Son Heung-min scored a sensational free-kick for his first MLS goal as Los Angeles FC drew 1-1 with FC Dallas. Teammate Nkosi Tafari lauded the goal as a work of art worthy of the Louvre. Thomas Muller also scored his first MLS goal for Vancouver Whitecaps in a 3-2 win against St. Louis City.
Son Heung-min announced his arrival in Major League Soccer in spectacular fashion, scoring his first goal for Los Angeles FC with a stunning free-kick against FC Dallas. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, but Son's moment of brilliance has been the talk of the league, with teammate Nkosi Tafari even suggesting it should be hung in the Louvre.
The South Korean international has wasted no time making an impact since joining LAFC from Tottenham. After winning a penalty as a substitute in his debut against the Chicago Fire and providing an assist against the New England Revolution in his first start, Son's free-kick at Toyota Stadium was his most impressive contribution yet. In the 6th minute, he curled a beautiful shot past Dallas goalkeeper Michael Collodi, showcasing the skill and precision that made him a star in the Premier League.
Despite Son's early goal, LAFC couldn't hold on for the win. Logan Farrington's deflected strike in the 13th minute leveled the score, and the game ended in a draw. LAFC dominated the second half, creating numerous chances and amassing 1.45 expected goals (xG) compared to Dallas's 0.37, but they were unable to find a winning goal.
The draw extended LAFC's unbeaten run to three matches, and they currently sit fourth in the Western Conference, 12 points behind leaders San Diego FC with three games in hand. However, the focus remains on Son Heung-min's electrifying start to his MLS career.
"We were practising free-kicks the day before," Tafari said. "I looked at the top corner and, like magic, the ball ended up there. I was incredibly happy for him. This guy’s first three games – hang it in the Louvre! He earns a penalty, then gets an assist, then gets a goal. I don’t know what’s going to happen next week! That’s on him, but he’s doing a phenomenal job and I love his energy."
Top shelf from Sonny pic.twitter.com/zZW7RsZuCI
— LAFC (@LAFC) August 24, 2025
Son's home debut is highly anticipated, and it could come next week against San Diego, as LAFC have not played in front of their own fans at BMO Stadium since July 25. The player himself is eager to play in front of his new supporters. "Now, we have a full week to recover and then prepare well for the important game. I can’t wait to play it because it’s my first home game for LAFC, and also against good opponents."
In other MLS action, Thomas Muller also celebrated his first MLS goal, converting a penalty deep into stoppage time to secure a 3-2 victory for the Vancouver Whitecaps over St. Louis City. It was Muller's first goal for a club other than Bayern Munich. The Whitecaps had to come from behind twice, with Brian White and Daniel Rios canceling out goals from Eduard Lowen and Joao Klauss. The decisive moment came after a lengthy VAR review when Mykhi Joyner was penalized for tripping Mathias Laborda inside the box. Muller stepped up and blasted his penalty into the roof of the net in the 104th minute.
The passion is unmatched. pic.twitter.com/QeRdtSSUOG
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 24, 2025
"It was an amazing moment for me," Muller said. "On one side, we have this pressure because, with a penalty, you have a good chance to score. But what happens if you miss? You’re already writing your news: Thomas Muller missed a penalty! I like to have this pressure, and when my team-mates were cheering for me, it was a very nice feeling to score this goal in front of our fans." The Whitecaps are currently third in the Western Conference, just four points off the leaders, who drew 0-0 with the Portland Timbers and have a game in hand. Minnesota United are second, following their 3-1 win at Real Salt Lake.