Ronny Deila, the head coach of Atlanta United, has expressed intentions to adopt a defensive strategy against LA FC in their upcoming match. The game, part of the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season, is set to take place on October 6 at 10 AM KST at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. This match will be vital for star player Son Heung-min, as it will be his last appearance before joining the South Korean national team for two friendlies against Brazil and Paraguay on October 10 and 14.
LA FC is currently riding a wave of success, boasting four consecutive victories and sitting fourth in the Western Conference with 53 points (15 wins, 8 draws, 7 losses). A win against Atlanta could see them leapfrog Minnesota United, who are in third place with 55 points.
Son Heung-min has been in exceptional form, scoring consistently over the past few games. He began this scoring spree with a goal against the San Jose Earthquakes on September 14, followed by a hat trick against Real Salt Lake on September 18, another goal against Salt Lake at home on September 22, and a pair of goals against St. Louis on September 28. This remarkable performance has seen him rack up 11 attacking points (8 goals and 3 assists) in just eight MLS appearances since joining the league.
Ahead of the match, Coach Deila acknowledged the threat posed by Son and fellow LA FC veteran Denis Bouanga, who together have contributed an impressive 42 attacking points this season. He emphasized the need for Atlanta to be vigilant, noting the speed and counter-attacking prowess of both players. Deila stated, “To defend against LA FC’s forwards, we need to maintain a solid defensive shape, funneling them to the sides while pressing tightly in the middle. Transitioning to offense will also be crucial.”
Midfielder Alexey Miranchuk joined Deila in the pre-match conference, agreeing that prioritizing defense is key when facing a strong opponent away from home, highlighting the necessity for forwards to contribute defensively.
This match promises to be an exciting and competitive encounter, showcasing some of the best talents in MLS, including the lightning-fast Son Heung-min, whose dynamic playing style continues to captivate fans.