LAFC captain Son Heung-min was substituted at half-time during the North American Caribbean Football Confederation (CONCACAF) Champions Cup match against Real España on February 25. Despite this change, Los Angeles FC secured a narrow victory, winning 1-0 thanks to a decisive goal from Enkosi Tafarri.
Match Overview
The match took place at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California. This was a crucial second leg in the first round of the 2026 season CONCACAF Champions Cup. LAFC had previously dominated the first leg against Real España, winning 6-1.
Route to the Next Stage
With a combined score of 7-1, LAFC advanced to the round of 16. They will compete against Costa Rica’s Alajuelense for a place in the quarter-finals.
Son Heung-min’s Performance
- Captain Son Heung-min played as a forward but left the match at the start of the second half.
- He attempted two significant infiltrations early in the match but was flagged for offside both times.
- This decision to substitute him was likely due to his physical condition after a challenging pre-season.
According to LAFC head coach Mark Dos Santos, Son experienced discomfort in his calf on the first day of pre-season training, which influenced his limited playtime. He has not yet participated in any pre-season games fully, focusing instead on recovery.
During the matches leading up to this, Son displayed impressive form, registering one goal and three assists against Real España in the first leg. He followed this with an assist in a 3-0 victory over Inter Miami during the Major League Soccer (MLS) season opener.
Looking Ahead
Son’s fitness is expected to be evaluated in the upcoming match against Houston Dynamo on March 1. According to Dos Santos, Son is currently in excellent condition, and the coaching staff is keen to manage his health carefully.
As Son continues to regain his rhythm, his contributions will be crucial for LAFC’s success in the ongoing tournament.
