Chicago Fire 2–2 LAFC — Son Heung-min’s MLS Debut Steals the Show
photo cred: @mn.shoots
Bridgeview, IL — August 9, 2025
On a humid summer evening at SeatGeek Stadium, LAFC and Chicago Fire delivered a thrilling 2–2 draw that had everything: set-piece goals, a wonder strike, and the much-anticipated Major League Soccer debut of Son Heung-min. While the scoreline ended level, the night belonged to the South Korean superstar, whose late-game heroics salvaged a point for the Black & Gold.
photo cred: @mn.shoots
First Half: Set-Piece Exchanges
Chicago started with intent, pressing high and targeting LAFC’s back line. Their early pressure paid off in the 11th minute when Carlos Terán rose highest to meet a perfectly placed corner from Philip Zinckernagel, nodding home to give the hosts a 1–0 lead.
LAFC, however, responded just eight minutes later. In the 19th minute, Ryan Hollingshead mirrored Terán’s effort, heading in a David Martínez corner to level the match. The first half continued at a high tempo, with both sides trading chances — Chicago’s Bamba curling just wide, while Bouanga forced Chris Brady into a sharp save.
photo cred: @mn.shoots
Second Half: Bamba’s Thunder, Son’s Spark
The game’s balance tipped again in the 70th minute. Chicago’s Jonathan Bamba, receiving the ball on the right flank, struck a ferocious first-time shot that zipped past Hugo Lloris into the far corner, putting the Fire ahead 2–1.
But this match had one more twist — and his name was Son Heung-min.
Making his long-awaited LAFC debut in the 61st minute, Son immediately injected pace, movement, and confidence into LAFC’s attack. His clever runs unsettled Chicago’s back line, and in the 81st minute, the breakthrough came. Dribbling into the box, Son drew contact from behind, prompting a VAR review that confirmed a penalty. Dénis Bouanga stepped up and coolly slotted the spot-kick into the bottom corner, making it 2–2.
photo cred: @mn.shoots
Son’s Debut: Instant Impact
Son’s influence went beyond the penalty incident. In just over 30 minutes, he:
Attempted 3 shots, one forcing a strong save from Brady.
Completed 6 of 9 passes (67% accuracy) in advanced areas.
Stretched Chicago’s defense with constant off-ball runs.
After the match, head coach Steve Cherundolo admitted Son’s debut wasn’t planned for this match but praised his immediate impact: “He changes games with his movement and intelligence — we saw that tonight.”
Son, in turn, reflected on the reception he received: “It felt different from Europe — more welcoming, even as an away player. The atmosphere was amazing.”
photo cred: @mn.shoots
Standings & What’s Next
LAFC: 10–6–7 (37 pts), 5th in Western Conference
Chicago Fire: 10–9–6 (36 pts), just outside the East’s top four.
LAFC continues their road trip on August 16 against the New England Revolution, while Chicago hosts CF Montréal in a match that could shape the playoff race.
photo cred: @mn.shoots
Final Word
This was more than a draw — it was a statement. Chicago showed grit and creativity through Bamba and Zinckernagel, but LAFC proved their resilience, and in Son Heung-min, they may have found the final piece for a championship push. If his debut is any indication, MLS fans are in for a show this season.