Son Heung-min Subbed Out After 45 Minutes; Team Secures 1-0 Victory
In a recent match, Son Heung-min, the prominent forward for LAFC, was substituted after the first half as the team secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Real España. This match took place at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles as part of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 on the 25th of the month in Korea.
Match Overview
LAFC dominated the aggregate scoreline, defeating Real España 7-1 to advance to the next round. Son Heung-min started the game but had limited impact, playing only the first 45 minutes of the match.
First Half Performance
During the first half, Son made several attempts to create opportunities. He was active, targeting spaces behind the defense. However, he was flagged offside twice in quick succession early in the game, disrupting the flow of play.
The team’s overall performance in the first half was stifled. Despite maintaining a high passing accuracy of 94%, with 16 out of 17 passes completed, Son did not register a single touch inside the opponent’s penalty area. He concluded the half with 22 total touches, but no shots on goal or significant chances created.
Second Half Changes and Key Moments
At the beginning of the second half, LAFC made several substitutions, bringing in fresh players including new offensive talent. This change sparked improvement in the team’s attacking momentum.
- U.S. Open Cup Updates:
- 19th minute: Goal scored by N’kosi Tafari from a set piece, breaking the deadlock.
- 43rd minute: A critical moment ensued when LAFC conceded a penalty; however, goalkeeper Thomas Hassal saved the shot from Joao Benavides.
Son Heung-min’s Individual Performance
While the match ended positively for LAFC, Son’s individual contributions were less noteworthy. His attacking stats included two offsides and no successful dribbles, reflecting a challenging game for him. Nevertheless, as the team captain, he demonstrated leadership by initiating attacks early in the match.
Ultimately, despite Son’s subdued performance, LAFC’s victory strengthens their position as they advance in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
