Son Heung-min’s quest for his first Major League Soccer (MLS) title commences this week as the playoffs begin. His team, Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), is set to compete against Austin FC in a best-of-three series. The first match will take place at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. local time, or 11:30 a.m. Thursday in South Korea.
Playoff Series Overview
The second game is scheduled for Austin, Texas, at 10:45 a.m. on Monday in South Korea. If the teams split their initial games, a decisive match will be held back at BMO Stadium next weekend. Notably, any game that ends in a tie after regulation will go directly to penalties.
LAFC and Austin FC Regular Season Performance
- LAFC entered the playoffs as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
- Austin FC secured the sixth seed during the regular season.
- Austin FC previously defeated LAFC twice in the regular season, both by 1-0, though Son did not participate in these matches.
The first encounter was in March, prior to Son’s arrival, while the second occurred in October, during his commitment to the South Korean national team.
Impact of Son Heung-min on LAFC
Since joining LAFC three months after leading Tottenham Hotspur to the UEFA Europa League title, Son has significantly strengthened the team. He has formed a dynamic partnership with forward Denis Bouanga. Together, they scored 20 goals in just 10 matches, including an impressive stretch of 18 consecutive goals.
| Statistic | Son Heung-min | Denis Bouanga |
|---|---|---|
| Goals in 10 Matches | 9 | 11 |
| Assists | 3 | N/A |
Because of their combined performance, LAFC achieved six wins, one draw, and one loss to finish the regular season strong. The club ended with a remarkable total of 65 goals, while Austin FC faced challenges, scoring only 37 times, marking the lowest tally in the conference.
Looking Ahead
As Son Heung-min begins his MLS title quest, the upcoming playoff matches are crucial for LAFC’s ambitions. With a solid roster and strong momentum, LAFC aims to overcome their past setbacks against Austin FC. The forthcoming games will test the team’s resilience and partnership on the field.
