South Korea national team captain **Son Heung-min** scored his **first MLS regular-season goal** for LAFC, leading his club to a decisive **3-0 victory** over rival LA Galaxy in the "LA Derby." The goal, a low right-footed shot in the 62nd minute, broke a league scoring drought that had persisted since the start of the 2026 season, despite Son recording nine assists prior to the match [1][5][11].
Son, who started the match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, received a one-touch pass from **Mark Delgado** and fired a precise shot to secure the "wedge goal" that put his team ahead 2-0 before the final scoreline was set [1]. This marked his first goal in a league match since joining LAFC, though he had previously scored twice in the CONCACAF Champions Cup earlier in the year [1][6]. The win was particularly significant as it came in his first game back with the club after returning from the **2026 North American World Cup**, where South Korea suffered a disappointing elimination in the group stage [1][5].
The goal served as a symbolic **rebound** for Son, who had struggled to find his scoring touch in the league despite strong assist numbers and Champions Cup success [1][5]. By converting his first league opportunity since the World Cup, Son demonstrated his renewed presence on the club stage, effectively turning the page on his team's international tournament disappointment [1]. LAFC's dominant performance, fueled by Son's breakthrough, solidified their standing in the MLS regular season as they defeated their most prominent local rival [1][11].
