LAFC staged a dramatic late rally to salvage a 2-2 draw against San Diego FC in the 11th round of the 2026 MLS season. Played on May 3 (U.S. local time) at Snapdragon Stadium, the match showcased Son Heung-min’s clutch performance, as the South Korean star netted twice in the final 15 minutes to erase a two-goal deficit.
Pre-Match Tension and San Diego’s Early Dominance
San Diego FC coach Mark Dos Santos entered the game with strong words for LAFC’s strategy. Following their recent CONCACAF Champions Cup exertions, he criticized their heavy rotation, stating, “If you’re rotating like Barcelona and claiming Hugo Lloris is available, then speak properly. Use Lloris effectively. You must give more playing time to your main players.”
San Diego struck first in the 7th minute when Marcus Ingvartsen converted a corner kick, putting the hosts ahead 1-0. Despite LAFC’s efforts, they couldn’t equalize before halftime, trailing 0-1 at the break.
Second-Half Collapse and Son’s Heroics
The second half began with San Diego maintaining pressure. Even as LAFC introduced Marco Delgado and Martin Ness among others, San Diego extended their lead in the 15th minute and sealed a 2-0 advantage by the 26th minute with another clinical finish.
However, Son Heung-min shifted the momentum. In the 36th minute, he unleashed a precise half-volley from a corner kick, heading the ball confidently past the keeper after a pinpoint pass from Denis Bouanga into open space. The goal ignited LAFC’s comeback.
Momentum swung decisively. LAFC controlled possession, and in stoppage time, Ryan Hollingshead delivered a corner that Son met with a powerful header, leveling the score at 2-2 despite the goalkeeper’s despairing dive.
Son’s Impact and Season Form
Son Heung-min’s brace marked his fourth goal in 16 appearances this season, underlining his decisive role in high-stakes moments. The 32-year-old has proven indispensable for LAFC.
Post-Match Reactions
Dos Santos expressed frustration afterward: “Coming into the second half, I thought we controlled the game well, but every shot was blocked. We gave away two real chances due to poor direction from the players.”
He added, “The players who enter as key substitutes are the ones who make me most proud. They showed the right energy tonight, and that was a proper attitude. All key players brought full energy.” Yet, he lamented, “I don’t want to name names, but even those who came on later did that. Everyone brought full energy, but we lost because we couldn’t break through.”
Son Heung-min reflected, “The key was enjoying the game despite the sluggish first half. Every shot was blocked, but we kept going.”
