"I Can Start and Make a Big Impact" – Son Heung-min Targets First LAFC Start After Game-Changing Debut

Son Heung-min believes he could be in line for a first start in LAFC colours next week after making a high-energy, match-turning cameo on his Major League Soccer debut against Chicago Fire.

Just 72 hours after his record-breaking $26 million move from Tottenham Hotspur, the South Korea captain stepped off the bench in the 61st minute at SeatGeek Stadium on Saturday and immediately altered the game’s rhythm. Though LAFC trailed at the time, Son’s trademark burst of pace and intelligent movement drew a crucial penalty in the 81st minute – converted by Denis Bouanga – to salvage a 2-2 draw.

“It was a decent 30 minutes in my legs,” Son said afterwards. “I’m getting ready for next week, and we’ll see if I can start the game and make a big impact.”

The penalty came after Son latched onto Nathan Ordaz’s perfectly weighted pass, only to be upended by Chicago defender Carlos Terán as he bore down on goal. Referee Ricardo Montero initially waved play on, but a VAR review confirmed the foul.

The intervention capped a whirlwind week for Son: an emotional farewell to Spurs in Seoul on Sunday, arrival in Los Angeles by midweek, a warm welcome at BMO Stadium alongside city mayor Karen Bass, and visa clearance barely 24 hours before kick-off in Illinois.

While Chicago had threatened to seal the points through Jonathan Bamba’s 70th-minute strike, Son’s former Spurs teammate Hugo Lloris kept LAFC in the game with a vital save. Moments later, Son’s decisive run ensured his new club left with something to show for their cross-country trip.

With LAFC now up to fifth in the Western Conference, attention shifts to their visit to the New England Revolution. For Son, the target is clear: “I hope the goals come soon. I’ll keep working hard in training, and we’ll see what happens.”