Son Heung-min Aims for Trophies as Los Angeles FC Faces San Diego FC in Home Debut

Son Heung-min has declared his ambition to secure trophies with Los Angeles FC as they prepare to host San Diego FC in a highly anticipated match on Sunday. The Southern California derby at BMO Stadium sets the stage for Son's home debut, following three consecutive away games since his arrival from Tottenham.

Since Son joined, LAFC has remained unbeaten, recording two wins and two draws. Their most recent game saw them draw 1-1 against FC Dallas, with Son scoring his first goal for the club. The South Korean star’s immediate impact has raised expectations as LAFC aims to extend their unbeaten streak and solidify their playoff position.

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— LAFC (@LAFC) August 30, 2025

"It was a tough three-week period, but it has been excellent, I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve had time to speak to the players, and the socialising is so important to me," Son said, emphasizing the importance of team cohesion. "I want to try and win this trophy [MLS Cup] for this club, that’s what I work for. I have great memories after winning the Europa League three months ago. With that feeling and momentum, I want to keep that going. The fans will be really good and the stadium will be packed. I’m very surprised about it [the reaction to him signing for the club]. I’m here to win the games and win trophies. I want to help the league [MLS] and make people more interested and focused on it. I’m here to entertain and give joy to the people."

Meanwhile, San Diego FC, the Western Conference leaders, are heading north for their inaugural visit to LAFC’s home ground. They aim to maintain their perfect record against Californian teams and extend their lead at the top of the table. San Diego is currently on a five-game unbeaten streak in MLS, with three wins and two draws. Despite a goalless draw against the Portland Timbers last Sunday, they have already secured their playoff berth for the season.

Head coach Mikey Varas commented on his team’s successful debut season in MLS, stating, "Like every single week, the three points in front of us are the most important points. Of course, after the last game, we are all disappointed that we didn’t win. We also had the reflection on the big picture that it was a moment to celebrate getting into the playoffs."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

LAFC – Son Heung-min

All eyes will be on Son Heung-min as he makes his home debut. He has already made a significant impact, contributing one goal and one assist in his first two starts. The last LAFC player to be involved in a goal in each of his first three regular-season starts was Bradley Wright-Phillips in 2020, who achieved this feat in his first five matches.

San Diego – Anders Dreyer

Anders Dreyer has been a standout player for San Diego since joining in January. The Danish forward has amassed 29 goal involvements (13 goals and 16 assists) in 28 appearances this season, surpassed only by Lionel Messi (30). Dreyer has scored in two of his last three games for San Diego, making him a key threat.

MATCH PREDICTION: LOS ANGELES FC WIN

LAFC boasts a perfect home record against MLS expansion sides, winning all five encounters with a combined score of 13–0. Since mid-April, they have suffered only two defeats in their last 18 regular-season games (eight wins, eight draws), although they have only secured one victory in their last five matches (three draws, one loss). Both defeats during this period occurred at home—against Vancouver in June and Portland in July.

San Diego enters the match with a six-game away winning streak, the longest ever for an expansion team in MLS. Only two clubs in the post-shootout era (since 2000) have achieved seven consecutive regular-season road wins: FC Cincinnati in 2024 and CF Montreal in 2022.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

LAFC: 48.3%

Draw: 25.9%

San Diego: 25.8%