Overcoming World Cup Heartbreak: Son Heung-min Scores First League Goal in Return Match

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Son Heung-min, who has returned to LAFC, has scored a brilliant goal, washing away the disappointment of an early exit from the World Cup. He also cleanly shed the label of a long league goal drought against his local rivals, LA Galaxy.

Reporter Choi Hee Jin has the story.

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Starting as a forward in the league match against LA Galaxy, which resumed after the World Cup break, Son Heung-min showed great chemistry with his partner Bouanga from the start, threatening the opponent's goal.

Although he felt disappointed after a sharp mid-range shot was blocked by the goalkeeper early in the second half, he finally opened the scoring in the 12th minute of the second half.

After exchanging passes with Delgado, he fired a right-footed shot from near the arc that found the corner of the net.

Son, who had recorded nine assists but no goals in the league this season, tasted the long-awaited goal in his 16th match and celebrated with his teammates.

[Son Heung-min/LAFC Forward: It feels like it came a bit late, but I don't think I was worried. Seeing the team win with me scoring a goal as well, I think it will be a huge help in lifting the overall atmosphere.]

Regarding the situation in the first half where he initially appeared to be the penalty kick taker before it was switched to Bouanga, Son explained that he did not yield the spot, but rather it was a scene orchestrated for the benefit of the team.

[Son Heung-min/LAFC Forward: If I hold the ball, many players come over and try to get into my head. I think I tried to take on the bad guy role to help Bouanga take the penalty kick comfortably.]

Having completed a successful return match, Son will aim for goals in two consecutive games in the home match against Real Salt Lake on July 23.

(Video by Lee Jae-sung)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.