minutes of offense and defense, including four shots, two shots on goal, two chances creation, three dribbles, two crosses, and five ground-match success, but failed to prevent his team's defeat. It was Son's first defeat since entering the U.S.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
