Son Heung-min makes instant impact on Los Angeles FC debut

CHICAGO – Son Heung-min is hoping that goals will come sooner rather than later, as he made his Major League Soccer (MLS) debut for Los Angeles FC on Aug 9, providing a burst of energy as a second-half substitute in a 2-2 draw with the Fire in Chicago.

The South Korean star was brought down for a penalty that Denis Bouanga converted to clinch a draw in the 81st minute – the video assistant referee confirming the spot kick after the referee had allowed play to continue.

“It was a great pass. Obviously it was definitely contact and it was definitely a penalty, I have no doubt about it,” said the 33-year-old Son, who was sent sprawling by Carlos Teran after racing on to a through ball with the goal in his sights.

“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.”

The former Tottenham Hotspur captain also had a string of shots on goal, including one blocked in second-half injury time.

Son signed a two-year deal with an option for two more with LAFC on Aug 6 for a reported MLS record US$26 million (S$33 million) after a decade with English Premier League club Spurs, where he became a household name and a legend at the club.

The South Korea captain had announced in his homeland during pre-season that he would be leaving the north London club and departed as Tottenham’s fifth-highest goalscorer of all time with 173 goals in 454 appearances.

Son will not get a chance to play in front of home fans in Los Angeles until Aug 31, when Western Conference leaders San Diego FC will be the visitors.

But at the Fire’s SeatGeek Stadium there were a lot of fans wearing his jerseys, waving South Korean flags and holding up signs welcoming Son to the MLS.

Cheers greeted his entry in place of David Martinez in the 61st minute with the teams level at 1-1.

Colombian defender Teran had opened the scoring for the Fire in the 11th minute with a header from a corner. Eight minutes later Ryan Hollingshead nodded in to make it 1-1.

Jonathan Bamba put Chicago 2-1 ahead in the 70th minute and they were pressing again when Brian Gutierrez had a shot that bounced off the post.

With the danger cleared, LAFC’s Nathan Ordaz played the ball forward for Son to race away. He had a first MLS goal in his sights when he was brought down.

The penalty allowed LAFC to level for a second time.

Son had said at his introductory press conference – attended by luminaries including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass – that he felt fighting fit and wanted to get on the pitch “as soon as possible”.

He will have his next chance when LAFC, who moved up a spot to fifth in the Western Conference, visit the New England Revolution on Aug 16.

“It was a decent 30 minutes in my legs so, yeah, getting ready for next week,” Son added.

“So we’ll see how I progress with the training sessions and with the players and we’ll see (if) next week I can start the game and make a big impact.” AFP