Son Heung-min Directly Impacts On Debut For LAFC

Son Heung-min had a significant impact on his debut for LAFC (Instagram/@lafc).

JAKARTA - Son Heung-min immediately made an impact on his debut for LAFC in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Even though he got off the bench and played for about 20 minutes, his acceleration actually presented a penalty for his team to be 1-2 behind.

The South Korean star - who took to the pitch just three days after securing a USD 26 million MLS record transfer from Tottenham Hotspur - was sent to the penalty area by Chicago defender Carlos Teran as he raced quickly to welcome a through ball with a golden opportunity.

Although initially not awarding a penalty, referee Ricardo Montero pointed to the spot after an intervention from VAR.

Denis Bouanga, the team's top scorer this season, took a penalty in the 81st minute to bring the LAFC share a point at Chicago Fire headquarters, Bridgeview, Illinois, after a 2-2 draw on Saturday, August 9, 2025.

"The feed was good and obviously there was a contact. It was a penalty, no doubt. It's a bit disappointed not to get the three points."

"However, I think everyone has tried hard. I am happy to make my debut and I hope those goals will come soon," said Son.

This is the second time LAFC have come from behind in the game, with Ryan Hollingshead's header previously equalizing 1-1 after Teran's first-half opener.

The game didn't go as planned as Bamba immediately scored to put Chicago ahead again.

The home side almost added to the lead, but Son's former teammate at Tottenham, Hugo Lloris, intervened critically in the net before the post thwarted Brian Gutierrez's attempt.

Immediately after the break, LAFC immediately attacked. Nathan Ordaz passed the ball forward. Son - who showed his running speed - managed to force opposing players to commit violations in the penalty box.

Despite the course of the match, seven days of turmoil for Son ended very quickly.

On Sunday, August 3, 2025, he said an emotional goodbye to Tottenham after 10 years, in a pre-season match in his home country, South Korea.

On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, he landed in Los Angeles, watching LAFC's victory in the League Cup over Tigres UANL before he was officially introduced the next day at a welcoming event featuring Mayor Karen Bass among other important figures.

After his visa was completed on Friday, August 8, 2025, at night local time, he immediately went to the MLS field on Saturday, August 9, 2025.

Despite stating that he was fully fit on his arrival, Son had to wait until the 61st minute to appear as one of the biggest new players in MLS history.

Son's debut starter is likely to arrive soon despite having to wait at least another week, when the LAFC - which rose to fifth in the Western Region of MLS - travels to New England Revolution.

"I'm getting ready and my legs are quite trained for 30 minutes for next week. So, we'll see how I develop at the training session and with the players."

"We'll see if next week I can start and have a significant impact," said Son.

Son, who scored 173 goals in 454 competitive appearances during his 10 years at Spurs, is likely to be the center of attention next week.