LAFC departed Foxborough with something more than a typical road victory. Defeating New England Revolution 2-0 is normal on the scoreboard, but it wasn't. This was Son Heung-Min's first game as a Black and Gold starter, and he was involved in both scores. First start, first assist, and already acclimated.
Son's inaugural night as a starter
The first half meandered. Slow, tentative, not much for either team. A few long passes, a half-chance or two. Son tried one from distance, found Matt Turner rushing around, but no joy. Honestly, it was dull.
After intermission it changed. Timmy Tillman put pressure on, the ball got away, Son had the touch and Mark Delgado drove it home. Delgado gets the credit, sure, but if you look at the replay, Son's movement shifted defenders out of the way. Deceptive, but effective.
Revs approached it looking for the equalizer. That created space, and LAFC capitalized. Stoppage time, Son played through midfield with the ball, beat a challenge, pushed it out to Mathieu Choinière. One touch, goal. First MLS goal for the Canadian, first assist for Son. The type of play that appears easy when executed, but it's big league.
What the result means
With the victory, LAFC sit on 40 points and fifth in the Western Conference. They also hold two games in hand, which could come in handy later. A loud moment of admiration for Hugo Lloris too. Five saves last night, one of them being a last-gasp stop to shatter New England's hopes and dreams forever. Ninth clean sheet for him this season.
Revolution are 11th on 38 points, six adrift of the playoff spot and NYCFC, who are one better.
So three points short on the road, but most importantly, it was the night Son Heung-Min proved he's already at MLS pace.