The weekend morning got busy for football fans as the match between LAFC and San Diego FC kicked off at 11:30 AM (KST) on August 16. The atmosphere grew even more intense as soon as the lineups were released, as LAFC's Heung-min Son was named as the starting lone striker rather than playing on the wing.

In reality, this match is being played under complex emotions for LAFC. Just three days ago on August 13, the team suffered the pain of being knocked out of the Leagues Cup group stage, despite going undefeated, due to being edged out on regulation-time wins. Although Son did his part by scoring his penalty cleanly in the final shootout, he could not prevent the team's frustrating early exit. The manager even expressed concern in his post-match interview about the mental exhaustion the players might be feeling.

However, there is no time to dwell on disappointment as the league schedule has resumed. For Son, this match is a prime opportunity to wash away the pain and reach a major milestone. He was showing peak form before the Leagues Cup break, scoring in four consecutive MLS regular-season games. Finding the back of the net today would secure the record of scoring in five straight league games. Furthermore, as LAFC has yet to taste victory against San Diego since he joined, his motivation to break that bogey-team narrative is clear.

With the cup exit behind him, all eyes are on Son as he leads the attack from the front once again. Can he kill two birds with one stone—extending his league goal streak and turning the team's momentum around? Football fans are focused on his boots as he takes the pitch this Sunday morning.

Related Links