Son Scores Spectacular Free Kick for First MLS Goal
Named Player of the Match in Both Starts
LAFC Draws 1-1, Home Debut Set for September 1
Son Heungmin of Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in Major League Soccer (MLS) scored his debut MLS goal with a stunning free kick.
It came in his third MLS appearance and just his second start. After recording his first league assist in his starting debut, Son scored his first goal in his second start, demonstrating a smooth adaptation to his new league. Son was named Man of the Match for the second consecutive game, but unfortunately, the team finished with a draw.
On August 24 at 9:30 a.m. (Korean time), Son started as the lone striker in the 2025 MLS regular season away match against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium in Dallas, Texas.
Son Heungmin is celebrating after scoring his debut MLS goal with a free kick in the 6th minute of the first half while starting as a starter in the 2025 MLS regular season away match against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium in Dallas, Texas, USA on the 24th. Photo by Reuters
Son capitalized on a free kick opportunity won by teammate Denis Bouanga just six minutes into the first half to score the opening goal.
Son played a crucial role in creating the first goal. Just before the free kick was awarded, he dribbled from the right corner toward the penalty arc, created an opportunity, and then turned to shoot with his left foot. The ball deflected off a defender, and as Bouanga took possession, a foul by the opponent resulted in a free kick.
Son took the free kick himself from just outside the left edge of the penalty arc, sending the ball curling with his right foot into the top left corner of the net. The opposing goalkeeper leaped to save it, but could not reach the ball.
LAFC conceded an equalizer to Logan Parrington in the 13th minute of the first half, and with no further goals, the match ended in a 1-1 draw. LAFC remains in fourth place in the Western Conference with 11 wins, 9 draws, and 6 losses.
Son attempted mid-range shots from directly in front of the penalty arc in the 35th minute of the first half and the 24th minute of the second half, but both efforts were unsuccessful.
After the match, Son was named Player of the Match (POM). He has now been selected as POM in both of his starts.
Son attempted three shots, completed 36 passes with a pass success rate of 81.8%, and recorded six key passes-the most among both teams.
Son Heungmin started as a starter in the 2025 MLS regular season away match against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium in Dallas, Texas, USA, on the 24th, and scored his MLS debut goal with a free kick just 6 minutes into the first half, then performed the "Chalk" celebration. Photo by AFP Yonhap News
So far in MLS, Son has played three matches, recording one goal and one assist.
He joined LAFC on August 7 after leaving Tottenham Hotspur, where he played for ten years. Just three days after signing, he made his official debut in the 2025 MLS Round 26 away match against Chicago Fire FC on August 10. In that match, Son drew a penalty kick that led to the equalizer, making a strong impression. Then, in the away match against the New England Revolution on August 17, he recorded his first MLS assist, leading the team to a 2-0 victory.
Since making his MLS debut, Son has played all three matches away from home. He is set to make his home debut in the next match, scheduled for September 1, against Western Conference leaders San Diego.
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