Son Heung-min's quest for a fifth consecutive goal falls short in 1-1 draw
Category: Sports
On August 6, 2026, LA FC faced off against CD Guadalajara in the first leg of the 2026 League Cup at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. The match concluded in a dramatic 1-1 draw, but LA FC secured victory with a 5-4 win in the penalty shootout.
This match marked an important moment for LA FC, which is striving for its first League Cup title and its first MLS title since 2022. The team currently sits second in the Western Conference with 34 points, just behind Vancouver Whitecaps.
LA FC’s star forward, Son Heung-min, was looking to extend his scoring streak to five consecutive matches in MLS, having scored in four straight games prior to this encounter. Unfortunately for the South Korean international, he did not find the net, ending his impressive run.
The game began with high expectations, and LA FC took the lead in the 38th minute when Denis Bouanga scored from a counterattack. Bouanga received a pass from a teammate and struck the ball into the net, putting LA FC ahead 1-0. Just four minutes later, Guadalajara equalized through Roberto Alvarado, who scored with a left-footed shot after receiving a pass from Bryan Gonzalez.
Son Heung-min played as the center forward but was substituted in the 41st minute of the second half after attempting two shots, one of which was on target, and achieving an 88% pass success rate. His substitution came as LA FC sought to regain momentum after Guadalajara's equalizer.
In the penalty shootout, LA FC demonstrated their composure, converting five of their attempts. The League Cup regulations state that a draw after regular time leads to a penalty shootout, where the winning team earns two points and the losing team receives one point.
The League Cup is a competition that features a total of 36 teams from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX, with each league contributing 18 teams. The tournament format allows teams to compete against those from the opposing league, and the top teams from each region will advance to the knockout stages. LA FC has participated in the League Cup four times, boasting a solid record with nine wins in 13 matches.
LA FC's coach, Mark Dos Santos, has emphasized the importance of Son Heung-min in the team's attacking strategy, particularly in conjunction with Denis Bouanga, who has also been in excellent form. This dynamic duo has been described as one of the most dangerous partnerships in North America by the MLS.
Prior to this match, Son Heung-min had been a key contributor to LA FC's recent successes, scoring multiple goals and helping the team maintain a strong position in the league. His performance had been particularly notable following a disappointing showing in the North American World Cup.
Looking ahead, LA FC is set to continue its League Cup campaign with a busy schedule. Following the match against Guadalajara, the team will face Deportivo Toluca FC and Querétaro FC in quick succession, all at home. This favorable scheduling allows LA FC to conserve energy and maintain a competitive edge.
As the tournament progresses, LA FC's aspirations for the League Cup title remain high. Winning this cup would mark a major achievement for the club and secure a place in the prestigious CONCACAF Champions Cup for the following season.
Son Heung-min, having previously experienced success in both the English Premier League and FA Cup, is eager to add a League Cup title to his accolades. The upcoming matches will be a test of both his skill and the team's resilience as they aim for glory.
As LA FC prepares for its next challenge, the focus will be on how effectively they can integrate Son Heung-min's talent into their strategy, especially after his recent scoring streak. The next match against Toluca is scheduled for August 8, 2026, and will likely be a thrilling encounter.