Son Heung-min fires first LAFC goal in 237 days to end drought

Son Heung-min finally broke his goal drought on July 18, delivering a 57th-minute strike as LAFC crushed the Galaxy 3-0 in El Tráfico. The right-footed finish ended a 237-day scoreless streak and sparked hope for the South Korean star’s future at the club.

What happened?

The drought snapped in emphatic fashion. Son’s first LAFC goal since his August arrival from Tottenham Hotspur arrived in the 57th minute, capping a dominant display in the 27th edition of El Tráfico. His shot beat Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Bond at the near post, extending LAFC’s lead to 2-0 after Denis Bouanga’s early opener. The result lifted LAFC to 8-5-3 in the Western Conference, keeping them third in the race for MLS playoff spots.

Why it matters for Son Heung-min

The goal couldn’t come soon enough. Son had managed just nine goals in his first 10 regular-season appearances for LAFC, then went 13 matches without scoring despite nine assists. His drought stretched back to May 10, when he last found the net in a 1-1 draw with FC Dallas. The dry spell mirrored South Korea’s disastrous World Cup exit, where Son’s side crashed out in the group stage after defeats to Mexico and South Africa.

The pressure on Son had mounted. Fans questioned the $26-million man’s adaptation to MLS after his Premier League Golden Boot-winning exploits at Tottenham. His Instagram apology after Korea’s World Cup exit-“I don’t dare to convey the disappointment and hurt of the fans with a single word ‘sorry’”-underlined the weight of expectations. But Friday’s performance silenced critics, at least for now.

What comes next?

Son’s return to form arrives at a pivotal moment. LAFC face stiffer tests ahead, starting with a run of fixtures against playoff rivals. The Galaxy, though, offered a rare chance to rediscover confidence. Son’s aggression was evident early, forcing saves within seven minutes as he looked to impose his presence.

The goal also carries symbolic weight. It’s Son’s first in a crosstown derby, a matchup that drew extra attention given the Korean diaspora’s size in L.A. His arrival last summer was met with fanfare, capped by Mayor Karen Bass’s appearance at his introductory press conference and a Dodgers bobblehead night featuring Son throwing the first pitch. Now, the focus shifts to consistency.

LAFC’s next challenge is clear: sustain this momentum. Son’s drought is over, but the season is long. His ability to recapture the form that made him a global icon will determine whether this breakthrough is a turning point-or just a brief reprieve.