Los Angeles, Sep 1 (AP) - Son Heung-min's much-anticipated home debut for Los Angeles FC ended in disappointment with a 2-1 defeat to San Diego FC on Sunday night. Despite the loss, fans at BMO Stadium got a sense of the potential this team holds with Son on board.
“I couldn't wait for this night, and then I feel like I let the fans down," Son expressed after his first loss in four matches with LAFC. "But we've got to keep our heads up, accept this result, move forward, work hard, and we'll return stronger than ever.”
Son managed two shots on target and several promising attacking sequences, particularly after halftime. The match against Western Conference leaders San Diego was tense, and the crowd that welcomed Son with immense enthusiasm was left yearning for more. The most painful moment came in the 78th minute when Son's powerful shot struck the post. He also forced San Diego's keeper, CJ Dos Santos, into action late in each half.
Despite these efforts, Son couldn't convert his chances, and LAFC couldn't mount a second-half comeback. San Diego stars Hirving Lozano and Anders Dreyer overcame Denis Bouanga's 15th-minute goal for LAFC, leaving the home team 15 points adrift of the expansion team in the standings with three games in hand.
With one goal and one assist in four MLS outings, Son had already made an impact, notably with a sublime free-kick against FC Dallas. LAFC had one win and two draws on the road, building excitement for the former Tottenham star's home debut, nearly a month after his signing was announced.
The reception for Son was overwhelming, with the world's largest Korean population outside Korea cheering him on in Los Angeles. He acknowledged the passionate support by interacting with fans dressed in his club and national jerseys, further energizing them before kickoff.
“I've played in amazing stadiums and experienced a lot, but today was very special,” Son reflected. “The fans were outstanding, and that's why I'm more upset because they deserved more than one goal and no points. I can’t wait to play here again. It really felt like home. They welcomed me warmly.”
The first half was subdued, aside from Bouanga's goal, but LAFC picked up momentum post-interval. However, both Son and Bouanga failed to capitalize on their scoring opportunities despite being very active. Son missed a shot after a precise long pass from former Tottenham teammate Hugo Lloris in the 74th minute, and Bouanga couldn't beat Dos Santos in a one-on-one in the 82nd minute.
Despite the result, LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo remains optimistic about the budding partnership between Son and Bouanga. “To be honest, it’s been excellent,” Cherundolo stated. “We’ve had three away games and one home encounter, creating numerous chances. Both players are assisting each other, and we're definitely seeing chemistry build. The key is improving our finishing. Considering the chances and expected goals we had, it's surprising we came away with nothing.”
After joining LAFC directly from a packed season with Tottenham, which included a triumphant Europa League campaign and a farewell tour in Asia, Son has seamlessly adapted. He's slated to leave Los Angeles briefly for international duty but will return to face the crucial last eight matches of an intense year.
“Once I come back from the national team, we're entering two crucial months,” Son remarked. “We remain highly motivated.” (AP)
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