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LAFC forward Son Heung-min celebrates after scoring a goal in the first half of an MLS match against Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada, on August 1 (local time). / AP Yonhap News

Son Heung-min, who plays for LAFC in Major League Soccer (MLS), continued his goal-scoring streak for four consecutive matches.

Son started in the match against Vancouver Whitecaps held at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada, on August 1 (local time) and scored the opening goal in the 37th minute of the first half. This marks his 4th league goal of the season and his 4th consecutive match with a goal.

Son has scored in all four matches since returning to his club following the North & Central America World Cup. After struggling without a goal in the league since the MLS opening in February, he has fully recovered his scoring touch following the World Cup. Although not counted as an official goal, he also won Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the MLS All-Star Game on July 29 after scoring multiple goals.

In this match as well, Son demonstrated his decisive prowess with sharp movement. Without catching the pass sent into the penalty box by his partner Denis Bouanga, he turned and unleashed a right-footed turning shot into the bottom right corner of the net. Catching both the defense and goalkeeper off guard with his movement, he converted the team's first shot into a goal. In recent scoring opportunities, Son appears to have regained his knack for goal-scoring by taking exquisite shots to evade defenders. His first goal against LA Galaxy was effective because he delayed his timing before striking with his right foot, similar to today's goal. His second goal came after stepping over to create distance from defender before shooting with his left foot outside the box, and for his third goal, he tricked the goalkeeper with a quick shot following a short touch.

However, LAFC failed to hold on to Son's opening goal and drew 1-1 with Vancouver. After host team Vancouver continuously pounded LAFC's goal with 19 shots, former German national team striker Thomas Müller scored an equalizer via penalty kick. With 10 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses (34 points, +16 goal difference), LAFC maintained second place in the Western Conference behind leader Vancouver (10 wins, 4 draws, 3 losses, 34 points, +21 goal difference).

Son will challenge for a goal in five consecutive official matches in the Leagues Cup group stage match against Guadalajara on August 5. Son has recorded six goals in official matches this season, including CONCACAF Champions Cup fixtures. The Leagues Cup is a North American club tournament featuring MLS and Mexican Liga MX teams, with the top three teams earning berths in the following season's CONCACAF Champions Cup.

                                                                                                         Lee Jang-won