Son Heung-min made his LAFC home debut at BMO Stadium, striking a right-footed shot that hit the post and finishing in a 2-1 loss to FC San Diego. The match generated intense interest, with replica jerseys, South Korean flags in the supporters section, and secondary-market tickets over $150. Major League Soccer can stage major, attention-grabbing events similar to past marquee arrivals. The key challenge is turning that single-event excitement into regular viewership and attendance. LAFC's current deployment of Son and club presentation strategies need adjustment to attract casual soccer fans week after week.
From a step inside of the penalty arc, Son Heung-min unleashed a furious right-footed shot that curled around the hands of the diving goalkeeper. The shot crashed into the post. No goal. And that was more or less it. Son didn't have any other real chances to score in LAFC's 2-1 defeat to FC San Diego.
Son's first game at BMO Stadium was a major event, just like David Beckham's and Zlatan Ibrahimovic's debuts with the Galaxy, just like Lionel Messi's initial months with Inter Miami. Whatever its shortcomings, Major League Soccer can stage major events, and Son and LAFC delivered the latest on Sunday night.
Translating such a landmark moment into sustained viewership, however, is something the MLS is still figuring out. How Son played - or, more precisely, how LAFC deployed him - won't advance the cause.
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