LAFC Dominates Real Salt Lake with Denis Bouanga’s Hat Trick
On Sunday night, September 21, 2025, LAFC secured a resounding 4-1 victory over Real Salt Lake at BMO Stadium, with Denis Bouanga scoring a hat trick, his second in the last three games. This impressive feat brings Bouanga’s total goals for the season to 22, tying him with the legendary Lionel Messi for the most in MLS.
Bouanga’s remarkable performance has been consistent, with goals in four consecutive games. Notably, he has achieved the rare distinction of being the first player in MLS history to score at least 20 goals in three consecutive seasons, having previously scored 20 goals in each of the last two seasons. His club-record four career hat tricks in the regular season surpass even Carlos Vela’s achievements.
LAFC’s Playoff Spot and Western Conference Standing
With this win, LAFC not only solidified their position but also clinched a playoff spot, thanks to St. Louis’s 3-1 win over San José on Saturday. Currently, LAFC stands fourth in the Western Conference with 50 points, closely following Minnesota’s 54 points and ahead of Seattle’s 45 points. Son Heung-min’s contributions were also significant, with a goal and two assists, further highlighting LAFC’s strong team dynamics.
Son’s recent performance has been noteworthy, with seven goals in the past three games, including his first MLS hat trick in LAFC’s 4-1 win over Salt Lake on the road just a few days prior. This level of consistency and skill is a testament to the team’s depth and capabilities, making them a formidable opponent in the league.
Game Highlights and Real Salt Lake’s Struggles
The game saw an early lead by Salt Lake, with Brayan Vera scoring his first goal of the season in the 14th minute through a left-foot shot from well outside the area. However, LAFC quickly turned the tables, with Bouanga scoring in the first minute of first-half stoppage time, followed by Son’s goal a couple of minutes later, securing a 2-1 lead at halftime. Bouanga added two more goals in the 73rd and 87th minutes, cementing LAFC’s victory.
Real Salt Lake, on the other hand, has faced a tough stretch, losing five of their last six games. This defeat to LAFC underscores the challenges they are facing in the current season. The team will need to regroup and strategize to improve their standing and performance in upcoming matches.
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