Son Heung-min suffers painful home debut loss with LAFC

Son Heung-min endured a tough home debut with LAFC as his side fell 2–1 to San Diego, despite a strong start and a packed BMO Stadium

Son Heung-min finally made his long-awaited home debut for Los Angeles FC on Sunday — but it ended in disappointment as the club fell 2–1 to Western Conference leaders San Diego.

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After playing three away matches since his record-breaking $26 million MLS transfer from Tottenham, the South Korean superstar received a thunderous welcome at BMO Stadium.

However, the script did not go as planned.

LAFC looked sharp early, with Denis Bouanga scoring in the 15th minute to send fans into a frenzy.

But San Diego responded with resilience.

Hirving Lozano equalized in the 33rd minute before Anders Dreyer netted the winner in the 66th, silencing the packed home crowd.

Despite several late chances including efforts from Bouanga and Son Heung-min  LAFC couldn’t find a way back.

“It felt like I waited a year for this,” Son said after the match, visibly frustrated with the outcome.

San Diego, an MLS expansion club, continues its dream season.

With 56 points, they are five ahead of Minnesota in the West and trail only Philadelphia Union in the Supporters’ Shield race.

Also Read: Man. City set for fourth Premier League title in a row, dump Tottenham

Meanwhile, LAFC sit fifth in the Western Conference three points behind fourth-place Seattle Sounders, with playoff home advantage at stake.

David Okere