ST. LOUIS — Son Heung-min delivered a two-goal performance for LAFC in their win over the St. Louis CITY SC, 3-0.
In this game, Heung-min was dynamic in creating offense for LAFC. The threat of Heung-min’s scoring not only generated shots for himself but also the entire team.
LAFC as a whole had 21 shot attempts and seven shots on goal. This heavily outnumbered St. Louis, who had eight attempts and only two shots on goal. The explosiveness from Heung-min is what propelled LAFC to continue to attack in opposing territory.
Numerous opportunities in scoring territory allowed Heung-min to secure two goals. This was not only his second multi-goal performance, but it was his eighth goal in eight matches for LAFC.
Heung-min has made this offense even more of a nightmare compared to what they once were.
Previously, a one-man show
Before Heung-min was transferred from the Premier League, LAFC relied solely on Denis Bouanga to generate all their offense. LAFC would play a faster pace and a greater attacking style of soccer.
The gameplan was for LAFC to create as many opportunities as possible for Bouanga to rack up goals. Boaunga lived up to the responsibilities as he was one of the top goalscorers in the entire MLS.
As flashy as this style of play was, there was a major flaw with this gameplan. It would make LAFC one-dimensional.
Bouanga is a phenomenal player but relying on him for the majority of the offense was a heavy load. When their star player was tired, the rest of the team was flat and lethargic on offense.
However, the transfer of Heung-min has uplifted LAFC from their predictable playstyle.
Best duo in the league
Now that LAFC possess Heung-min on their roster, they have another threat teams have to worry about.
From the eight games that Heung-min has appeared in for LAFC, he’s nearly matched Bouanga in production. Bouanga has recorded 10 goals in these games, which is only two more goals than Heung-min.
To be neck-in-neck with one of the best players in the MLS proves that Heung-min is more than just extra help. He makes up the best star duo in the entire league.
A two-man show gives LAFC the star power to be a problem for any team’s defense. The capabilities on offense uplifts LAFC from more than just a playoff team.
This elite duo could actually be enough for LAFC to lift the MLS Cup.
MLS Cup Contenders
The rest of the team follows the two-star players in their playstyle. As we saw in this game against St. Louis when this duo is attacked, the rest of the team attacks along with them.
A fast-paced, high-attacking offense with two top-notch players means that the entire team has to put defenses on their heels. Every team has to bring their A-game to beat LAFC, or they will get embarrassed like St. Louis did.
This game against St. Louis CITY is further proof that Heung-min can make LAFC nearly invincible. The addition of Heung-min might be the final piece that LAFC needed to win the MLS Cup.
