Son Heung-min, who had recently scored in four consecutive matches, was unable to find the back of the net in his Leagues Cup appearance, halting his scoring streak at five games. His team, LAFC, secured a victory in a penalty shootout against Mexico’s Chivas Guadalajara at home.
Son Heung-min’s Performance in Leagues Cup Opener
On June 6th, Son Heung-min started in the Leagues Cup League Phase, Group Stage, Match 1, a home fixture against Chivas Guadalajara. Despite his presence, he did not register any offensive points. He was substituted in the 41st minute of the second half for Tyler Boyd. During his 86 minutes on the field, Son recorded two shots, one of which was on target, and maintained an 88% pass success rate.
The North, Central America and Caribbean Football Confederation (CONCACAF) Leagues Cup is a tournament featuring 36 clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States and Mexico’s Liga MX. Established in 2019, this year marks the competition’s eighth season. It serves as a form of league exchange between the two major North American soccer leagues.
LAFC Secures Victory Despite Son’s Silence
Son Heung-min had been in strong scoring form in the regular league season, netting goals in four consecutive games and seemingly shaking off the disappointment of his performance in the North American World Cup qualifiers. However, against the prominent Mexican club Chivas, he was effectively marked and could not add to his goal tally. Despite his scoreless outing in this specific match, his streak of scoring in regular league games remains intact.
In the match itself, LAFC took the lead in the 42nd minute with a goal from Dénis Bouanga. However, Chivas equalized just four minutes later. As per the tournament rules for the League Phase, matches that end in a draw during regulation time proceed directly to a penalty shootout without extra time. LAFC emerged victorious in the shootout, winning 5-4 to claim their first win of the phase.
Leagues Cup Rules and Qualification Implications
The Leagues Cup has specific rules regarding points awarded in the League Phase. If a match is decided by a penalty shootout, the winning team is awarded 2 points, not the standard 3 points for a regular win. The losing team in a shootout still receives 1 point.
The ultimate prize for the Leagues Cup champion is direct qualification for the CONCACAF Champions Cup, the premier club competition in the region, specifically a spot in the final tournament. The semi-finalists and the third-place team also earn berths into the first round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, highlighting the tournament’s significance for continental qualification.
Looking Ahead for Son and LAFC
While Son Heung-min’s personal scoring streak was interrupted, his team’s ability to win in a high-pressure penalty shootout demonstrates their resilience. LAFC will look to build on this victory as they continue their Leagues Cup campaign. For Son, the focus will likely shift back to maintaining his impressive form in the MLS regular season, while also aiming to contribute more significantly in future CONCACAF competitions.
The Leagues Cup provides a unique platform for teams from MLS and Liga MX to compete against each other, fostering a greater sense of rivalry and offering valuable international experience. The tournament’s structure, with its emphasis on direct qualification for the CONCACAF Champions Cup, makes every match crucial for the participating clubs seeking continental glory.
