South Korean star scores five goals in six MLS matches, earns Player of the Matchday honors

[OSEN=Reporter No Jin-ju] There is surprise in the UK regarding Son Heung-min, 33 years old, LAFC, who continues to fulfill the role of a 'goal-scorer'.

The British BBC expressed admiration on the 20th (Korean time), stating, "Son Heung-min recorded his first hat-trick in Major League Soccer (MLS), leading LAFC to a 4-1 away victory over Real Salt Lake. He scored two goals within the first 16 minutes of the first half. Son Heung-min, who left Tottenham last month, has already scored 5 goals in 6 matches played in the US."

Son Heung-min started in the MLS away match against Real Salt Lake, held in Salt Lake City, Utah, on the 18th, and scored his first hat-trick since joining MLS.

He scored the opening goal just two minutes into the match by penetrating the space behind the opponent's defense. In the 16th minute of the first half, he added his second goal with a right-footed shot from outside the box. In the 36th minute of the second half, he completed his hat-trick by tapping in a pass from Denny Bouanga. He was substituted out in the 41st minute of the second half amid a standing ovation from the spectators.

LAFC conceded one goal in the 31st minute of the second half via an overhead kick by Gojo, but secured a 4-1 victory with Bouanga's clinching goal in the 43rd minute of the second half.

The locker room was filled with a festive atmosphere after the match. LAFC head coach Steven Cherundolo presented Son Heung-min with the match ball to commemorate his hat-trick. He praised, "Son Heung-min recorded the team's first hat-trick."

Son Heung-min expressed his joy with a ceremony of kissing the ball. Bouanga smiled beside him and shared in the celebration.

Son Heung-min shared his thoughts, saying, "Thank you for the congratulations. This is my first hat-trick in MLS, but I have done it before in the Premier League (laughs). I am glad to have contributed to the team. The defense played well, which made it even brighter."

During his time at Tottenham, Son Heung-min has a record of scoring four hat-tricks in the Premier League. He achieved his first hat-trick in September 2020 against Southampton, scoring four goals. He then scored hat-tricks in matches against Aston Villa and Leicester City in 2022, and against Burnley in 2023.

Due to his performance in the Salt Lake match, Son Heung-min was named to the MLS Office's 'Player of the Matchday' for the week. He claimed the Round MVP for the first time in his sixth MLS match. This award is given to one player per round based on a combined vote from the North and Central American Football Journalists Association and fan voting.

Following his goal in 52 seconds in the previous match against San Jose Earthquakes, Son Heung-min is now on a two-game scoring streak in the league. Including the September A-match, he has scored in four consecutive official matches. Having adapted to MLS, he is now showcasing his peak form.

News of his performance continues to draw attention in the UK. The BBC has not hidden its surprise at how Son Heung-min established himself as a 'goal machine' in MLS just one month after his transfer.

Son Heung-min scores first MLS hat-trick, surprises BBC