CHARLOTTE — Son Heung-Min recognized that he was surrounded by some of the best players in Major League Soccer on Wednesday night.
He still managed to stand out.
The Los Angeles FC forward scored back-to-back goals in the first half as the MLS All-Stars defeated the Liga MX All-Stars 4-3.
“With the amazing players, great players around me, I think it makes the job really easy,” Son said. “I did really enjoy it. To score two goals (makes) the night special.”
Son, who was in his first All-Star Game, posted his goals in the 20th and 23rd minutes. He was selected the match’s Most Valuable Player.
“A great game, an MVP always makes it special,” he said. “Thank you to the fans for making this an amazing atmosphere.”
Philip Zinckernagel and Evander also scored for the MLS team, which was coached by Charlotte FC’s Dean Smith. Carles Gil notched two assists.
Luis Gabriel Rey, Salomon Rondon and Jose Paradela scored for the Liga MX All-Stars, who represented Mexico’s top professional league. Paradela’s goal came in second-half stoppage time, leaving some suspense.
Maxime Crepeau of Orlando City made six saves for the MLS All-Stars — the highest total recorded by any of the match’s five goalkeepers.
The MLS side has won four of five All-Star matchups against Liga MX since 2021.
While the showcase involved standouts from both leagues, the match was devoid of some star power as several players backed out in the aftermath of the World Cup that ended earlier this month.
Son said a couple of days around the other All-Stars was rewarding even prior to his performance in the showcase. He didn’t want to single out any of his temporary teammates for fear of overlooking someone.
“I did enjoy (my time) with everybody,” Son said. “I’m glad I (met) the greatest players.”
Son had already gained admiration from teammates, and his performance added to that.
“We all know how good he is,” Nashville FC’s Hany Mukhtar said. “We see it in training. I’m not surprised at what he did.”
Rey scored in the ninth minute off Juan Brunetta’s assist on a perfect delivery on a free kick from outside the box. Gabriel headed in the ball off one bounce.
Son’s second goal came after Gil chased down the ball before it went over the end line, then dealt a pass back to Son, who struck the ball in stride.
Zinckernagel of the Chicago Fire tallied in the 42nd minute. Houston Dynamo’s Guilherme was the playmaker in the build-up, with his shot deflecting off Liga MX defender Jesus Garza to Zinckernagel, who ripped a first-touch shot into the net.
Zinckernagel was added to the All-Star roster on Saturday as a replacement player.
Rondon closed the gap to 3-2 in the 55th minute on a nifty sequence that might have been the highlight goal of the night as Nathan Silva back-tapped a cross right to Rondon, who was wide open at the edge of the 6-yard box.
The tally by Evander, an FC Cincinnati player, in the 58th minute restored the two-goal advantage. His right-footed shot from just inside the penalty area split a pair of Liga MX players and sailed into the right side of the goal.
The event was held at Bank of America Stadium, home of Charlotte FC and the NFL’s Carolina Panthers.
–Bob Sutton, Field Level Media
