손흥민 90분 침묵→승부차기 ‘한 방’ 적중! LAFC 5-3 극적 승
Son Heung-min Helps LAFC Win Penalty Shootout in Leagues Cup Thriller
What Happened? (The Super Simple Version)
Imagine a soccer game where both teams score one goal each, so they have to do a penalty shootout to decide the winner. That’s exactly what happened! LAFC (Son Heung-min’s team) played against Querétaro from Mexico. After 90 minutes of running and kicking, the score was 1-1. Then came the nail-biting penalty kicks — and LAFC won 5-3!
Big News: Son Heung-min played the entire game AND scored his penalty kick like a boss!
What Is the Leagues Cup?
Think of it like a super tournament where teams from two countries compete:
- 18 teams from MLS (Major League Soccer — USA/Canada)
- 18 teams from Liga MX (Mexico’s top league)
- They all play against each other to see who’s the best in North America!
LAFC was in Round 1 and had already played two other Mexican teams (Chivas Guadalajara and Toluca). This was their third and final group game against Querétaro.
How the Game Went Down (Play-by-Play)
First Half: Querétaro Strikes First
| Time | What Happened |
|---|---|
| 7′ | Son sets up Bouanga → shot blocked! |
| 7′ | Son passes to Chanot → shot attempt! |
| 12′ | Querétaro scores! Avila heads it in. LAFC down 0-1. |
| 24′ | Son takes corner → Portillo shoots → misses! |
| 42′ | Son → Chanot → SAVE by goalkeeper! |
| Halftime | LAFC 0 – 1 Querétaro |
ELI5 Moment: Son was like the team’s quarterback — passing, creating chances, but the ball just wouldn’t go in!
Second Half: LAFC Fights Back
| Time | What Happened |
|---|---|
| 46′ | Coach makes two subs (Tilman & Martinez) — fresh legs! |
| 57′ | GOAL! Lapsos crosses → Bouanga finishes! 1-1! |
| 59′ | Son → Bouanga → SAVE! |
| 72′ | Son gets pass from Martinez → SHOOTS → SAVE! |
| 77′ | Son gets pass from Tilman → SHOOTS → misses wide! |
| 79′ | Bouanga crosses → Tafari heads it → misses! |
| 90′ | Final whistle: 1-1 → PENALTIES! |
The Penalty Shootout: Step by Step
Penalty shootouts are like sudden death — each team takes turns kicking from the penalty spot (12 yards out). Best of 5 kicks wins!
| Kick # | LAFC Kicker | Result | Querétaro Kicker | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bouanga | SCORED (bottom left) | Avila | Scored |
| 2 | Son Heung-min | SCORED (bottom right) | Homenchenko | Scored |
| 3 | Ceyberko | Scored | Reyes | Scored |
| 4 | Hollingshead | Scored (down middle) | Para | HIT CROSSBAR! |
| 5 | Portillo | SCORED — GAME OVER! | — | — |
Final Shootout Score: LAFC 5 – 3 Querétaro
Why Son Heung-min Was Important (Even Without a Goal)
[!IMPORTANT]
Son didn’t score or assist during the 90 minutes, but here’s why he mattered:
- Played ALL 90 minutes at age 34 — incredible stamina!
- Created MULTIPLE chances for teammates (Bouanga, Chanot, etc.)
- Took 3 shots himself — forced great saves from their goalkeeper
- Stepped up for Penalty #2 and buried it with ice in his veins
- Leadership — stayed calm, kept pushing, helped team win
Think of him as the glue holding the attack together!
Quick Stats Summary
| Stat | Son Heung-min | LAFC Team |
|---|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 90 | 90 |
| Goals | 0 | 1 (Bouanga) |
| Assists | 0 | 0 |
| Shots | 3 | ~12 |
| Key Passes | 4+ | — |
| Penalty Taken | Scored | 5/5 |
ELI5: Key Terms You Should Know
| Term | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|
| MLS | Top soccer league in USA/Canada |
| Liga MX | Top soccer league in Mexico |
| Leagues Cup | Tournament where MLS vs Liga MX teams play |
| Penalty Shootout | Tiebreaker: 5 kicks each from 12 yards out |
| Striker | Player whose main job is to score goals |
| Assist | The pass right before a goal |
| Clean Sheet | When a team doesn’t let in any goals (didn’t happen here!) |
Summary
LAFC beat Querétaro 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the 2026 Leagues Cup. Son Heung-min started as striker, played the full match, created several chances, took three shots, and cooly converted LAFC’s second penalty. Bouanga scored the equalizer, and Portillo slammed home the winning kick. LAFC advances with a huge confidence boost!
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. Did Son Heung-min score a goal during regular time?
Nope! He had three good shots but the Querétaro goalkeeper (Alisson) made great saves, and one shot went just wide. But he DID score in the penalty shootout!
2. What happens if the shootout is still tied after 5 kicks?
They go to sudden death — one kick each, first team to miss while the other scores loses. But LAFC finished it in 5!
3. Is this Son’s first season with LAFC?
The article says he’s 34 and playing for LAFC in 2026, so yes — this appears to be his MLS debut season after leaving Tottenham Hotspur.
4. Why does the Leagues Cup matter?
It’s a real trophy! Winners get a spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup (the biggest club tournament in North America/Central America/Caribbean). Plus — bragging rights between MLS and Liga MX!
5. When is LAFC’s next game?
The article doesn’t say exactly, but since they finished Round 1, they’ll either advance to the knockout stage or be done depending on other group results. Stay tuned!
Final Thought: Son Heung-min showed why he’s a world-class player — not just for goals, but for heart, hustle, and clutch moments. LAFC fans, you’ve got a good one!