MLS Update: Son Heung-min's Impact Grows, Inter Miami's Messi Returns in Leagues Cup
Update on Son Heung-min's performance in LAFC's 1-1 draw against FC Dallas. Read about his stunning free kick and what's next for the team.
South Korean superstar Son Heung-min has officially announced his arrival in Major League Soccer with a breathtaking performance. In his third appearance and second start for Los Angeles FC, Son scored his first MLS goal, curling a stunning free kick into the top right corner of the net in the fifth minute. This impressive strike earned him a spot in the highlight reel and showcased his instant impact on the team.
The match against FC Dallas ended in a 1-1 draw, with Logan Farrington equalizing for Dallas just shy of the 15-minute mark. Despite the stalemate, Son's goal demonstrated his exceptional skill and adaptation to the MLS. This draw follows LAFC's previous win against the New England Revolution, where Son recorded his first assist.
Son's influence extends beyond the pitch, with his LAFC No. 7 jersey becoming the highest-selling shirt globally, surpassing iconic figures like Lionel Messi and LeBron James. According to LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo, Son has adjusted well to the league, showing minimal difficulties despite transitioning from a decade with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
With his trademark charisma and talent, Son is poised to make a lasting impact in MLS. Fans and pundits alike will be watching his future performances, eager to see how he'll continue to shape the league. For now, Son's impressive start has set the tone for what's expected to be an exciting season.
Son Heung-min's Stunning Free Kick
Six minutes into the match, Son Heung-min took a free kick from 25 yards out, awarded after Chris Cappis fouled LAFC's Denis Bouanga. With precision and power, Son lofted the ball over the wall, beating Dallas goalkeeper Michael Collodi. This impressive goal marked Son's first for LAFC in the MLS.
Post-Match Reaction
“I'm glad I scored the first goal for the MLS and also for LAFC,” Son said. However, his satisfaction was tempered by the team's failure to secure a win. “But for me, the most important thing is to get three points. I'm really, really disappointed for that.” This sentiment highlights Son's focus on team success over individual achievements.
📸└A pic.twitter.com/XhYN9Z6Ze5
— LAFC (@LAFC) August 24, 2025
Son Heung-min is making waves in Major League Soccer with his impressive performances for LAFC. Just a week after delivering an assist in LAFC's 2-0 win over New England Revolution, Son scored his first MLS goal with a stunning free kick in the team's 1-1 draw against FC Dallas. This goal showcases Son's exceptional skill and adaptation to the MLS.
Son's Impact on LAFC
Son's influence extends beyond his individual performances. He's brought fresh energy to the team, and his partnership with Denis Bouanga has been particularly effective. According to LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo, Son “brings a smile to work every day,” and his teammates appreciate his positive attitude and communication. Son's jersey sales have also skyrocketed, with LAFC Co-President John Thorrington noting that it's the highest-selling jersey of any sport in the world right now.
What's Next for Son and LAFC?
Son is set to make his home debut next weekend against Western Conference leaders San Diego FC. “I need still a lot of time to be connecting with the team,” Son said, acknowledging the team's progress while emphasizing the importance of continued improvement. Despite the draw against FC Dallas, Son's performance earned him recognition as one of the best players of the match, with statistics platform FootMob giving him an 8.8 rating. The upcoming match against San Diego FC is expected to be a thrilling encounter, with ticket prices surging to $1,500 due to high demand.
Son Heung-min's Early Impression
Son Heung-min is savoring every moment of his MLS journey with LAFC. “It's been only two weeks - maybe a little bit more than two weeks. But I'm enjoying every single moment,” he said, reflecting on his quick adaptation to the team. Despite the team's 1-1 draw against FC Dallas, Son's enthusiasm and dedication are evident in his performances.
Match Highlights
The match saw Son score a stunning free kick in the 6th minute, but FC Dallas equalized just 7 minutes later through Logan Farrington's goal. Despite dominating possession, LAFC couldn't find another goal to secure the win. Son's goal showcased his exceptional skill, but the team's inability to capitalize on their chances ultimately led to a draw.
“I thought we dominated the game,” Son said. “I think we didn't have a really difficult day ... We created chances, but not scoring goals throughout the game, I think it's really disappointing.”
Inter Miami was held to a 1-1 draw against D.C. United in their latest MLS match, with the team resting most of their regular starters. The absence of Lionel Messi, who is nursing a thigh muscle injury, was notable. Messi, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, has been a key player for Inter Miami, but his injury has impacted the team's lineup. Jordi Alba is also sidel, who is also out due to injury. This draw reflects Inter Miami's cautious approach, resting most of their regular players.
The match ended 1-1, with Logan Farrington scoring the equalizer for D.C. United in the 13th minute. Inter Miami's goal was scored in the 6th minute by Son Heung-min with a stunning free kick from 25 yards out. Despite dominating possession, Inter Miami couldn't find another goal to secure the win. D.C. United, who are eliminated from MLS Cup playoff contention, didn't seem to have much to play for, but they managed to hold Inter Miami to a draw.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano made key roster decisions, resting top players Luis Suarez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Sergio Busquets ahead of the Leagues Cup semi-final against Orlando City on August 28. This strategic move allowed younger players to shine, with Baltasar Rodriguez scoring his first career MLS goal in the 64th minute. Rodriguez expertly slotted home a corner kick from De Paul, equalizing for Inter Miami and securing a 1-1 draw against DC United.
Current MLS Standings
The Philadelphia Union leads the Eastern Conference standings with 51 points, followed closely by FC Cincinnati with 52 points, not two points behind as previously mentioned. Inter Miami is currently fifth in the standings with 45 points, eight points behind Philadelphia. Nashville SC holds the third spot with 47 points, four points behind Philadelphia.
Recent Match Highlights
Philadelphia Union's Dominant Win: Philadelphia Union defeated Chicago Fire 4-0 on Saturday, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the league.
Nashville SC's Thrashing of Orlando: Nashville SC thumped Orlando City 5-1, with Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar scoring two goals each. Surridge now leads the league in goals with 11, while Lionel Messi has 10 goals for Inter Miami.
FC Cincinnati's Loss: FC Cincinnati fell 1-0 at home to New York City FC, allowing Philadelphia Union to maintain their lead in the standings.
Inter Miami's Schedule Advantage and Leagues Cup Ambitions
Inter Miami currently has a significant advantage in terms of games in hand, holding three more matches than the Eastern Conference leaders due to their involvement in the Leagues Cup. This cross-border competition between MLS and Mexico's Liga-MX has provided Inter Miami with additional fixtures, including a quarter-final match against Tigres UANL, which they won 2-1 without Lionel Messi in the lineup.
Inter Miami's superstar, Lionel Messi, didn't play in their recent match against DC United due to injury but is expected to return for the Leagues Cup semi-final against Orlando City on August 28. Coach Javier Mascherano confirmed that Messi won't play against DC United but hopes to have him fit for the Orlando match. The winner of this semi-final will advance to the Leagues Cup final, with the match scheduled for August 31.
Upcoming Matches and Leagues Cup Schedule
The Leagues Cup features top teams from MLS and Liga-MX, with the semi-finals set for August 26-27. Inter Miami's match against Orlando City will take place at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, starting at 1:30 AM WAT on August 28. The Leagues Cup winner, runner-up, and third-place finisher will qualify for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.
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