Son Heung-min of Los Angeles FC is on the brink of reaching double-digit offensive points as his team gears up to face St. Louis City in an important MLS matchup. The anticipated game will take place on September 28 at World Wild Technology Soccer Park in Missouri, with fans eagerly awaiting an intense performance from the former Premier League top scorer.
Since joining LAFC, Son has accumulated six goals and two assists in just seven league games, maintaining an impressive record of more than one offensive point per game. This remarkable performance has contributed to LAFC’s recent success, including a streak of three consecutive wins marked by a total of 12 goals. In these games, Son and his teammate Buanga achieved back-to-back hat tricks, a feat unprecedented in Major League Soccer history.
In addition to his scoring achievements, Son is set for his first “Korean derby” in the U.S., facing off against fellow South Korean, Jung Sang-bin, who plays for St. Louis City. Jung, having joined MLS in 2023 and recently moving to St. Louis, has already produced a goal and an assist in his new team. The two players previously worked together on the South Korean national team during A matches in September.
Steven Cherundolo, the head coach of LAFC, spoke highly of the upcoming match, expressing anticipation for the encounter between the two Korean talents. He praised both players’ skills and mentioned that Jung Sang-bin, although absent from the last weekend’s game for personal reasons, is expected to feature in the match against LAFC.
With 14 wins, eight draws, and seven losses this season, LAFC has already secured a spot in the playoffs, but the team is aiming for a higher place in the rankings. Currently in fourth place, trailing leading San Diego FC by seven points, LAFC is determined to improve their standing. Coach Cherundolo emphasized the importance of maintaining playoff-level intensity in their remaining games to achieve their goals.
Son Heung-min’s integration into the team has not only bolstered LAFC’s offensive capabilities but also inspired improvements in Buanga’s performances. The combination of dynamic strategies and individual skills has enabled the team to effectively counter various defensive tactics posed by their opponents. As they prepare for the match against St. Louis, LAFC remains focused and positive about their prospects moving forward.