Translation result
“This is unfair,” Son Heung-min says, triggering renewed calls to dismiss the coach
“This is unfair,” Son Heung-min says, triggering renewed calls to dismiss the coach
LAFC has slid into a troubling slump in the 2026 MLS season. The side that started the year atop the Western Conference with a 5–1–0 record in its first six league matches has gone 1–2–5 across its last eight, dropping out of the standings’ top tier.
It’s a startling fall for a team once labeled a title favorite. To make matters worse, LAFC has allowed nine goals in its last three matches, exposing defensive frailties that were almost unthinkable earlier in the season. The preseason optimism has evaporated, replaced by growing fan frustration.
Fans turn their ire on the coach
Fans turn their ire on the coach
All eyes have swung to head coach Mark Dos Santos. Under Steve Cherundolo, LAFC became an MLS powerhouse built on a tight defense and deadly counters. Dos Santos shifted the team toward a possession, position-play model — a system critics now say doesn’t fit this roster.
Critics point to lineup decisions — most noticeably moving Son Heung-min off the front line — as evidence the coach hasn’t optimized his roster. Fans have flooded LAFC’s official channels with demands like “Post an official firing notice now” and “Worst coach I’ve seen.” That roar of discontent hasn’t quieted heading into the Seattle match.
The irony: leading the league in assists while scoreless in MLS play
The irony: leading the league in assists while scoreless in MLS play
Son Heung-min’s numbers tell a mixed story. After a sensational MLS debut in 2025 — 12 goals in 13 matches — Son has gone 12 straight league games this season without scoring. Still, he leads MLS with nine assists, underlining his role as the team’s chief creator even without goals to show for it.
Most analysts say Dos Santos’ tactical rotations — which regularly push Son into deeper positions — have limited the star’s prime scoring opportunities. National team coach Hong Myung-bo also said, “I saw firsthand that Son is playing deeper at LAFC and therefore isn’t getting many chances.”
“This is unfair,” Son Heung-min said
“This is unfair,” Son Heung-min said
At a pregame press conference before the Seattle match, Son addressed the backlash head-on. He said “It feels unfair that all the criticism is aimed at the veterans and the coach. We also have responsibility,” stressing that responsibility should be shared across the squad. He added, “I’m not overly worried. Buangado is doing well, and I trust my ability. I think we’ll turn things around.” He sounded confident.
The home game against the Seattle Sounders on the 25th is effectively LAFC’s last realistic chance to stop the slide before the World Cup break. Fans are watching with skepticism, and all eyes will be on whether Son can back up his words on the pitch.
#SonHeungMin #LAFC #MLS #2026MLS #MarkDosSantos #SeattleSounders #SonHeungMinAssists #LAFCSlump #SonHeungMinLAFC
Most Commented