Son Heung-min feels Los Angeles FC can take plenty of confidence from their derby win over the LA Galaxy, as they aim for a strong second half of the season.

LAFC resumed their MLS campaign last week, after a break for the World Cup.

They got back on track in style, beating their rivals 3-0.

Son was on target after goals from Mark Delgado and Denis Bouanga at Dignity Health Sports Park, as LAFC claimed a second straight MLS win, following a victory over the Seattle Sounders prior to the World Cup hiatus.

That was Son's first MLS goal of 2026, with the forward having also failed to find the net for South Korea at the World Cup.

LAFC sit third in the Western Conference, but Son thinks their derby win is the ideal way to set up a strong second half of the campaign.

"The derby is always really special," Son said.

"I just wanted to be part of it, and I just wanted to win, and we did.

"Being back, scoring goals, and winning with a clean sheet, I think, is going to be really helpful for our confidence through the second part of the season."

LAFC coach Marc Dos Santos, meanwhile, was thrilled for Son to have snapped his goal drought.

He said: "In our bubble, we're so together, we know what we're doing together, and when you have that togetherness as a team, and as a group, you just feel good for a guy like him who deserves [it], coming back from an emotional World Cup, joining us right away.

"I'm very happy Sonny scored because me and him wanted that for him, and yeah, it's perfect."

Next up for LAFC is a clash with Real Salt Lake, who are just one point and one place behind them.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

LAFC - Son Heung-min

Son may have had to wait until July for an MLS goal in 2026, but he does lead LAFC's squad for goal involvements in the competition this season, along with Bouanga (nine).

The attacker also leads LAFC for chances created (31), while his tally of eight assists is a league-high.

Real Salt Lake - Zavier Gozo

Salt Lake were pegged back late on by Minnesota United in a 1-1 draw in their last MLS outing, back in May.

Gozo set up RSL's goal in that game. He leads the way in their squad for goals (six) and assists (four).

MATCH PREDICTION: LAFC WIN

LAFC are the Opta supercomputer's favourites to win this clash, though RSL are aiming to make it four MLS games unbeaten.

The previous MLS fixture between the sides saw LAFC come out on top 4-1 at BMO Stadium last season.

Bouanga scored a hat-trick, with Son also helping himself to a goal.

LAFC have won five of their eight MLS games at home this season, while RSL have only managed one road win. Indeed, they are on a four-game winless streak away from home.

In fact, LAFC have won each of their last two meetings with RSL 4-1, with Salt Lake's last victory against LAFC coming in March 2024 (3-0).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

LAFC - 58.4%

RSL - 20%

Draw - 21.6%