Son Heung-min wins penalty as LAFC draw on former Tottenham man’s debut
South Korea captain draws foul for spot kick which Denis Bouanga converts against Chicago Fire
Son Heung-min drew a foul 20 minutes into his Major League Soccer debut on Saturday, to earn Los Angeles FC a 2-2 draw against the Chicago Fire.
His side trailing to 2-1, the South Korea captain was fouled in the box by Chicago’s Carlos Teran – who had scored the game’s first goal – in the 77th minute, and the referee eventually pointed to the spot after a lengthy VAR review.
Denis Bouanga, who had also come on as a substitute, stepped to the spot on 81 minutes and found the top right corner of the net for his 20th goal of the season.
Presented as a new player on Wednesday after signing a deal reportedly worth $26.5 million until 2027, with an option for 2028, former Tottenham Hotspur skipper Son made his first league appearance on 61 minutes, with his first shot coming six minutes later – a low left-footer easily parried by Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady.
Carlos Teran gave the hosts a 10th-minute lead before Ryan Hollingshead equalised nine minutes later.
The scores were level at 1-1 when Son was introduced, but Jonathan Bamba restored Chicago’s lead in the 70th minute, as he powered the ball past LAFC keeper Hugo Lloris.