Son Heung-min makes instant impact in LAFC debut
Son Heung-min was greeted with cheers when he came off the bench. Photo: Reuters
South Korea star Son Heung-min made his Major League Soccer debut for Los Angeles FC on Saturday, providing a burst of energy as a second-half substitute in a 2-2 draw with the Fire in Chicago.
Son drew a penalty in the 77th minute that new teammate Denis Bouanga converted to clinch the draw. VAR had confirmed the penalty after the referee initially let play continue.
"Obviously it was definitely contact and it was definitely a penalty, I have no doubt about it," said Son, who also had three shots on goal.
"And, yeah, we tied the game, but I think we should have won this game, so a little bit disappointed."
Son signed for LAFC on Wednesday for a reported MLS record US$26 million transfer fee after a decade with Tottenham in the Premier League, where he became a household name.
There were plenty of his jerseys, South Korean flags and signs welcoming him to MLS at the Fire's SeatGeek Stadium. He was greeted with cheers when he came off the bench to replace David Martinez in the 61st minute with the score level at 1-1.
Son's first chance to play in front of home fans in Los Angeles will come against Western Conference leaders San Diego on August 31. (AFP)
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