LA FC, making its first-ever bid for the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Champions Cup title, is banking heavily on Son Heung-min’s (34) goal-scoring prowess. After finding the net in the season opener, Son has been goalless for six straight games. LA FC’s championship aspirations hinge on Son rediscovering his scoring touch.
LA FC is set to face Alajuelense (Costa Rica) in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. (Korean Time) at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
The CONCACAF Champions Cup is the region’s premier club competition, akin to Europa League’s (UEFA) Champions League. The tournament winner secures a spot in the 2029 International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) Club World Cup.
In the first leg at home on March 11, LA FC battled to a 1-1 draw at BMO Stadium. Having finished as runners-up in 2020 and 2023, LA FC must win the second leg to keep their title hopes alive.
With victory crucial, LA FC is leaning on its offensive firepower, particularly Son, who has managed just one goal in seven outings this season.
Son’s lone goal came from the penalty spot in the first round against Real España (Honduras), followed by a six-game scoring drought.
This season, LA FC has adopted a more defensive strategy compared to last year, focusing on minimizing goals against while looking to capitalize on quick counterattacks. Son has been instrumental in these transitions, racking up five assists in the last six matches.
However, Son’s shots have either been thwarted by goalkeepers or missed the target, extending his goalless run. For LA FC to showcase championship-caliber offense, they need Son to break out of his scoring slump.
Since joining LA FC last July, Son’s impact was immediate, netting 12 goals in 13 games and elevating the team’s attack. His presence has also boosted Denis Bouanga’s scoring output, helping the team secure a third-place finish in the Western Conference and a playoff berth.
To clinch the title, LA FC must develop an unstoppable offensive force. This hinges on Son recapturing the exceptional finishing touch he displayed last season. As the 2026 season enters its second month, the upcoming clash against Alajuelense presents a prime opportunity for Son to end his scoring drought and propel LA FC towards their championship ambitions.
