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| AP Yonhap News |
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| AFP Yonhap News |
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It was a painful night for Son Heung-min (LAFC), who went to heaven and hell.
He played a one-man show in the semifinals of the 2025 Major League Soccer Cup (PO) Western Conference against the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada on the 23rd (Korea time). However, the match was not decided after 120 minutes of extra blood.
Son Heung-min was the first kicker in the shootout but missed, and LA FC lost 3-4. LA FC and Son Heung-min's season has come to an end. Vancouver advanced to the Western Conference finals for the first time in the club's history.
Son attended an official press conference with captain Hugo Lloris after the match. He looked sad. Lloris made Vancouver's 'Artificial Lawn' first. He pointed out that it is something that needs to be improved. He also thanked Son Heung-min for scoring an equalizer and dragging him to extra time.
LA FC dedicated two goals in the first half alone. Son Heung-min pulled LA FC out of the quagmire. He scored a comeback goal in the 15th minute of the second half. Mark Delgado's pass was connected to Son Heung-min through Andrew Moran's header. He shook the net after three shots in a chaotic situation at the gate. The first shot came from the goalkeeper, the second shot from Matthias Lavorda's head just before it went through the goal line. He responded with a left-footed shot and shook the net.
In the second half, another dramatic 50 minutes 'Son Heung-min Show' was held. The U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS) 'Goal of the Year' has been reenacted. A free kick goal in the A-match friendly against Bolivia was copied on the 14th. Son Heung-min's right-footed free-kick poked a picturesque trajectory into the corner of Vancouver's goal.
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| AFP Yonhap News |
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| AP Yonhap News |
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It was an important moment for Son Heung-min to make 2-1 and bring the atmosphere to the equalizer situation. I knew Vancouver would be nervous, too. Football is always like that. I think I caught it when I was 2-0 up, but things change when it's 2-1"I really like these moments. Good shot, and luckily the goal went in. However, scoring such a goal was not enough to win the game. It's such a shame."
And "People say I dragged the team to the extension but I feel like I'm more responsible. I'm proud that the team fought well up to extra time."
Son Heung-min and Thomas Muller of Vancouver drew attention. Mueller smiled, but his performance is incomparable. Müller was replaced in the first half of extra time.
Son Heung-min said, `You don't have to focus too much on individuals in football. Of course, individual abilities change the game, but you have to look at the whole team. Unfortunately, Vancouver won and advanced to the conference finals. We have to accept and congratulate. It wasn't an individual match between me and Mueller. It wasn't an important part either."
As for the situation of missing out "At that moment, of course, we must step up. I really like this situation, and I always want to take responsibility for the team. I had muscle spasms at the end of the second half of extra time, so I didn't feel good. I was going to kick it though. The moment I kicked the penalty, I was convulsed again, and I couldn't get the maximum accuracy"And yet it explains what I was in." It is entirely my responsibility. I have to deal with it. He stressed that he will come back stronger next year."
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| AFP Yonhap News |
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On this day, a new history was written. Tickets are already sold out. The Vancouver club has reserved the largest number of spectators at home in the playoffs. Vancouver also achieved the highest number of spectators ever. In April, 53,957 people gathered, more than 53,837 in the first round of the North-China Champions Cup semifinals against Inter Miami, where Messi is located.
Son Heung-min said, `I have to admit that the game was fun. This is why fans visit the stadium, see good goals, and expect victory. Unfortunately Vancouver won, but it was a big game to help MLS. Football is going crazy like this. That's why we love football."
Son Heung-min ended his 10-year companionship with Tottenham in August and opted for a new challenge in MLS. LA FC was different before and after Son Heung-min. Although he failed to reach the top, Son Heung-min took the MLS perfectly, scoring 12 goals and four assists in 13 games.
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Son Heung-min said "It was a fantastic season. Everyone was really warm, and enjoyed every moment. I was proud to wear this uniform, and I tried to pour everything out. But I'm here to win the trophy. I didn't get the result I wanted today, but I want to succeed in all the competitions we play next year."
He continued "It was an opportunity to grow while adapting to the new environment and league of MLS. It was a season where I learned that I need to be loved a lot and have more responsibility even though I'm not good enough. However, it was a disappointing season apart from the impact. The goal is to be able to come back next year by making a good condition to win the championship,' he added.
Coach Steve Cherundolo, who will say goodbye to LA FC after the match against Vancouver, said, `Son Heung-min's equalizer was world class. He showed such scenes in our team, the national team, and the previous team. Son Heung-min is a world class, and I'm really happy to have him. "It would have been great to have been with him since the beginning of the season. The relationship was really good, too. Personally, I think I will continue to contact him in the future," he said with a smile.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
