LAFC teammates celebrating Son Heung-min's goal [Getty Images via AFP=Yonhap News)

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Lee Young-ho, Yoo Ji-ho = "I think I'll remember the scoring scene even after a long time." (Nkosi Tafari)

LAFC teammates and the manager, who witnessed Son Heung-min's debut goal in Major League Soccer (MLS), unanimously expressed their joy and congratulations.

LAFC drew 1-1 against Dallas in an away match of the 2025 MLS regular season held at Toyota Stadium in Dallas, Texas, on the 24th (Korean time). Despite Son Heung-min's opening free-kick goal in the 6th minute of the first half, they conceded an equalizer in the 13th minute.

LAFC, extending their unbeaten streak to 1 win and 2 draws in their recent three-game away stretch, is ranked 4th in the Western Conference with 11 wins, 8 draws, and 6 losses (41 points).

While they are 12 points behind Western Conference leaders San Diego FC (16 wins, 5 draws, 7 losses, 53 points) ahead of their matchup on the 1st of next month, the gap is not insurmountable as LAFC has played three fewer games.

Son Heung-min's performance was crucial in concluding the challenging three-game away series undefeated.

In the match against Chicago Fire on the 10th, Son Heung-min drew a penalty kick in the 32nd minute of the second half when they were trailing 1-2, paving the way for the equalizer. In the match against New England Revolution on the 17th, he assisted a decisive goal in stoppage time of the second half while leading 1-0. On this day, he finally scored his "MLS debut goal" against Dallas, leading to a 1-1 draw.

Son Heung-min celebrates scoring a goal (Getty Images via AFP=Yonhap News)

After the match, defender Nkosi Tafari, who attended the official press conference, recalled Son Heung-min's scoring moment and praised it highly, saying, "Son Heung-min's goal will definitely be remembered for a long time."

Tafari added, "I was standing right behind the defensive wall, so I saw the scoring scene clearly. We practiced free kicks yesterday. Watching the ball's trajectory, I thought, 'It's going to hit the top corner of the goal,' and it went in magically, just as I predicted. It was a truly beautiful goal. I was genuinely delighted. Son Heung-min is amazing. I love his energy."

Midfielder Timothy Tillman, who also attended the press conference, chimed in, "Unfortunately, I couldn't see the goal in detail because I was close to the defensive wall, but I am so happy for Son Heung-min's goal. He is a truly great player. Son Heung-min is already a great asset to the team."

LAFC manager Steve Cherundolo, who unfortunately missed out on a win, also joined in the praise for Son Heung-min.

Cherundolo commented, "Son Heung-min possesses a talent that many players in MLS do not have. Son Heung-min is providing a much-needed fresh stimulus and motivation to the team's journey."

He emphasized, "Son Heung-min's free kick was fantastic. Having a scoring option from set pieces is incredible. Every manager wants such an option, and we already have it."

horn90@yna.co.kr

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