San Diego FC Spoils Son Heung-Min’s Home Debut with 2–1 Win Over LAFC
Hirving Lozano Celebrating goal against LAFC (Photo Credit: Juan Hernandez)
Pre-Match Buzz: Son’s First Night at BMO Stadium
BMO Stadium was buzzing on Sunday night as 22,937 fans filled the stands for Son Heung-Min’s home debut with LAFC. The anticipation was enormous—fans waved Korean flags, wore custom Son jerseys, and chanted his name long before kickoff. LAFC entered the game unbeaten in three, looking to build momentum, while expansion side San Diego FC arrived in top form, unbeaten in six straight road matches.
Hirving Lozano gets one past Lloris (Photo Credit: Juan Hernandez)
First Half: Bouanga Strikes, Lozano Responds
LAFC started with intent, pushing the tempo and feeding their attacking trio early.
15th Minute — The breakthrough came when David Martínez floated a clever pass into space. Denis Bouanga, timing his run perfectly, chipped the onrushing keeper for his 90th career LAFC goal, putting the Black & Gold ahead 1–0. The stadium erupted, sensing a special night ahead.
33rd Minute — San Diego answered back. Anders Dreyer slipped a pass behind LAFC’s backline, freeing Hirving “Chucky” Lozano. His shot took a deflection off Nkosi Tafari and wrong-footed Hugo Lloris, leveling the score at 1–1. The goal silenced the crowd and reminded everyone of San Diego’s attacking bite.
Anders Dreyer Slots the winner in the second half (Photo Credit: Juan Hernandez)
Second Half: Dreyer Delivers the Winner
The second half opened with both sides pressing for control, but San Diego’s composure on the ball began to tilt momentum.
66th Minute — A long diagonal from captain Jeppe Tverskov split LAFC’s defense. Dreyer, showing quick feet, cut inside two defenders and smashed a left-footed finish past Lloris to give San Diego a 2–1 lead.
From that moment, LAFC chased the game.78th Minute — Son Heung-Min nearly produced the fairytale moment, rattling the post with a thunderous strike from just inside the box.
Stoppage Time — LAFC poured numbers forward, but a dangerous cross into the six-yard box eluded Nathan Ordaz, and the final whistle confirmed San Diego’s victory.
Heung Min Son with a chance to equalize at the end of the game (Photo Credit: Juan Hernandez)
Key Players
Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC): A goal and an assist, running the attack and earning Player of the Matchday honors.
Hirving Lozano (San Diego FC): Clinical and relentless, now up to 9 goals and 8 assists this season.
Denis Bouanga (LAFC): Gave LAFC the early lead with a quality finish, continuing his prolific form.
Son Heung-Min (LAFC): Dangerous throughout his debut, unlucky not to score, and visibly emotional after the loss.
Press Conference with Head Coach Steve Cherundolo (Photo Credit: Juan Hernandez)
Post-Match Reactions
San Diego’s locker room celebrated yet another statement win, as the expansion side continued its dream debut season. With this result, they extended their road unbeaten streak to seven, tying an MLS single-season record.
For LAFC, frustration lingered. Son admitted post-game:
“I feel like the fans were amazing. That’s why I’m upset, because they deserve [more].”
Head coach Steve Cherundolo praised the team’s fight but noted defensive lapses that proved costly.
Heung Min Son winning ball for a breakaway late in the second half ( Photo Credit: Juan Hernandez)
What It Means Going Forward
San Diego FC: Their sweep of LAFC this season cements them as a legitimate Western Conference contender. With Lozano and Dreyer in form, they’ve become one of the league’s most dangerous away sides.
LAFC: The loss halts momentum and dampens Son’s big night, but the energy he brought to BMO Stadium suggests brighter days ahead. LAFC remains in the playoff hunt, though defensive sharpness must improve.
Heung Min Son frustrated that the ball wouldn’t go in after so many chances (Photo Credit: Juan Hernandez)
Final Word
Sunday night was billed as Son Heung-Min’s Hollywood debut, but it was San Diego FC who stole the show. With a mix of efficiency and resilience, they silenced BMO Stadium and walked away 2–1 winners—adding yet another chapter to their remarkable inaugural season.