Three minutes were enough for Son Heung-min to seize the spotlight in the MLS (Major League Soccer) “Stage of the Stars.”
Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) netted two goals in a span of three minutes during the MLS vs. Liga MX (Mexican top-tier league) All-Star game held at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, on July 30, helping his side secure a 4-3 win.
Son Heung-min, who donned the captain’s armband for the MLS All-Star squad, played as a forward. This was the first time a South Korean athlete had participated in the MLS All-Star match in 23 years, since former national team manager Hong Myung-bo, who was with LA Galaxy in 2003.
Son Heung-min, who had netted in three straight league matches, demonstrated his excellent goal-scoring ability in the All-Star game. Down 0-1 in the 20th minute of the first half, he moved into the left side of the penalty area using his well-known sense of space and equalized with a low shot that went past the goalkeeper.
It wasn’t the conclusion. Three minutes later, he delivered a cross from the side with a right-footed volley, scoring his second goal. Son celebrated with his usual “click” motion, enjoying the change in momentum. Following his team taking a 2-1 advantage, he was replaced in the 35th minute. The game concluded with the MLS All-Stars emerging victorious 4-3 as both sides scored two additional goals.
Son Heung-min was awarded the Match MVP. During a post-game interview, he remarked, “It was really enjoyable. I didn’t contribute much; it was all due to my teammates.” Speaking about his first All-Star event, he added, “It was a lot of fun. Although we weren’t very familiar with each other, everyone was very friendly. Spending three days together was a wonderful experience.”
Carles Hill (34, New England Revolution), who provided assists for both of Son’s goals, remarked, “When you play with players of this level, even practice isn’t necessary. It was a pleasure to play with the modest and outstanding Son Heung-min.”
The expected combination of Son Heung-min and German football icon Thomas Müller (37 years old, Vancouver Whitecaps) did not happen. Müller, who stayed on the bench, came onto the field in the 18th minute of the second half but didn’t manage to contribute offensively.
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