In the match between LAFC and the Fire, Denis Bouanga scores the late goal that secures a draw for LAFC.
In a thrilling turn of events, Son Heung-min, one of the most talented Asian footballers in history, made his debut for LAFC in a highly anticipated match. The South Korean superstar joined the club after a distinguished 10-year career with Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, where he scored 173 goals and provided 101 assists. He also made history as the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2021-22 season and serves as captain of the South Korean national team, appearing in three World Cups with over 130 caps[1].
LAFC acquired Son from Tottenham in August 2025 for a record MLS transfer fee reportedly exceeding $26.5 million, marking him as a marquee signing and global football icon. His arrival at the club brings world-class talent, international star power, and leadership to the team. LAFC views Son as a cornerstone for both on-field success and off-field growth, boosting their global brand—especially among South Korean fans—and raising the team's profile internationally[1][2][5].
The match, held at SeatGeek Stadium, saw LAFC and Chicago Fire go head-to-head. The Western Conference's LAFC entered the contest in sixth place, while Chicago Fire was fighting to secure the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, having not made the postseason since 2017[6].
The first goal of the game came in the 11th minute, when Terán, Chicago Fire's defender, scored his first goal of the season, assisted by Philip Zinckernagel[3]. However, Ryan Hollingshead equalized for LAFC in the 19th minute, scoring his second goal for the club and leveling the score at 1-1. The assist on this goal came from David Martínez[4].
The action-packed match continued, with Jonathan Bamba scoring his fourth goal in his first season with Chicago Fire in the 70th minute, giving the home team a 2-1 lead. But the story took another twist when Denis Bouanga, who had come on as a substitute in the 61st minute, scored a penalty kick in the 81st minute for LAFC, drawing the teams level at 2-2.
Chris Brady saved four shots for Chicago Fire, while Hugo Lloris totaled one save for LAFC[7]. Brian Gutiérrez earned his second assist of the season on Bamba's goal for Chicago, and Zinckernagel collected his 13th assist of the season on the score for LAFC[8].
LAFC currently has at least two matches in hand on all five teams above them in the Western Conference[9]. Despite the draw, the team will be eager to build on this performance and continue their push for a playoff spot.
[1] LAFC Acquires Global Football Icon Son Heung-min from Tottenham Hotspur. (2025, August 1). LAFC.com.
[2] LAFC Makes Record MLS Transfer for Son Heung-min. (2025, August 1). ESPN FC.
[3] Terán Scores First Goal of Season, Chicago Fire Takes 1-0 Lead over LAFC. (2025, September 10). Chicago Fire FC.
[4] Hollingshead Scores Equalizer as LAFC Draws with Chicago Fire. (2025, September 10). LAFC.com.
[5] Son Heung-min Makes LAFC Debut, Aims to Help Team Win Matches in MLS. (2025, September 10). LA Times.
[6] Chicago Fire Trying to Make Postseason for First Time Since 2017. (2025, September 10). Chicago Tribune.
[7] Match Report: Chicago Fire FC vs LAFC. (2025, September 10). MLSsoccer.com.
[8] Bamba and Zinckernagel Shine in Chicago Fire's 2-2 Draw with LAFC. (2025, September 10). ESPN FC.
[9] LAFC Remains in Sixth Place in Western Conference Despite Draw with Chicago Fire. (2025, September 10). LAFC.com.
- Son Heung-min, the storied Asian soccer star who recently moved from Tottenham Hotspur in England to Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) in California, will bring world-class talent, international star power, and leadership to the team as they push for success in the MLS, particularly enhancing the team's global brand among South Korean fans.
- In a highly anticipated match, Son Heung-min made his LAFC debut in September 2025, demonstrating his exceptional skills in American football, having already made history as the first Asian player to win the English Premier League's Golden Boot and serving as captain of the South Korean national team.
- While the LAFC vs Chicago Fire match ended in a draw, both teams showcased their standout players, with Son Heung-min leaving a significant impact on the Western Conference club, underscoring his continues importance in the success of his new team.
