Son Heung-min Eyes Second Straight Champions Cup Goal as LAFC Faces Cruz Azul

LAFC's star attacker, Son Heung-min, is poised to lead the charge as the team aims to secure a spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals. Following a commanding 3-0 victory in the first leg against Mexican side Cruz Azul, LAFC holds a significant advantage heading into the second leg on April 15th. While a two-goal cushion would typically provide comfort, the team must remain vigilant, especially playing at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc, known as a "graveyard for visiting teams" due to its high altitude.

The team's recent stumble, a 1-2 loss to Portland on April 12th, marked their first defeat of the 2026 MLS season and snapped an 11-game unbeaten streak across all competitions. This loss, which saw key players including Son and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris rested, has raised concerns about squad depth and tactical decisions. Manager Mark Dos Santos's decision to rotate the squad, while perhaps intended to prepare for the demanding away fixture, backfired, leaving LAFC in a precarious 14th position in the Western Conference.

However, all eyes are on Son Heung-min to reignite the team's winning momentum. After a slow start to the season, marked by a scoring drought that extended over 11 games despite consistent assists, Son finally broke his duck with a crucial field goal in the first leg against Cruz Azul. This goal not only ended his personal slump but also injected vital confidence into both the player and the team. With his scoring touch seemingly back and his physical condition bolstered by the previous rest, Son is expected to be the focal point of LAFC's attack in the second leg, aiming for a second consecutive goal in the Champions Cup.