- Son makes debut in Bridgeview, Illinois
- Comes on as 61st minute and draws penalty
- LAFC rally for a draw with Chicago
The Son Heung-Min era at Los Angeles Football Club began Saturday as the 托特納姆熱刺 legend made his debut against the Chicago Fire in Bridgeview, Illinois, just three days after being officially unveiled as the club’s newest signing.
With the match tied 1-1, Son replaced David Martinez in the 61st minute. The 33-year-old eased into the match but quickly made an impact after Chicago went ahead in the 70th minute. On a counterattack, Son faced Carlos Terán one-on-one, beating the Colombian defender before being brought down in the box as he elbowed the Korean star in the back.
Initially, no penalty was given, but following a video review, the decision was overturned and LAFC were awarded a spot kick. Denis Bouanga calmly converted to level the score.
Son nearly delivered the winner in stoppage time, splitting two defenders in the 93rd minute for a clear look at goal, only to see his shot blocked by a sliding challenge. That proved to be LAFC’s final chance in a 2-2 draw.
The result leaves LAFC on 37 points from 23 matches, while Chicago cling to the ninth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with 36 points.
Son said that LAFC could have walked away with three points, but was content that he earned the spot kick in his first match.
“It was a great pass from Nathan [Ordaz], and it was a great. There was definitely contact, and it was definitely a penalty. No doubt about it,” Son told Apple TV after the match. “We tied this game, but as I said before, we should have won this game. I’m a little bit disappointed.”
Son had three shots, one on target, and connected on eight passes in his debut. Chicago used their previous venue, the SeatGeek Stadium, as Soldier Field was being utilized by the NFL‘s Bears on Sunday.
While the game was not sold out, there was a solid contingent of Korea and Tottenham fans in the stands
This is the first club debut for Son in almost 10 years. His last came on Sept. 13, 2015 as a member of Tottenham – a 1-0 win. He would go on to score 127 league goals for Spurs.
