Son Heung-min’s LAFC Advance in Playoffs After Dominating Austin – MLS Calls Performance a ‘Masterclass’
AUSTIN, TX – In a stunning display of skill and teamwork, South Korean superstar Son Heung-min spearheaded LAFC to a decisive 4-1 victory over Austin FC in the second leg of the first round of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. The win, coupled with a 2-1 victory in the first leg, secures LAFC’s place in the next round, where they will face the Vancouver Whitecaps. This is breaking news for soccer fans across the globe, and a significant moment for the growing presence of international talent in Major League Soccer.
Son Shines with Goal and Assist in Playoff Thriller
Son Heung-min, quickly becoming a fan favorite in Los Angeles, was instrumental in LAFC’s offensive onslaught. He opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a beautiful left-footed strike after a perfectly weighted through ball from Dennis Buanga. The play showcased Son’s signature stepover move, leaving defenders in his wake. Just three minutes later, Son turned provider, setting up Buanga for another goal with a clever pass after receiving a through ball from Sergi Palencia.
Son Heung-min celebrates a goal with LAFC. (Placeholder Image)
Buanga and Son: A Budding Partnership
The connection between Son and Buanga was a clear highlight of the match. The MLS Secretariat lauded their performance as a “master class,” noting their overwhelming presence in counterattack situations. Buanga himself added to the scoreline, first with a goal disallowed due to a handball, then with a powerful right-footed shot in the 44th minute. While Austin managed to pull one back through a penalty kick, LAFC’s dominance continued, culminating in a fourth goal from Jeremy Ebovisse in added time.
MLS Embraces Global Stars: A League on the Rise
Son Heung-min’s arrival in MLS represents a broader trend: the increasing attraction of established international players to the league. This influx of talent isn’t just about star power; it’s about raising the overall quality of play and attracting a wider audience. Historically, MLS was seen as a retirement league, but players like Son, alongside others like Lionel Messi and Javier Hernández, are changing that perception. This shift is a key component of MLS’s ambitious SEO strategy to increase global viewership and sponsorship opportunities. The league is actively targeting Google News visibility to capitalize on these high-profile signings.
Playoff Path Ahead: LAFC Faces Vancouver
LAFC’s convincing victory sets up an exciting second-round clash against the Vancouver Whitecaps, led by German legend Thomas Müller. The Whitecaps will present a formidable challenge, but with Son Heung-min in top form, LAFC will be confident in their ability to advance further in the playoffs. The match promises to be a captivating contest between two of the league’s most dynamic teams.
The impact of Son Heung-min’s performance extends beyond the scoreline. It’s a statement about his adaptability to a new league, his commitment to LAFC, and the exciting future of soccer in the United States. Keep checking archyde.com for the latest updates, analysis, and exclusive content as the MLS Cup Playoffs unfold.