South Korea star Son Heung-min made an eye-catching Major League Soccer debut for Los Angeles FC on Saturday, coming off the bench to win a decisive penalty in a 2-2 draw with Chicago Fire FC at SeatGeek Stadium.
The former Tottenham captain entered in the 61st minute to loud cheers from a crowd dotted with fans in his jerseys and waving South Korean flags. With the score level at 1-1, Son’s introduction injected pace and attacking threat into the LAFC frontline.
Chicago retook the lead in the 70th minute through Jonathan Bamba, but LAFC hit back when Son latched onto a through ball from Nathan Ordaz and was brought down by Carlos Teran inside the box. Initially waved away by the referee, the incident was overturned by VAR, and Denis Bouanga converted the spot-kick in the 81st minute to secure the draw.
“It was definitely contact and definitely a penalty, I have no doubt about it,” Son said post-match. “A bit disappointed not getting three points, but happy to make my debut. I hope the goals come soon.”
The 32-year-old forward, who signed with LAFC on Wednesday for a reported MLS-record $26 million after ten years with Spurs, also saw several shots blocked — including one in stoppage time — as he chased a dream debut goal.
Match Recap
11’: Carlos Teran heads in from a corner to give Chicago the lead. 19’: Ryan Hollingshead equalises for LAFC with a header of his own. 70’: Jonathan Bamba restores Chicago’s advantage. 81’: Bouanga converts from the spot after Son is fouled.
Son, Tottenham’s fifth-highest all-time scorer with 173 goals in 454 appearances, will not play in front of LAFC’s home crowd until August 31 when they host Western Conference leaders San Diego FC. In the meantime, LAFC — now up to fifth in the West — will travel to face the New England Revolution next Saturday.
“It was a decent 30 minutes in my legs,” Son added. “We’ll see if next week I can start the game and make a big impact.”