Son’s MLS Goal of the Year: Playoffs Begin Against Austin, West’s 6th Seed
Son Heung-min has made headlines this week as he was awarded the MLS Goal of the Year. This honor was bestowed on him by the Major League Soccer office on October 28 for his impressive free-kick goal scored against FC Dallas in the 6th minute of the match.
Son’s Impact in MLS
After leaving Tottenham Hotspur, Son joined Los Angeles FC (LAFC) during the summer. In his first ten matches in the league, he recorded an impressive nine goals and three assists.
With this outstanding performance, Son bolstered LAFC’s drive as they prepare for the playoffs. The team finished the regular season ranked third in the Western Conference and will face sixth-seeded Austin FC in the conference semifinals.
Playoff Schedule
The first round of the MLS Cup playoffs will be conducted in a best-of-three format. Details of the matches are as follows:
- Game 1: October 30 at 11:30 AM KST
- Game 2: November 3 at 10:45 AM KST
- Game 3 (if necessary): November 9 in the morning
All games will be available for viewing on SPOTV Prime.
LAFC’s Season Performance
Son’s arrival has had a remarkable effect on both team performance and fan engagement. Since he joined, LAFC achieved seven wins, three draws, and just two losses in twelve games, securing a higher playoff seed.
Son has formed a potent partnership with Dennis Bouanga, where both players have showcased their skills effectively, contributing to a noteworthy offensive lineup that ranks among the best in the league.
Challenging Matchup Against Austin
Despite having home advantage, LAFC’s previous encounters with Austin this season resulted in losses. Consequently, Son’s creativity and scoring ability will be crucial for LAFC if they aim to advance in the playoffs.
As the playoffs approach, all eyes will be on Son and his performance to help propel LAFC further into the postseason.
