After a rotation break, Son Heung-min was named back in the starting lineup as the primary forward. In the home match against the Portland Timbers held on the morning of the 23rd (KST), LAFC played to a 1-1 draw. In an effort to break a two-game league losing streak, Son was placed at the heart of a 4-3-3 formation, but the result was a somewhat disappointing single point.

The match started on the wrong foot early on. LAFC struggled from the start, conceding the opening goal to Portland's David da Costa just four minutes into the game. Positioned at the front, Son attempted four sharp shots in the first half alone, threatening the opponent's goal. However, he was unable to find the back of the net, repeatedly denied by Portland goalkeeper James Pantemis. In the end, LAFC narrowly avoided defeat thanks to a dramatic equalizer by Denis Bouanga in the 79th minute.

Soccer fans are increasingly concerned by Son's ongoing goal drought. Since his goal against Vancouver on August 2nd, his scoring dry spell in official matches has stretched to six games. Between the physical toll of a grueling August schedule and the intensified focus from opposing defenses, finding a breakthrough as the team's primary finisher will be the key to his successful transition in the MLS moving forward.

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