Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-min announced himself in style on Wednesday night with his first Major League Soccer hat-trick, inspiring his side to a 4-1 victory over Real Salt Lake. The 33-year-old South Korean, who only joined LAFC last month after a decade at Tottenham Hotspur, wasted no time in stamping his mark on the American game.
Lightning Start from Son
Son opened the scoring inside 10 minutes with a clinical finish, before doubling his tally just six minutes later to give the hosts a commanding 2-0 lead. The crowd at America First Field witnessed the kind of composure and sharp movement that had defined his years in the Premier League.
Though Real Salt Lake pulled one back, Son remained the central figure. In the 82nd minute, he completed his treble after latching onto an unselfish assist from strike partner Denis Bouanga. It was LAFC’s second consecutive game featuring a hat-trick, following Bouanga’s heroics in a 4-2 win at San Jose Earthquakes days earlier.
A Seamless Transition
For Son, the evening was more than just about goals. It confirmed his smooth transition to MLS life, with his tally now standing at five goals in just six games. Reflecting on the achievement, Son said, “It’s amazing to get my first hat-trick in the MLS. I’m very happy and grateful to everyone. Even if I don’t score, I enjoy playing for this club and getting a good result away from home. I’m enjoying every single moment, every single training session and every single game.”
The hat-trick underlines why LAFC moved swiftly to sign him in the summer. His ability to deliver both flair and end product provides an added dimension to their attack as the playoff race heats up.
Bouanga Makes History
While Son took the headlines, Bouanga ensured his own place in the LAFC record books. The Gabon international netted in stoppage time to seal the 4-1 win, scoring his 94th goal for the club. In doing so, he surpassed Carlos Vela to become LAFC’s all-time leading scorer.
Bouanga’s strike capped an evening of milestones and further solidified his reputation as one of MLS’s most consistent attacking threats. The 30-year-old has scored 19 goals this season, trailing only Nashville’s Sam Surridge (21) and Lionel Messi of Inter Miami (20) in the league’s scoring charts.
Since joining from French side Saint-Étienne in 2022, Bouanga has been central to LAFC’s rise. His partnership with Son promises to be one of the most dangerous attacking duos in MLS.
LAFC Climb the Table
The victory lifted LAFC to fourth place in the Western Conference, nudging them above the Seattle Sounders. With six regular-season games remaining, the club is positioning itself strongly for the playoffs. Maresca’s men have now scored seven goals across their last two matches, a sign of the attacking depth at the manager’s disposal.
The team’s upcoming fixtures will be crucial in solidifying their playoff standing. LAFC have found form at the right time, and Son’s arrival appears to have added fresh energy and clinical edge.
Honouring a Legend
Attention now turns to Sunday, when LAFC host Real Salt Lake once again—this time at home in Los Angeles. The game will also feature a special tribute to Carlos Vela, the club’s first signing and former captain, who retired in May.
Vela, who became a symbol of the club’s early years, has since taken on the role of ambassador. His achievements will be celebrated by fans and teammates alike as LAFC continue building on the foundations he helped create.
The Road Ahead
For Son, this debut hat-trick will serve as both a personal milestone and a signal of intent. The forward’s goals, combined with Bouanga’s record-breaking form, could propel LAFC into genuine title contention.
As the regular season nears its conclusion, LAFC fans will hope this dynamic duo can carry their momentum into the playoffs. If Wednesday night was any indication, Son and Bouanga might just be the partnership that defines the next chapter of LAFC’s story.
