Harrison: Son Heung-min expressed gratitude to his teammates and supporters after making a notable debut for South Korea against the United States, where he contributed a goal and an assist to secure a 2-0 victory in an international friendly match.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this match marked Son's first appearance for South Korea following his recent transfer to Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) in Major League Soccer (MLS). The match took place at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, where Son's performance underscored the rationale behind his move to MLS. He demonstrated his connection with fellow player Lee Jae-sung, as they collaborated on both scoring opportunities. Son's goal in the 18th minute was a testament to their chemistry, followed by a play that led to Lee Dong-gyeong's goal.
Son's transition from Tottenham Hotspur, where he spent a decade, to LAFC was motivated by his desire to optimize his preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The decision to play in the MLS schedule aligns with Son's strategic planning to maintain peak form for the summer World Cup. While concerns arose about Son potentially underperforming in a less competitive league, his performance in this match alleviated such doubts.
With 52 international goals, Son is closing in on South Korea's all-time goal-scoring record, trailing Cha Bum-kun by six goals. If Son plays in the upcoming match against Mexico, he will equal the record for the most national team appearances for South Korea.
Son credited his partnership with Lee for his goal, highlighting the seamless execution of their play. He emphasized the team's collective effort in achieving the victory, stating that the win was the result of everyone playing their part effectively. Son also acknowledged the significance of the supportive South Korean fans, whose presence made the away match feel like a home game.
Son concluded by encouraging his teammates to continue building on their successful performance, aiming to develop into an even stronger team.