Bouanga sets LAFC scoring record as Son shines with hat trick in 4-1 win at Real Salt Lake

The Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min connection reached new heights on Wednesday evening. With a dominant showing, the star LAFC duo led the charge to secure three road points in a 4-1 victory over Real Salt Lake at America First Field. At 13-8-7, Los Angeles has temporarily leapfrogged Seattle for fourth place in the Western Conference. 

"The performance has been very good," said head coach Steve Cherundolo following the victory. "We've had a lot of away games and done really well. You're going to have to win games away from home, and this team has solutions to do that. They've done a very good job of proving that over the last two matches."

Unbeaten in its last ten road games, LAFC has certainly proven itself as a tough opponent away from home. Overall in 2025, the club is 5-3-6 on the road.

Son notched his first MLS hat trick, helping the Black and Gold go up 2-0 by half and 3-0 in the 82nd minute. After scoring in the opening moments of the squad's previous victory in San Jose, the phenom added yet another early moment of magic with a third-minute goal.

In the blink of an eye, Son collected his second goal in just as many games. He wasn't nearly done yet.

The 16th minute saw him showcase his long-range mastery, taking a feed from Ryan Hollingshead and rocketing it past Salt Lake goalkeeper Rafael from well beyond the box. It was all smiles as the longtime Hotspur doubled the LAFC advantage.

Out of halftime, Hugo Lloris stepped up to make the most dramatic save of the season thus far for Los Angeles. As Rwan Cruz looked to get Salt Lake on the board with his 55th-minute penalty, the shot clanged off the post and angled directly towards Lloris, whose initial momentum had taken him in the opposite direction.

However, the ball miraculously landed directly beneath his legs, allowing him to sit on it and prevent the score from materializing. Cruz could only look on in disbelief as his would-be first score evaporated as quickly as it had appeared.

Zavier Gozo did manage to eventually get Salt Lake on the board with a stunning bicycle kick in the 76th minute that left Lloris helplessly diving. Like clockwork, Son had the response just minutes later.

Some textbook transitional play, kick-started by a beautiful cross-pitch ball from Mark Delgado, allowed Son to cash in his first LAFC hat trick. Delgado's feed landed in the possession of Bouanga, who passed up his own look at the net to feed his fellow attacking threat for the score.

"It's a joy playing with Denis," said Son following the victory. "He has a lot of qualities. Lots of speed, especially when we're in the low block. I'm enjoying every single second and every single game."

Now having notched five goals through his first six MLS matches, it's safe to say that his transition to Los Angeles has gone quite smoothly. The 3252 has gotten a full sample of the 'Sonny' effect, and skies are blue as ever.

Then, it was time for history. With a 3-1 lead already on their side, Bouanga took a contested pass from teammate David Martinez and maneuvered loose with the ball to push forward down the pitch.

Rafael stood no chance in the one-on-one showdown as the LAFC all-time leading scorer officially knotted goal number 94 to surpass Carlos Vela. His signature frontflip celebration followed as the squad paraded over to celebrate with him.

"I'm really happy to have surpassed Carlos' record," said Bouanga. "I'd like to thank the team for allowing me to do so. That's just the beginning, and I'm planning on scoring way more."

With a quick two-game road trip in the books and six points earned, LAFC will head back home for a second consecutive matchup with Salt Lake on Sunday. It is the first of three remaining home games this season, and BMO Stadium is sure to be packed as the club celebrates "Noche de Carlos Vela".

Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. PT.