South Korean star Son Heung-min made an impressive Major League Soccer debut for Los Angeles FC on Saturday, coming off the bench to inspire a 2-2 draw against Chicago Fire.
Son entered the match in the 61st minute to loud cheers from fans, many of whom wore his shirt and waved South Korean flags at Chicago’s SeatGeek Stadium. Just 16 minutes later, he was brought down in the box while racing towards goal, winning a penalty that Denis Bouanga converted in the 81st minute to secure a point for LAFC.
The former Tottenham captain also tested the Fire goalkeeper several times and came close to scoring in stoppage time. Speaking after the match, Son said: “It was definitely a penalty, no doubt about it. I’m happy to make my debut and I hope the goals come soon. A bit disappointed not to get three points, but everyone gave their best.”
Son, who joined LAFC on Wednesday for a reported MLS record fee of $26 million after ten years at Spurs, will have to wait until 31 August to make his home debut. LAFC’s next match is away to New England Revolution next Saturday, and Son hopes to be ready to start.