Son Heung-min's Goal Drought Continues as LAFC Seeks Breakthrough in MLS Rivalry Son Heung-min's goal-scoring drought in Major League Soccer (MLS) has stretched into his second season with LAFC, raising concerns about his ability to replicate his prolific form from last year. The South Korean forward, who joined the league in 2025 with 13 goals in 21 games, has yet to find the net in 2026, despite his inclusion in the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad. His lack of goals has coincided with South Korea’s early exit from the tournament, where the team suffered consecutive group-stage losses following a narrow victory over the Czech Republic. The upcoming match against LA Galaxy on the 18th (Korean time) has become a focal point for both teams and fans. Known as “El Tráfico,” the rivalry between LAFC and LA Galaxy carries significant weight in the Western Conference, and Son’s potential impact in this high-stakes clash could determine the outcome. For LAFC, who currently sit in sixth place in the Western Conference with seven wins, five draws, and three losses, Son’s ability to score is critical as they aim to challenge for top spots. The game presents a unique opportunity for the striker to break his slump, particularly if Galaxy’s defensive strategy creates space for him to exploit. Son’s struggles in MLS this season have been attributed to both tactical challenges and a lack of clinical finishing. Unlike his role with the South Korean national team, where he operated as a left winger or central striker, Son has been deployed in a more central role by LAFC, often facing intense marking from defenders. This shift has limited his ability to cut inside and shoot, a key strength in his previous performances. However, LAFC’s attacking strategy has relied heavily on the synergy between Son and Denis Bouanga, the team’s creative force.#denis_bouanga #lafc #son_heung_min #la_galaxy #el_trfico
Bran, Bouanga trade goals in LAFC–LD Alajuelense draw LOS ANGELES – The 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup continued with a 1-1 draw between LAFC and LD Alajuelense in the First Leg of their Round of 16 series on Tuesday at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA. A right-footed strike from outside the box in the 44th minute by Alejandro Bran gave the reigning Concacaf Central American Cup winners the lead. The hosts equalized in the 56th minute through a collective play from midfield that found Denis Bouanga in the box, who struck a right-footed shot for the tying goal. LAFC attempted a comeback in the 80th minute with Artem Smoliakov attempting a long-range shot that missed the target. The MLS side pressed throughout the second half, but LD Alajuelense’s defensive line held firm. Goalkeeper Washington Ortega finished the match with 10 saves, delivering a standout performance. The two teams will meet again in the Second Leg on Tuesday, with LD Alajuelense hosting LAFC at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto in Alajuela, Costa Rica. The team that wins on aggregate will advance to the Quarterfinals. LAFC have outscored opponents 17-4 in 10 all-time home matches in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Three of the four goals they have conceded at home in the competition have come against LD Alajuelense (two in the 2023 Round of 16). The MLS side completed 754 passes against LD Alajuelense, the highest number by any team in a Concacaf Champions Cup match since at least the 2016-17 season. This surpassed the previous record of 744 set by San Diego FC against Pumas UNAM in Round One of this season’s competition. Alejandro Bran’s 44th-minute goal came on the 13th shot attempt of the match, but it was LD Alajuelense’s first.#alejandro_bran #denis_bouanga #lafc #ld_alajuelense #washington_ortega
