Son Heung-min Returns to LAFC Starting Lineup for Portland Timbers Clash

Son Heung-min is set to make his return to the starting lineup for Major League Soccer's Los Angeles FC (LAFC) as they face the Portland Timbers. The match is scheduled for 11:30 AM Korean time on July 23rd at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. LAFC currently holds third place in the Western Conference with 34 points (10 wins, 4 draws, 7 losses), while Portland sits in ninth place with 27 points (8 wins, 3 draws, 9 losses).

According to the club's website, Son will spearhead the attack as the central striker in a 4-3-3 formation. This marks his return to the starting XI after beginning the previous match against the Colorado Rapids on the bench, a rare occurrence in his last 14 games. After the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Son had initially shown strong form, scoring in four consecutive league matches. However, his scoring streak was interrupted during the 2026 Leagues Cup, where LAFC was eliminated early after failing to score in three matches against Mexican clubs.

Son's scoring drought has extended to five games across all competitions, including recent league matches against San Diego FC and Colorado. He now faces the opportunity to break this streak against a struggling Portland side. The forward is determined to find the back of the net for the first time in six games and help his team secure a victory.

Supporting Son in the attacking trio will be Denis Bouanga and Timothy Tillman on the wings. The midfield will be anchored by Mateusz Bogusz, Ilie Sánchez, and Eduard Atuesta. The defense will consist of Sergi Palacios, Jesús Murillo, Giorgio Chiellini, and Diego Palacios, with Maxime Crépeau guarding the goal. (Note: The provided Korean text lists different players for midfield and defense than what might be expected for a typical LAFC lineup. The translation reflects the names as they appear in the source.)