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Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-Min (7) dribbles around San Diego FC midfielder Manu Duah (26) during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
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Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-Min (7) and San Diego FC defender Luca Bombino (27) battle for a ball during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
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Bitter home loss followed by criticism.
The U.S. local newspaper LA Times pointed out Son Heung-min's position problem after LA FC lost 1-2 in the 2025 Major League Soccer Western Conference match against San Diego FC at BMO Stadium on the 2nd (Korea time). The newspaper pointed out that `Son Heung-min mainly played as a side striker for Tottenham, but LA FC put him at the forefront along with Dennis Buanga and David Martinez'Son Heung-min showed little influence in the first half and began to stand out after the 30th minute of the second half when the physical strength of the players of both teams began to decline'
On this day, Son Heung-min worked with Dennis Buanga and David Martinez on the front line. In the 45th minute of the first half, the left foot swirling shot was blocked by the goalkeeper, and in the 33rd minute of the second half, he tried to make a right-footed shot from the front of the arc, but cried due to bad luck in the goal.
The LA Times said, "'Son Heung-min's home debut was a big event, just like when he made his debut with David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic (LA Galaxy), and Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)." There were fans wearing LA FC and Tottenham Hotspur uniforms with Son's name and back number all over the stadium, and several Korean flags were hung in the supporters' area. Tickets for seats on the second floor of the stadium were sold for more than $150 on a second-hand trading site. He then pointed out the position issue again, saying, "'However, MLS is contemplating whether such a monumental moment can lead to sustained ratings.'" Also 'For the time being, LAFC fans will fill up the BMO Stadium. However, the problem is that other fans' had a desire to see a world star who could only be seen on TV before, and Son Heung-min is that kind of person. However, can Wright fans watch Son Heung-min in person and then watch the stadium or MLS broadcast every week?'
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Aug 31, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; LAFC forward Son Heung-Min (7) kicks a corner kick during the first half against San Diego FC at BMO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 31: Son Heung-min #7 of Los Angeles FC waves to fans before the game 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 newspaper said, `MLS feels one or two steps below Tottenham, where Son Heung-min played. It is uncertain how many fans will spend their time watching Son Heung-min's challenge to win the championship. Son Heung-min is like Shohei Ohtani to Koreans, but will MLS be considered important to Koreans as well. Or will the game or the second report be forgotten?' raised concerns again. In the meantime, Son Heung-min played mainly as a side striker for Tottenham Hotspur, and LA FC put him at the forefront along with Dennis Buanga and David Martinez. Son Heung-min should be used more actively than the match against San Diego FC. In addition, lack of team play does not help Son Heung-min to demonstrate his ability. LA FC needs to make Son Heung-min's charm stand out if it wants to secure a new fan base, he claimed.
However, Son Heung-min does not seem to agree with these arguments. In response to the post-match position question, Son Heung-min said, "It was not a matter of position. If the shot that hit the net was scored, this would not have been the case. It's just a consequential story."
It is true that Son Heung-min mainly played as a side striker for Hamburg, Leverkusen (Germany), Tottenham, and the national team. However, he played the role of a front-line striker as needed and produced good results. Since moving to LA FC, he has only played a total of four games, including three away games and one home game, but expectations for Son Heung-min are increasing.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
