Son Heung-min is not concerned about his lengthy goal drought in MLS, as the Los Angeles FC forward prepares to sign off for the World Cup against the Seattle Sounders.

Son has not found the net in 12 MLS appearances in 2026, having scored 12 times in just 13 games in the competition in 2025.

LAFC, who are seventh in the Western Conference following a 3-2 defeat to Nashville SC last time out, host the Seattle Sounders on Sunday, in their final game before the mid-season break. 

And speaking to the US edition of Goal, South Korea captain Son said he, rather than the tactics adopted by head coach Marc Dos Santos, was responsible for his recent drought.

"I don't think the problem is with the coach's tactics. Recently, we've had some bad luck, and opposing goalkeepers have made many saves," Son said.

"Ultimately, the biggest responsibility lies with me. I can't blame anyone else. I haven't lost the feeling for scoring goals. I'm not too worried about the current dry spell."

Seattle are fourth in the West, three points clear of LAFC with two games in hand, though they also lost their most recent game – going down 2-0 against the LA Galaxy. 

They have only won one of their last four games (D2 L1), and midfielder Paul Rothrock – like Son – has owned up to falling short in recent weeks.

"I'm still not really satisfied with how this season has gone so far," Rothrock told reporters following a training session on Friday. 

"If I'm honest, I haven't come away from a game feeling like I had a great game. There's still a lot of room for growth for me."

But he feels the World Cup break will present a welcome opportunity for a reset, saying: "Depending on how you play it, you can come out of that break in even better shape.

"I'm looking at an opportunity to add some tools to my toolbox. I'm probably on track for a better year, but I still have high expectations for myself."

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Los Angeles FC – Denis Bouanga

While Son has struggled for goals this year, he did record his MLS-leading ninth assist of the season last Sunday, setting up a Bouanga goal against Nashville. 

Five of Son's nine assists this season have set up goals for Bouanga, while two of his four assists in 2025 (including playoffs) were also for Bouanga.

Seattle Sounders – Jackson Ragen 

Ragen completed 101 of 108 passes for Seattle last week, his fourth MLS game with at least 100 successful passes, equalling Osvaldo Alonso for the most for the club since 2010. 

Three of Ragen’s four 100-pass games have come this season, and only Christopher McVey (four) has recorded more in 2026.

MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW 

LAFC are unbeaten in nine all-time regular-season home matches against Seattle (W8 D1), including winning the last five in a row. 

The Sounders have won both of their playoff matches at BMO Stadium, however, knocking LAFC out in their own stadium in both 2019 and 2024.

But the hosts have lost four straight matches in all competitions for the second time in club history, after doing so in August 2021. LAFC had suffered only four defeats in their previous 36 matches in all competitions (W21 D11) prior to losing the last four.

Seattle, meanwhile, are unbeaten in five straight regular-season away matches (W3 D2), allowing just one goal in those matches. 

All three wins in that time were by 1-0 scorelines, as there have been a total of just five goals scored in the Sounders' last five road league matches, so a tight affair appears likely.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Los Angeles FC – 39.6%

Draw – 26.6%

Seattle Sounders – 33.8%