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Son scores first MLS goal for Los Angeles FC on pinpoint free kick

Published: 24 Aug. 2025, 14:42 Updated: 24 Aug. 2025, 16:29

Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-Min, right, celebrates with Los Angeles FC midfielder Ryan Hollingshead after scoring a goal on a free kick during the first half against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium on Aug 23, Frisco, Texas. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

Son Heung-min scored his first Major League Soccer goal for Los Angeles FC on Saturday, just three games into his debut season.

The 33-year-old forward struck in the sixth minute against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Taking a free kick from the edge of the penalty arc, Son curled a right-footed shot into the top left corner. Dallas goalkeeper Michael Collodi dived but could not reach it. Commentators called it a “Yashin Zone” strike — so precise it would have challenged even Soviet great Lev Yashin.

Although LAFC conceded an equalizer in the first half and dominated the second with relentless pressure, the match ended in a 1-1 draw. With 11 wins, 8 draws and 6 losses with 41 points, LAFC climbed one spot to fourth place, edging out the Seattle Sounders on goal difference, though Seattle has played two more games. Dallas remained in 11th place with 30 points.

Son was named Player of the Match after recording eight shots and seven key passes, earning the highest rating of 8.7 from statistics outlet FotMob.

Starting as a central forward alongside Denis Bouanga and Nathan Ordaz in a three-man attack, Son’s free kick gave LAFC the early lead. But Dallas equalized in the 13th minute when Logan Parrington’s shot deflected off an LAFC defender and rolled into the net.

A Dallas penalty awarded in the 26th minute was overturned after a VAR review showed LAFC’s Sergi Palencia had cleared the ball first.

Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-Min reacts after scoring a goal on a free kick during the first half against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium, on Aug 23, Frisco, Texas. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

Son largely conserved his energy for attacking bursts, leading the front-line press rather than dropping deep on defense. With 12 minutes of stoppage time added, the first half ended 1-1.

In the second half, LAFC thought they had gone ahead in the 54th minute when Ryan Hollingshead scored after Son’s shot created a scramble in the box, but VAR ruled it offside. Another Son strike appeared to hit an opponent’s arm, but no penalty was awarded.

Son remained dangerous, unleashing a long-range effort in the 70th minute that went straight at the keeper and later delivering precise crosses and corners that forced saves. In the 88th minute, Bouanga’s shot off Son’s build-up play rattled the post, but Dallas’s back line, led by Lalas Abubakar, and keeper Collodi held firm.

After the final whistle, Bouanga protested to the referee, but Son calmed him down. A Dallas player even approached Son for a handshake, creating a rare moment of sportsmanship.

Texas is home to roughly 115,000 Korean residents, but Saturday’s match was played in front of just 9,000 fans due to ongoing renovations at Toyota Stadium. According to local reports, ticket prices skyrocketed ahead of the game — tickets usually range from $51 to $78, but surged to between $166 and $366, with some resale tickets listed as high as $1,449.

Among the crowd, a young Korean fan held up a handwritten sign in hangul reading, “I came from LA to cheer for Uncle Heung-min.” Apple TV also highlighted Son as one of the players to watch before kickoff.

Update, Aug. 24: More details about the game added.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY PARK RIN [[email protected]]