All eyes were on BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on May 25, 2026, as LA FC hosted the Seattle Sounders in a highly anticipated Major League Soccer clash that doubled as a showcase of Korean talent. The much-hyped 'Korean Derby' featured LA FC's star forward Son Heung-min and Seattle's seasoned defender Kim Ki-hee, both donning their national pride in a match that carried extra significance before the international break for the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup.
Heading into this 15th round MLS fixture, LA FC found themselves in a precarious position. The team had stumbled through a five-match winless streak, including four consecutive losses, and had dropped to seventh place in the Western Conference with 21 points. Seattle, meanwhile, sat fourth with 24 points, eyeing a chance to widen the gap and assert dominance over their West Coast rivals.
For Son Heung-min, the stakes were personal as well as professional. The match marked his last club appearance before joining the South Korean national team’s pre-camp in Salt Lake City, Utah, as preparations ramped up for the World Cup. Despite having contributed nine assists in the league so far, Son had yet to find the back of the net in MLS play this season. The pressure was mounting: could he break his 12-match goalless streak and head to national duty on a high?
LA FC lined up in a familiar 4-3-3, with Son spearheading the attack alongside Deni Bouanga and David Martinez. The midfield trio of Timothy Tillman, Mathieu Choiniere, and Marco Delgado provided the engine room, while Eddie Segura, Aaron Long, Ryan Fortier, and Ryan Hollingshead anchored the defense in front of goalkeeper Thomas Hasal. On the opposing side, Seattle deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Jordan Morris leading the line and Kim Ki-hee returning to the starting eleven for the first time since October 2025 after a calf injury.
The opening half was a tactical chess match with both teams probing for weaknesses. LA FC, desperate to snap their losing streak, pressed high and dominated possession, while Seattle’s vaunted defense—having conceded only ten goals all season—looked to absorb pressure and strike on the counter. Son Heung-min was at the heart of LA’s attacking efforts, registering five shots in the first 45 minutes. He came agonizingly close in the 43rd minute, unleashing a right-footed drive that skimmed just wide of the post. Earlier, a contentious moment arrived in the 25th minute when Martinez’s shot struck Seattle defender Kalani Riene’s arm, but after a heated appeal, the referee ruled it accidental and awarded only a corner.
Seattle nearly snatched the lead in the 30th minute when Jordan Morris broke free for a one-on-one with Hasal, but the LA FC goalkeeper stood tall to keep the score level. The first half ended 0-0, with both sides feeling the tension but unable to find a breakthrough.
The narrative around LA FC’s recent struggles has been dominated by criticism of head coach Mark Dos Santos. Fans and pundits alike have questioned his tactical approach, particularly his use of key players like Son and Bouanga. The frustration boiled over on social media, with calls for change echoing throughout the LAFC fanbase. Bouanga himself stoked the flames, hinting at tactical disagreements in a post-match press conference after the previous loss.
Yet Son Heung-min, ever the captain and leader, came to his coach’s defense in the pre-match press conference. “Last year was a bit special and an amazing season, and I admit that. Almost every time we scored, Bouanga and I were involved. But this year is different. The way we play is different, and there was a bit of misunderstanding with what Bouanga said. We are still building. I have a good relationship with Coach Dos Santos. We always talk to find the best way for the team and for me. It’s a bit unfair to put all the criticism on the coach. The players are responsible, too,” Son stated, as reported by Footballist.
While the spotlight was firmly on Son, Kim Ki-hee’s return for Seattle added another layer of intrigue. The veteran defender, formerly with Ulsan HD and in his second stint at Seattle, was tasked with keeping his compatriot at bay. Kim’s presence was felt throughout the match, using his experience to marshal Seattle’s backline and disrupt LA FC’s attacking rhythm.
Beyond the pitch, the match was broadcast globally on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass and, for Korean fans, via Coupang Play and SPOTV Prime, allowing supporters around the world to witness the drama unfold in real time. The stadium atmosphere was electric, with both sets of fans acutely aware of what was at stake—not just league points, but pride and momentum heading into the international break.
The broader context for LA FC’s struggles cannot be ignored. Their recent slide was attributed in part to a grueling schedule, including a taxing away trip to Toluca, Mexico, and a string of losses against Houston Dynamo, St. Louis City, and Nashville SC. The team’s form had seen them tumble from the upper reaches of the table, with the risk of falling as low as ninth depending on other results this round.
Despite the adversity, LA FC’s historical record against Seattle at BMO Stadium offered a glimmer of hope. In 25 previous meetings, LA FC had come out on top 14 times, with Seattle only managing two wins in Los Angeles—a stat that buoyed the home crowd’s spirits. Last season’s emphatic 4-0 win for LA FC over Seattle was still fresh in the memory, adding to the sense of anticipation.
Meanwhile, the South Korean national team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, had already begun their pre-camp in Salt Lake City on May 19, adjusting to the high altitude ahead of the World Cup. Son was set to join his international teammates immediately after the match, with fellow European-based stars Yang Hyun-joon and Hwang Hee-chan also arriving to bolster the squad. The camp included 12 players from the K-League and EFL Championship, all working to sharpen their fitness and team chemistry ahead of the world’s biggest stage.
As the second half kicked off, the match remained delicately poised, with both teams searching for that elusive goal. The outcome was still hanging in the balance as of press time, with fans on the edge of their seats and both Son and Kim vying to leave their mark on this unique Korean Derby.
As the final whistle approached, the sense of anticipation only grew. Would Son Heung-min finally break his scoring drought and give LA FC the boost they so desperately needed before departing for World Cup duty? Or would Seattle’s resilience and Kim Ki-hee’s defensive prowess prevail?
Whatever the result, the night at BMO Stadium underscored the global reach of MLS and the growing influence of Korean footballers on the world stage. With the World Cup looming, both Son and Kim now turn their attention to national pride, but their stateside showdown is sure to be remembered as a highlight of the 2026 MLS season.