Los Angeles FC missed the chance to go top of the Western Conference in MLS, as Anders Dreyer scored a penalty and was sent off late on in a 1-0 win for San Diego FC.

With the Vancouver Whitecaps not in action until Sunday, when they face their Cascadia Cup rivals, the Seattle Sounders, LAFC knew a victory would put them top of the West – at least temporarily. 

Son Heung-min and co were unbeaten in eight games across all competitions, a run that predated the World Cup break, but that streak was ended by their California rivals. 

Son almost scored a brilliant solo goal when he lashed into the side netting early on, and though Denis Bouanga beat San Diego goalkeeper CJ dos Santos to a lofted ball to find the net in the 21st minute, a VAR review found the LAFC striker had handled in the build-up and led to the goal being disallowed.

A glaring miss from Son – who miscued under pressure from Luca Bombino in front of a gaping goal – represented another let-off for San Diego before half-time, and LAFC continued to be wasteful after the interval.

Son dragged a left-footed effort wide when one-v-one with Dos Santos, who also made a remarkable recovery save to claw Eddie Segura's header away. 

And with second-half stoppage time looming, LAFC were dealt a sucker punch when Ryan Porteous committed an inexplicable handball while defending his near post at a corner. Dreyers beat Hugo Lloris from the spot in the 89th minute, but the drama was still not done.

Dreyer received his second yellow card for scything Son down seven minutes into added time, but LAFC did not have enough time to make their numerical advantage count.

LAFC made to rue missed opportunities

The stats may not tell the full story of this game, which LAFC will be bitterly disappointed to have lost.

Saturday's hosts registered just 0.94 expected goals from 15 shots, compared to San Diego's 1.14 xG from nine efforts, though Dreyers' penalty made up the vast majority of the visitors' tally – they only managed 0.19 xG from open play.

LAFC's figure, meanwhile, does not account for chances like the one that fell to Son in the 36th minute, as he was unable to get his shot away with Bombino sliding in.

Rather than jumping into top spot, LAFC have dropped to third in the West, with the Houston Dynamo now leading the way following their 1-0 victory over the LA Galaxy.

That game was also decided by a penalty – from in-form forward Guilherme in the 21st minute – though Vancouver will reclaim top spot if they win in Seattle on Sunday.