Toronto FC starting XI : LAFC will be without Son Heung-min for their crucial match against Toronto FC, as confirmed by multiple sports outlets and official team reports. The South Korean superstar has been called up to represent his national team in the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, missing the MLS fixture on October 9, 2025. This absence is not injury-related but due to international commitments, with Son set to make history by becoming South Korea’s most-capped player in an upcoming match against Brazil.
Key Absences and Team Impact
LAFC will face Toronto FC with several attacking players missing. Alongside Son, forwards Denis Bouanga and Nathan Ordaz, as well as midfielder Mathieu Choinière, are also on international duty. Head coach Steve Cherundolo confirmed the absences but expressed confidence in the
- squad’s depth, stating, “We have plenty of players who can fill the void and show
- that they can help this team”. The team is expected to rely on substitutes like
- David Martinez, Andrew Moran, and Jeremy Ebobisse to maintain offensive pressure.
Son’s Remarkable Start at LAFC
- Since joining LAFC in August 2025, Son Heung-min has made an immediate impact,
- scoring eight goals in nine appearances and forming a dynamic partnership with Bouanga.
- His arrival has sparked a significant turnaround in the team’s performance, helping
- LAFC secure a playoff berth and climb to fourth in the Western Conference after a five-match
- winning streak. U.S. media have widely credited Son with transforming the team’s fortunes,
- dubbing it the “Son Heung-min effect”. Sports Illustrated highlighted how his leadership
- and goal-scoring prowess have elevated LAFC into serious MLS Cup contention.
Outlook and Return Timeline
- LAFC for their season finale before the playoffs begin. Fans will have to wait to see
- him back in action, but his strong start at the club and continued excellence on the
- international stage reinforce his status as a global football icon. For the Toronto FC
- match, LAFC will need to adapt their tactics to compensate for the loss of their star forward,
- relying on squad depth and tactical flexibility to secure vital points in the tight playoff race.
