Son Heung-min takes MLS assists lead as LAFC beats Austin FC 3-1

Son Heung-min scored once and supplied two assists as LAFC beat Austin FC 3-1 in a Major League Soccer match in Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 14. The assists took Son to 15 for the season, putting him alone at the top of the league standings, while the victory ended LAFC’s four-match winless run.

Son moved ahead of a five-player tie for the assists lead that included Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, according to Yonhap News Agency. His two assists came in a second half in which LAFC went ahead, conceded an equalizer and regained the lead almost immediately.

How LAFC beat Austin FC

Son set up Denis Bouanga for the opening goal seven minutes after halftime. Austin equalized in the 66th minute when Brandon Vázquez scored from a Myrto Uzuni assist. It was Vázquez’s second goal of the season, according to the Associated Press.

Bouanga restored LAFC’s lead the following minute, with Son credited for the assist. Yonhap reported that an Austin goalkeeper’s clearance struck Son and rebounded to Bouanga, who scored. Son then finished a Jacob Shaffelburg cross in the 72nd minute to make it 3-1.

What the win means for LAFC

The result was LAFC’s first win under interim head coach Xavi Tamarit, who took over from Marc Dos Santos on October 1. It was also the club’s first match with more than two goals since a 4-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City on July 25, according to Yonhap.

LAFC’s overall record improved to 12 wins, nine losses and nine draws, including nine wins, three losses and three draws at home. Austin fell to seven wins, 11 losses and 11 draws overall, and three wins, eight losses and four draws away, according to AP.

AP reported that LAFC’s next match was scheduled for Saturday, October 17, away to New York City FC. Austin was scheduled to host Vancouver Whitecaps that day.