Son Heung-min scored one goal and one assist, showed his second win! Buanga Multi-Goal + Yoris PK Safer LA FC advanced to the semifinals with 41 wins and two wins over Austin

Nov 03, 2025

LA Man'S Son Heung-min (LAFC) continues his strong advance toward the championship.

LA FC won 4-1 against Austin FC at 11:30 a.m. on the 3rd (Korea time) at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, with the strong performance of 'Heungbu Buo' in the first round of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoff (PO) Western Conference. LA FC, which won the first game 2-1 at home, also succeeded in advancing to the semifinals of the Western Conference with a smile in the second game. The first round will be a best-of-three series. LA FC will play the second seed Vancouver Whitecaps, who beat FC Dallas, in the semifinals of the Western Conference. It's a one-off match.

LA FC, seeking to win the championship, quickly activated its best efforts to confirm its advance to the semifinals. Son led the way. Son Heung-min has been very active since the first game. Contributed directly or indirectly to both goals. Until he was replaced by Jeremy Ebovise in the second minute of extra time in the second half of the day, he recorded as many as eight key passes, two big chances, two effective shots and four cross successes. He did not score, but Son Heung-min, who always led LA FC's attack, was selected as the best player of the game.

With Son Heung-min unchanged as the front-line striker, Deene Vuanga and Nathan Ordaz were appointed as partners. Mark Delgado, Timothy Tillman and Jayson Marquez built the midfield, while Serhiy Palencia, Ryan Portiers, Eddie Segura and Ryan Hollingshead set up four backs. 'Captain' Hugo Lloris defended the goal. Three names were changed compared to the first game.

Son Heung-min showed his best performance on the day as well. He played 87 minutes before being replaced in the 42nd minute of the second half, scoring one goal and one assist. He made 14 passes and created two chances. He also made one dribble and recorded three ground race successes. Son Heung-min received 8.5 points, the second highest rating after Buanga (9.2 points), who scored multiple goals on the day.

Son Heung-min scored the first goal in the 21st minute of the first half when the score was 0-0. In the counterattack situation, he took a pass from Buanga and dug in to the left. Son Heung-min, who dug into the box at high speed, beat one defense and scored with a powerful left-footed shot. Son Heung-min, who scored nine goals in the regular league, scored double-digit points this season. Son Heung-min has been named the only English Premier League (EPL) player to score double digits for nine consecutive seasons from 2016-2017 to 2024-2025 with his previous team, Tottenham. Although the stage is different, the record for double-digit scores in a row has increased to 10 seasons.

Heungbu Duo, who scored the first goal, and Heungbu Duo, who scored the second goal, were also Heungbu Duo. This time it was the Vuanga's turn. As expected, Son Heung-min helped. In the 25th minute of counterattack, Son Heung-min even beat the goalkeeper. Passed to the viceanga who was jumping in the opposite direction. He once again pushed the ball out of the defense, and Buanga scored with a calm finish. Son's first assistance in fall. Son scored multiple attack points on the day.

As Son Heung-min showed a strong performance, the opponent's defense became rougher. In the first game, Austin also bullied Son Heung-min with a play that was close to American football. Coach Steve Cherundolo told a press conference after the game that `Illie Sanchez hit Son Heung-min twice from the moment of kickoff. To be honest, it was ridiculous on my part. There was absolutely no reason for that" to the point where he complained. Son Heung-min, who was receiving the ball in the center circle in the 34th minute, collapsed under the strong pressure of Brendan Hice-Ike. The referee also issued a warning to the dangerous tackle aimed at the foot. I'm glad it wasn't an injury.

When the Heungbu duo showed their best performance in attack, Lloris flew in defense. 36 min Austin had a chance to make a comeback. A free kick from the left led to Uzni's header. The ball was unfortunately struck by Buanga's hand. The referee wasted no time declaring a penalty. Uzni's shot was blocked by Lloris' super save.

After overcoming the crisis, LA FC scored an additional goal. 43 min Vuanga scored the net. 43 min Hollingshead drops the ball with a header. Buanga shook Austin's net with a right footed shot after beating two defenders.

Austin got another chance in extra time. The 49ers swung their elbows while blocking the opponent's striker during the competition. The referee conducted an on-field review after an exchange with VAR. As a result, he declared a penalty. Dani Pereira stepped in as a kicker and made it this time. It hit Lloris' hand, but he shook the net as it was. The first half ended with a 3-1 LA FC lead.

At the start of the second half, Austin changed as many as three players to play. However, LA FC is not behind. He bullied Austin with a normal game centered on Son Heung-min and Buanga. He didn't get off, but he aimed for the attack through a quick transition. Buanga fired sharp shots one after another. Coach Cherundolo also arranged his physical strength through proper replacement of players. At the same time as preparing for the semifinals, he properly prevented Austin's attack.

In the middle of the second half, Austin gained strength. Lloris shone. 23 minutes showed a crazy save. Austin took the counterattack, and O'Brien took the opportunity to face goalkeeper No Mark Seo. The right footed shot was blocked by goalkeeper Lloris' super save. In the 26th minute, Austin shook the LA FC net. A free kick from the left hit the striker's head, and Podris pushed the ball blocked by goalkeeper Lloris again. But it was offside. At the moment of the free kick, Austin players were ahead.

LA FC took out Buanga in the 34th minute and Son Heung-min in the 42nd minute to protect them. Evovise, who counterattacked in extra time, even scored a net goal. LA FC didn't lose focus until the end, adding to a valuable win. He won the Western Conference semifinal ticket.

Reporter Park Chan-joon vanbasten@sportschosun.com

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.