Key Takeaways:
- Heung-Min Son recorded his first hat-trick in Major League Soccer last night, scoring in the 3rd, 16th, and 82nd minutes
- LAFC secured a 4:1 away win over Real Salt Lake, claiming their second consecutive victory and moving to fourth place in the Western Conference with 47 points
- Denis Bouanga notched his 94th goal for LAFC, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer with 19 goals in this MLS season
Match Overview
South Korean forward Heung-Min Son delivered a stellar performance for Los Angeles FC, netting three goals to earn his first Major League Soccer hat-trick in a commanding 4:1 triumph over Real Salt Lake in Sandy, Utah. This result marked the second straight win for LAFC, who have climbed to fourth place in the Western Conference with 47 points.
Scoring Timeline
Son gave LAFC a rapid start, opening the scoring just three minutes into the match and doubling the advantage in the 16th minute. Real Salt Lake had a golden opportunity to mount a comeback when Ruan Cruz missed a penalty midway through the second half in the 56th minute.
Here4⃣ a good time. pic.twitter.com/pMHYJeXThr
— LAFC (@LAFC) September 18, 2025
The home side eventually found the net in the 76th minute, as Xavier Gozo reduced the deficit to 1:2. However, Son completed his hat-trick six minutes later in the 82nd minute, restoring LAFC’s two-goal cushion. Denis Bouanga then added a fourth for the visitors in the 88th minute.
| Minute | Scorer | Team | Score | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Heung-Min Son | LAFC | 0:1 | Goal |
| 16 | Heung-Min Son | LAFC | 0:2 | Goal |
| 56 | Ruan Cruz | Real Salt Lake | 0:2 | Missed Penalty |
| 76 | Xavier Gozo | Real Salt Lake | 1:2 | Goal |
| 82 | Heung-Min Son | LAFC | 1:3 | Goal |
| 88 | Denis Bouanga | LAFC | 1:4 | Goal |
Player Achievements and Statistical Highlights
Denis Bouanga’s late strike in the 88th minute sealed the final score at 4:1. This was Bouanga’s 94th goal for LAFC in all competitions, a milestone that sees him stand alone as the club’s all-time top scorer. Bouanga’s tally of 19 Major League Soccer goals this campaign also places him third in the league’s season scoring charts.
