Son Heung-min inspires LAFC to first win since arrival with debut assist and Player of the Match display
Son Heung-min marked his first MLS start with a sparkling performance for Los Angeles FC, supplying a stoppage-time assist and being named Player of the Match as the Black & Gold secured a 2-0 victory over the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium.
The South Korean captain, who made his debut off the bench in Chicago last week, looked instantly at home on American soil. His clever late pass teed up fellow summer arrival Mathieu Choinière to seal the points and end LAFC’s three-match winless run in league play.
A star presence from the off
Handed his maiden start by head coach Steve Cherundolo, Son was everywhere in attack – constantly drifting between the lines, demanding the ball and lifting the tempo of LAFC’s forward play.
His influence was evident even before the decisive moments. In the 51st minute, a loose ball fell kindly to Mark Delgado after Matt Polster’s attempted challenge on Son inside the box. Delgado lashed home from the edge of the area, giving LAFC the breakthrough.
Later, Son almost had a goal of his own, forcing Matt Turner into a scrambling save before sending a header just wide. But his crowning contribution came in added time: receiving possession centrally, Son slipped a perfectly weighted pass left for Choinière, who finished emphatically to clinch the win.
Statistical masterclass
According to analytics outlet FotMob, Son delivered a near-flawless full-match outing:
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1 assist
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2 shots (both on target)
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50 touches
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29/33 passes completed (88% accuracy)
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5 chances created, including 2 ‘big chances’
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5 touches inside the opposition box
He finished with the highest rating of any player on the pitch (8.5) and was duly named MLS’ official Player of the Match – his first such accolade in North America.
Teammates already impressed
After the final whistle, Choinière was quick to praise his new teammate:
“I’m very happy to score my first goal with the club. Playing with Son is just easier – he makes life easier for everybody on the pitch. He’s been amazing, and you could see by what he did tonight that he’s here to work and help the team.”
Cherundolo echoed the sentiment, hailing Son’s impact across his opening 120 minutes in MLS:
“It’s very clear to see his quality and intelligence out on the field. He’s already given us a fantastic foundation to build on.”
Lloris stands tall again
Behind the scenes of Son’s heroics, Hugo Lloris reminded everyone of his enduring class. The veteran goalkeeper produced five saves, including a superb stop to deny Tomas Chancalay from point-blank range in the 88th minute, to claim his ninth clean sheet in 22 MLS appearances.
What comes next
The win lifts LAFC to 40 points (11W-6L-7D), consolidating their position in the Western Conference playoff chase. Cherundolo’s side travel to Texas next weekend for a meeting with FC Dallas, a side they defeated 2-0 earlier this summer.
For Son, it was a performance that confirmed both his stardom and his commitment to making LAFC contenders. The South Korean’s MLS story is only just beginning, but already he has delivered a victory, an assist, and the first of what may be many Player of the Match honours.