´Phenomenal´ Son makes instant impact for LAFC on MLS debut

Son Heung-min wasted no time in making an impact on his MLS debut, coming on to win a penalty as Los Angeles FC twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with the Chicago Fire.

Just four days after being unveiled as an LAFC player following 10 years at Tottenham Hotspur, Son was named on the bench by Steve Cherundolo at SeatGeek Stadium.

He watched on as his new team twice fell behind, with Carlos Teran nodding Philip Zinckernagel’s corner home for Chicago’s 10th-minute opener.

Ryan Hollingshead levelled nine minutes later with a header of his own from David Martinez’s corner delivery, but the Fire inched back in front via Jonathan Bamba’s powerful near-post finish in the 70th minute.

Son, who had replaced Martinez in the 61st minute, darted in behind the Chicago backline in the 77th minute and was chopped down by Teran, allowing Denis Bouanga to level from the spot following a VAR review.

And the South Korea superstar could have scored a 93rd-minute winner, too, if not for a heroic block from Chicago’s Jonathan Dean.

“His following is worldwide, and there’s a reason for it; he is phenomenal,” Hollingshead said of his new team-mate.

“You saw him come in for 20, 30 minutes and change the game for us, and offer something different from what we had. That’s why we brought him in, because he’s still performing at a high level.”

Instant Impact

Son Heung-Min in his highly anticipated debut.#LAFC | @Topps pic.twitter.com/5fNmRxjySR

— LAFC (@LAFC) August 10, 2025

The result leaves LAFC fifth in the Western Conference, 12 points adrift of leaders San Diego FC but with three games in hand due to their participation at the Club World Cup.

Having enjoyed a positive debut, Son is now keen to build his fitness ahead of the final 11 games of the regular season, and hopefully for LAFC, a deep playoff run.

“I really enjoyed it,” Son said. “I’ve never had this welcome at an away game. It was nice to see that people are celebrating and people are enjoying the football. I love to be here.

“It was a great pass and there was definitely contact and it was definitely a penalty, no doubt about it.

“I was a bit disappointed not getting three points but I think everybody put in a lot of effort. I’m happy I made my debut and I hope the goals come soon.

“I’m getting ready and it was a decent 30 minutes in my legs, getting ready for next week. We’ll see how I progress in the training sessions and with the players and we’ll see if next week I can start the game and make a big impact.”

LAFC have two more road games next up, against the New England Revolution and FC Dallas, with Son’s home debut potentially set for August 31, versus San Diego.