Son Heung-Min has wasted little time in leaving his mark on Major League Soccer. On Saturday evening in Texas, the South Korean superstar struck a sublime free-kick to register his first MLS goal for Los Angeles FC, a strike that has already been hailed as “a masterpiece fit for the Louvre.”
The Tottenham Hotspur legend, who became MLS’s record signing earlier this month, curled home a sensational effort in the sixth minute against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. Though the contest ended 1-1, Son’s artistry provided the undoubted highlight and underlined his status as the league’s newest box-office attraction.
Praise from Team-Mates and Media
LAFC defender Nkosi Tafari revealed that the wonder strike had been rehearsed the previous day.
“He looked at the top corner and, as if by magic, the ball flew exactly there,” Tafari recalled. “His first three matches here should be hanging in the Louvre — a penalty won, an assist, and now a goal. I don’t know what he’ll do next week.”
Son was involved in 16 of LAFC’s 21 shots on the night, firing eight attempts himself and creating a further eight chances for team-mates — a level of influence that highlighted just how quickly he has become central to LAFC’s attack. MLS’s official website described the strike as a “world-class free-kick” and hailed Son as both “Korea’s superstar” and “a record-breaking signing for the league.”
Settling Quickly into MLS
Son himself admitted the moment was special, though tinged with frustration at the result.
“It’s been just over two weeks but I’ve enjoyed every moment so far,” he told Apple TV+. “I’m happy to score my first goal for LAFC and in MLS, but the most important thing is winning three points, so I’m a bit disappointed.”
LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo was effusive in his praise, calling Son “a competitor and a match-winner” whose arrival has lifted the entire squad. “He brings qualities that many in this league simply don’t have. He’s been a breath of fresh air, motivating everyone and raising our level,” said the manager.
Impact Beyond the Scoreline
Since Son’s debut, LAFC are unbeaten in three matches, collecting five points on the road to climb into fourth place in the Western Conference with 41 points (11 wins, 6 defeats, 8 draws). The club is edging closer to securing home advantage in the MLS Cup play-offs for a fourth consecutive year.
Son’s influence has been immediate: he won a penalty just three days after signing in a draw against Chicago Fire, supplied his first assist on his first start in a 2-0 victory at New England Revolution, and now delivered a free-kick masterpiece in Dallas.
Next up is a highly anticipated home debut against San Diego FC on 31 August.
“We’ve got about a week to recover and prepare,” Son said. “It will be my first match at home for LAFC, against a top opponent. I’m really looking forward to it, but we’ll need to prepare properly to make sure we take all three points.”
For a player long celebrated in the Premier League, Son’s transition to life in Los Angeles could scarcely have been smoother. And if his free-kick in Frisco is anything to go by, MLS may be about to witness an entire gallery of footballing masterpieces.