Los Angeles FC’s coach, Marc Dos Santos, has explained the decision to substitute star player Son Heung-min at halftime during a crucial match. This substitution is part of a larger strategy focusing on player management. On September 25, LAFC faced Real España from Honduras in the second leg of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup, winning the match 1-0 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California.
Match Highlights and Player Substitution
Son Heung-min, aged 34, captained the team in a 4-2-3-1 formation and was substituted after the first 45 minutes. In the previous leg, he had a standout performance, scoring one goal and providing three assists.
During the second leg, the game was tightly contested, with LAFC maintaining a slight edge in possession at 60%. However, they managed only two shots on goal, and Son did not attempt any dribbles or shots during his time on the field.
Strategic Decisions by Dos Santos
According to Dos Santos, the decision to limit Son and key players, including Dennis Bouanga and Stephen Eustáquio, to just the first half was made to ensure they maintain their rhythm. He noted that Son had not completed a full preseason, which makes it critical for him to recover effectively. The players were informed beforehand about this strategy, and they understood and agreed to it.
- Match Date: September 25, 2026
- Location: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, California
- This match was part of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
- Match Result: LAFC 1 – 0 Real España
Following the substitutions, LAFC secured victory with Nkosinathi Tafari scoring the deciding goal from a set-piece in the 64th minute. Despite a late challenge that led to a potential penalty for Real España, LAFC’s goalkeeper, Hasal, successfully saved the attempt, preserving the clean sheet.
LAFC’s Championship Aspirations
With this win, LAFC advanced to the round of 16, where they will face Alajuelense from Costa Rica. Coach Dos Santos expressed a strong desire to win the Champions Cup, which would qualify the team for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. He shared the ambition of becoming champions, noting the challenges that lie ahead. “LAFC has reached the finals twice but has yet to secure the trophy. This is a significant goal for us,” he stated.
LAFC is on a winning streak, having won their first three games of the season, thanks in part to Son’s impressive performances. He continues to play a pivotal role in the team’s success, setting high expectations for upcoming matches.
