STWF Sports | Nov. 23, 2025 – Heung-min Son’s first season in Major League Soccer ended with agony rather than glory, as his two-goal masterclass wasn’t enough to save Los Angeles FC from playoff elimination. In a dramatic, pulsating Western Conference semifinal in Vancouver, Son delivered one of the finest postseason performances of the year — but LAFC ultimately fell 4–3 on penalties to the Whitecaps, led by veteran forward Thomas Müller.

Son Nearly Saves LAFC With a Sensational Brace

Trailing 2–0 with half an hour to play, LAFC looked destined for an early playoff exit. Vancouver were cruising, dictating tempo, and feeding off a raucous home crowd. But cometh the moment, cometh the superstar.

Son, who joined LAFC from Tottenham in August, sparked the comeback with a cool finish to pull one back. His movement, pace, and trademark composure ignited belief in a team that had struggled to break through a disciplined Vancouver back line.

Then came the magic.

Deep into stoppage time, Vancouver defender Tristan Blackmon was sent off for hauling down an LAFC attack on the edge of the area. The free-kick that followed couldn’t have been placed in more dangerous territory — and Son delivered a moment straight out of his Premier League highlight reel.

With the season hanging in the balance, the South Korean captain curled a perfect left-footed strike into the top corner, beating the fully stretched goalkeeper and sparking bedlam among the traveling supporters. LAFC forced extra time with the score tied 2–2, momentum on their side and a man advantage.

Whitecaps Survive; LAFC Fall in the Shootout

LAFC controlled most of extra time, pinning Vancouver back and piling on pressure, but Müller’s Whitecaps refused to break. The match marched to penalties, where Son stepped to the spot first.

His effort, however, cruelly rattled off the post — a gut-punch moment that swung momentum back toward the home side. LAFC never recovered, eventually falling 4–3 in the shootout.

Vancouver advance to face San Diego FC or Minnesota in the Western Conference Final, while LAFC are left to wonder what could have been.

Son ends his debut MLS season with an impressive 12 goals in 13 matches, but his final act of the campaign will sting.

Son: “We’ll Be Back Stronger Next Year”

After the match, Son was visibly emotional but resolute in his message.

“In the end, I’m here to win trophies for the club,” he said. “Today we are not successful. But next year, I will make sure we are successful.
Sometimes football is crazy like this — that’s why we love it.
Congratulations to Vancouver, and see you next season.”

For a player accustomed to Champions League nights and Premier League pressure, the heartbreak felt painfully familiar — but Son’s impact on MLS has already been undeniable.

End of an Era for Steve Cherundolo

The loss also marked the end of Steve Cherundolo’s highly successful four-year tenure as LAFC manager. The 46-year-old, who announced in April that this season would be his last, departs as one of the most accomplished managers in MLS history.

In his first year at the helm, Cherundolo became the only coach ever to win an MLS Cup and a Supporters’ Shield in the same season. He exits with:

• Most wins in a manager’s first 50 MLS games (29)

• Most points through 50 games (96)

• Best winning percentage in that span in league history

“It’s a tough one to accept,” Cherundolo said post-match. “I think we were the better team tonight… but that’s football. If you look at the full four years, we have a lot to be proud of.”

LAFC Move Into the Future

With Son established as a marquee star, a new coach arriving this winter, and a retooled roster expected in 2026, LAFC now enter a pivotal offseason.

For now, though, the story is heartbreak. Son delivered brilliance, drama, and a world-class performance — but LAFC’s playoff run ends with a cruel bounce off the post.