Los Angeles, CA — Son Heung-min's spectacular free-kick debut goal for Los Angeles FC has been crowned the Major League Soccer (MLS) Goal of the Year, the league announced on Monday. The stunning strike not only secured the award but also etched the South Korean superstar's name into MLS history as the first Asian player and the first LAFC player to receive the honor since its inception in 1996.
The MLS office confirmed the news via their official website, stating that Son’s debut goal will "forever remain in the history books" and praised the "astonishing free-kick against Dallas."
A Masterpiece of Precision
The award-winning goal came on August 24 in a match against FC Dallas, just his third appearance for LAFC since his high-profile transfer from Tottenham Hotspur. Stepping up for a free kick approximately 22 meters from the goal, Son unleashed a curling right-footed shot that soared over the wall and nestled perfectly into the top left corner, out of the goalkeeper's reach.
The goal's improbability was highlighted by the football statistics site FootMob, which assigned the free kick an Expected Goals (xG) value of just 0.07, suggesting a mere 7-in-100 chance of success. Local commentators at the time lauded the strike, with some calling it a "missile" and an "art piece that should be displayed at the Louvre."
Fan Vote Dominance
The Goal of the Year is determined by fan voting, and Son's victory was overwhelming. He secured a commanding 43.5% of the total votes, easily surpassing Inter Miami's Lionel Messi, who finished second with 22.5%. This decisive win cemented Son's immediate impact on the league, quickly establishing him as a prominent figure in North American soccer.
Instant Impact and Playoff Focus
Since joining LAFC, Son has made an explosive start, contributing significantly to the team's success. In just 10 regular-season matches, the veteran forward registered nine goals and three assists, forming a devastating partnership with teammate Denis Bouanga.
Attention now shifts to the MLS Cup Playoffs. Western Conference third-seed LAFC is set to begin their playoff campaign on Wednesday, facing sixth-seed Austin FC in the first match of the first round. Son will undoubtedly be a key figure as LAFC pursues another MLS Cup title.
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