Son Heung-min Shines in MLS Debut as LAFC Hold Chicago Fire

South Korea’s football icon Son Heung-min made an immediate impact on his Major League Soccer debut, coming off the bench to inspire Los Angeles FC to a 2-2 draw against the Chicago Fire on Saturday, Sport360NG reports.

Introduced in the 61st minute to loud cheers and a sea of South Korean flags inside SeatGeek Stadium, Son’s pace and energy quickly changed the game. The former Tottenham Hotspur captain won a crucial penalty in the 77th minute after being tripped by Carlos Teran while bearing down on goal. VAR intervened to award the spot-kick, which Denis Bouanga converted four minutes later to level the score.

“It was a great pass. There was definitely contact, definitely a penalty, no doubt about it,” Son said afterward. “I’m a little disappointed not to get three points, but everyone worked hard. I’m happy to make my debut and I hope the goals come soon.”

The 32-year-old forward, who joined LAFC on Wednesday for a reported league-record fee of $26 million, was a constant threat in his half-hour cameo. He unleashed several shots, including one blocked deep into stoppage time.

Son leaves Spurs as their fifth-highest scorer in history, with 173 goals in 454 appearances over a decade in North London. His move to MLS was announced in his native South Korea last weekend, ending an era in which he became one of the Premier League’s most recognisable stars.

On Saturday, fans in Chicago embraced the new signing, with many donning his Tottenham and South Korea jerseys, waving flags, and holding welcome signs.

The game itself saw Carlos Teran open the scoring for Chicago in the 11th minute, before Ryan Hollingshead’s header brought LAFC level eight minutes later. Jonathan Bamba restored the Fire’s advantage in the 70th minute, only for Bouanga’s penalty, won by Son, to make it 2-2.

Son’s first appearance in front of LAFC’s home crowd will come on August 31 against Western Conference leaders San Diego. Before then, he could feature from the start when LAFC travel to face the New England Revolution next Saturday.

“It was a good 30 minutes in the legs,” Son said. “Now I’ll focus on training with the team and hopefully start next week to make a big impact.”