emirates7 - South Korean football star Son Heung-min made his Major League Soccer debut for Los Angeles FC on Saturday, coming off the bench in the second half to inject fresh energy into a 2-2 draw against the Chicago Fire.
Entering in the 61st minute to loud cheers from fans—many wearing his jersey, waving South Korean flags, and holding welcome signs—Son made an immediate impact. In the 77th minute, he was brought down by Carlos Teran while chasing a through ball, earning a penalty confirmed by VAR. Denis Bouanga converted in the 81st minute to secure the draw.
"It was a great pass. There was clear contact, so it was definitely a penalty," Son said afterward. "I’m a bit disappointed not to get all three points, but everyone worked hard. I’m happy to make my debut, and hopefully the goals will come soon."
The former Tottenham captain, who signed with LAFC on Wednesday for a reported MLS-record $26 million, also tested the keeper with several attempts, including a blocked shot during stoppage time. Son joins LAFC after a decade at Spurs, where he scored 173 goals in 454 matches, making him the club’s fifth-highest scorer.
Chicago took the lead early with Carlos Teran’s 11th-minute header, but Ryan Hollingshead equalized eight minutes later. Jonathan Bamba put Chicago ahead again in the 70th minute before LAFC responded through Son’s earned penalty.
Son won’t debut at home until August 31, when Western Conference leaders San Diego visit Los Angeles. Until then, his next opportunity will come next Saturday against the New England Revolution.
"It was a solid 30 minutes in my legs," Son said. "Now it’s about building up in training, connecting with the players, and hopefully starting next week to make a bigger impact."
Entering in the 61st minute to loud cheers from fans—many wearing his jersey, waving South Korean flags, and holding welcome signs—Son made an immediate impact. In the 77th minute, he was brought down by Carlos Teran while chasing a through ball, earning a penalty confirmed by VAR. Denis Bouanga converted in the 81st minute to secure the draw.
"It was a great pass. There was clear contact, so it was definitely a penalty," Son said afterward. "I’m a bit disappointed not to get all three points, but everyone worked hard. I’m happy to make my debut, and hopefully the goals will come soon."
The former Tottenham captain, who signed with LAFC on Wednesday for a reported MLS-record $26 million, also tested the keeper with several attempts, including a blocked shot during stoppage time. Son joins LAFC after a decade at Spurs, where he scored 173 goals in 454 matches, making him the club’s fifth-highest scorer.
Chicago took the lead early with Carlos Teran’s 11th-minute header, but Ryan Hollingshead equalized eight minutes later. Jonathan Bamba put Chicago ahead again in the 70th minute before LAFC responded through Son’s earned penalty.
Son won’t debut at home until August 31, when Western Conference leaders San Diego visit Los Angeles. Until then, his next opportunity will come next Saturday against the New England Revolution.
"It was a solid 30 minutes in my legs," Son said. "Now it’s about building up in training, connecting with the players, and hopefully starting next week to make a bigger impact."