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| 사진=LA FC SNS 캡처 |
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| ReutersYonhap News |
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It wasn't just scoring that Son Heung-min brought to the team.
LA FC beat Austin FC 4-1 in Game 2 of the first round of the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) Playoff (PO) Western Conference at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas on the 3rd (Korea time). With this victory, LA FC advanced to the semifinals of the Western Conference by winning the first two games in the first round, which will be held with two wins out of three.
One of the main players of the victory was Son Heung-min as well. The first goal started in the 21st minute of the first half. Son Heung-min quickly dug into the left side of the box after receiving Dennis Buanga's pass in the counterattack. The unique movement stood out. With the defense in front of him, he aimed for the goal with a powerful left-footed shot after the step-over, and the shot shook Austin's net as it was. The defense flew away and the goalkeeper focused, but it was a perfect score that could not be stopped. Son Heung-min reached the double-digit scoring position for LA FC with his score on the day.
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| ReutersYonhap News |
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It also helped Buanga score. In the 25th minute of the first half, Son Heung-min created a perfect opportunity with a sensational breakthrough that even beat the goalkeeper. When the defender ran for cover, he immediately delivered the correct pass to Buanga, who was in an open position. Buanga was not a player who missed Son Heung-min's pass. He widened the gap with a calm finish at the gate. Before being replaced in the 44th minute of the second half of the game, Son Heung-min played an active role with one goal and one assist, three shots, two key passes, one dribble and three successful ball competitions.
Los Angeles FC's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who conducted the interview after the game, said of Son Heung-min, `He can shoot perfectly on both feet by breaking through right, left, or anywhere in a one-on-one situation. That's why I set so many personal records." Coach Steve Cherundolo also said, `As a former defender, I think a player like Son Heung-min is hard to stop. What we can do against these players is to attack them as inconveniently as possible" he evaluated.
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| ReutersYonhap News |
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It wasn't just his performance in attack that Son Heung-min changed. Fellow Lloris, who has watched him since his time at Tottenham, also acknowledged the other part that Son Heung-min gave to LA FC. "Son Heung-min's value does not lie solely in his performance in the cultivation field," Lloris said. He's a great teammate off the field, too. He is ambitious and competitive. I think it's amazing that that energy is delivered to the entire team", he explained.
This part is a bit disappointing for Tottenham, where Son Heung-min recently left. Tottenham has been struggling with the recent attack under Thomas Frank. The team's energy seems to have fallen, with the atmosphere of the team shaking after the defeat. It was a rare scene until last season when Son Heung-min was present. The departure of one Son Heung-min has become a mixed factor in Tottenham's great disappointment and LA FC's great help.
Meanwhile, LA FC's next opponent, who is on an upward trajectory toward the top of the MLS Cup with Son Heung-min, is Vancouver Whitecaps. Like Son Heung-min, he is considered a strong candidate for the championship by recruiting star player Thomas Muller. LA FC and Vancouver will face off at 6 a.m. on the 23rd.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
