What a performance from Heung-Min Son: The former Bundesliga pro turned up the heat in the MLS on Thursday night and single-handedly led LAFC to victory over Real Salt Lake.
Heung-Min Son had already scored two goals in his first four MLS games for LAFC since moving to Los Angeles from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer for a record transfer fee of $26 million. On Wednesday night, the South Korean, who made 135 Bundesliga appearances for Hamburg and Leverkusen, significantly increased his goal tally. LAFC traveled to Sandy, Utah, for a rescheduled match from the 19th matchday. Son was on hand after just three minutes, scoring the opening goal after good work from Timothy Tillman (formerly of Fürth, Bayern, and Nuremberg). Thirteen minutes later, Son was successful again, scoring his second goal to make it 2-0 at halftime.
LA only shakes briefly – Son seals the deal
Shortly after the restart, Salt Lake had a great chance to pull one back, but Brazilian Rwan missed a penalty (56′). Gozo did better in the 76th minute, so LAFC had to worry briefly about the away win. However, Son sealed the deal in the final stages, completing his hat trick in the 82nd minute and being substituted shortly afterwards. Shortly before the end, Bouanga made it 4-1 (88th minute).
This was LAFC’s second win in a row, and the team led by former Hannover player Steven Cherundolo is on course for the playoffs in fourth place in the Western Conference. Their next opponent on Monday (3 a.m.) is Salt Lake, with the match scheduled to take place as planned.
