Son Heung-Min is off the mark, scoring his first MLS goal in world-class fashion.
The South Korean superstar and MLS record signing opened his LAFC account with an unstoppable direct free kick, delivering the Black & Gold an early lead in Saturday's 1-1 draw at FC Dallas.
"It's been only... a little bit more than two weeks, but I'm enjoying every moment," Son told MLS Season Pass postgame. "I'm glad I scored the first goal for the MLS and also for LAFC, but for me, the most important thing is to get us three points. I'm really, really disappointed for that."
Torrid start
Son has wasted no time showing his quality in MLS.
After drawing a late penalty to secure a debut draw at the Chicago Fire in Matchday 28, three days after officially signing in a club-record transfer, the Tottenham Hotspur legend continued to make waves, earning his first start and providing his first assist to secure a 2-0 win at the New England Revolution last Saturday.
Dazzling fans in each city he travels to, Son's jaw-dropping first goal was the cherry on top of a stellar opening MLS road trip.
"We were practicing free kicks the day before," recalled defender Nkosi Tafari. "And I looked just in the top corner and yeah, you know, like magic, the ball just ended up there. So it was nice to see. I was incredibly happy for him.
"But, like, this guy's first three games, you know, hang it in the Louvre. Earn a penalty, then get an assist, then get a goal. So I don't know what's going to happen next week. That's on him, but he's doing a phenomenal job and I love his energy."
Playoff push
LAFC's unbeaten record since Son's arrival has propelled the Black & Gold into a top-four spot in the Western Conference on 41 points (11W-6L-8D record), positioning themselves to secure home-field advantage in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
"He's a competitor, and he's a winner, and on top of that, he has qualities that not a lot of players have in this league," head coach Steve Cherundolo said. "So it's a much-needed breath of fresh air and sense of motivation or wind in our sails that we definitely can feel, and you know, it's pushing us.
"We've had three tough road games. It's not easy places to play. A lot of travel, some weather, and you come away with five points. But you also put yourselves in position to win these games too, so from my perspective, it's been a very positive road trip."
The team's strong form and Son's spectacular first goal only add to the anticipation for his home debut next weekend, a Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire clash with in-state rival San Diego FC (MLS Season Pass).
"Now, we have a full week to recover and then prepare well for the important game," said Son
"I can't wait to play a home game because it's my first home game for the LAFC, and also against good opponents. So, yeah, we have to prepare well and recover well to get three points."
