Son Heung-min has claimed that he is "here to win the games and win trophies" as Los Angeles FC host table-toppers San Diego FC on Sunday.

The Southern California showdown at BMO Stadium will provide the ideal backdrop for new signing Son to make his home bow for LAFC, with the club playing three consecutive away games since his arrival from Tottenham. 

LAFC remain unbeaten since acquiring Son (W2, D2), having drawn 1-1 away at FC Dallas last time out, with the South Korean star scoring his first goal for the club.

With Son's impact immediately felt, LAFC will be seeking to extend their unbeaten run and look to seal a playoff spot.

"It was a tough three-week period, but it has been excellent, I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve had time to speak to the players, and the socialising is so important to me," said Son.

"I want to try and win this trophy [MLS Cup] for this club, that’s what I work for. I have great memories after winning the Europa League three months ago. With that feeling and momentum, I want to keep that going.

"The fans will be really good and the stadium will be packed. I’m very surprised about it [the reaction to him signing for the club]. I’m here to win the games and win trophies.

"I want to help the league [MLS] and make people more interested and focused on it. I’m here to entertain and give joy to the people."

Meanwhile, Western Conference leaders San Diego travel north for their first-ever visit to LAFC’s home, aiming to maintain a flawless record against California opposition while they seek to extend their lead at the top.

SDFC are unbeaten in their previous five MLS games, winning three and drawing two. Despite dropping points in a goalless draw at home to the Portland Timbers last Sunday, they comfortably secured their spot in this season's playoffs.

Orchestrating his team's successful maiden campaign in MLS, head coach Mikey Varas said: "Like every single week, the three points in front of us are the most important points.

"Of course, after the last game, we are all disappointed that we didn't win. We also had the reflection on the big picture that it was a moment to celebrate getting into the playoffs."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

LAFC – Son Heung-min

Sunday promises to be quite the occasion for Son, and it's fair to say all eyes will be firmly on the former Spurs man. He has made an impact in both of his first two starts for his new club, registering one goal and one assist.

The last LAFC player to be involved in a goal during each of his first three regular-season starts was Bradley Wright-Phillips in 2020, when he contributed in his opening five matches.

San Diego – Anders Dreyer

Dreyer has been a revelation for San Diego since signing on the dotted line during the January transfer window. The Danish forward has registered 29 goal involvements (13 goals and 16 assists) in 28 appearances this season, a record only bettered by the peerless Lionel Messi (30).

Dreyer has been on target in two of his last three games for San Diego.

MATCH PREDICTION: LOS ANGELES FC WIN

At home, LAFC have a perfect record against MLS expansion sides, winning all five meetings by a combined score of 13–0.

Since mid-April, they have lost only two of their last 18 regular-season games (eight wins, eight draws), though they have just one victory in their last five outings (three draws, one loss).

Both defeats in that stretch came on home soil—against Vancouver in June and Portland in July.

San Diego head into the clash buoyed by a six-game away winning streak, the longest ever for an expansion team in MLS.

Only two clubs in the post-shootout era (since 2000) have managed seven consecutive regular-season road wins: FC Cincinnati in 2024 and CF Montreal in 2022.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

LAFC: 48.3%

Draw: 25.9%

San Diego: 25.8%