Son Heung-min Hat Trick powers LAFC to 4-1 Win at RSL

Final Score:

Real Salt Lake 1, Los Angeles Football Club 4

Match Recap

Son Heung-min recorded a sensational hat trick to lead LAFC to a commanding 4-1 victory over Real Salt Lake on Wednesday night.

The South Korean international opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, added another in the 16th, and sealed his treble in the 82nd—showcasing precision finishing and sharp link-up play with Tillman and Bouanga.

Real Salt Lake nearly clawed back into the game with a penalty in the 56th minute, but Brazilian newcomer Rwan Cruz struck the post and was denied his first goal in MLS. Moments later, Zavier Gozo pulled one back with a bicycle kick, trimming the deficit to 2-1 and gave the home team a lifeline going into the last portion of the game.

LAFC responded immediately. With RSL pressing with 9 men at times, Bouanga set up Sonny for his third goal, easily bypassing the defense with his speed, restoring the two-goal cushion for LAFC and silencing the home crowd.

Denis Bouanga added the final blow in the 88th minute, finishing off a crisp counterattack led by substitute David Martínez. This marked the 94th goal for Denis with the Black and Gold, surpassing Carlos Vela as the ultimate goalscorer for the LA team.

To make matters worse, Victor Olatunji was sent off in stoppage time for violent conduct, capping a frustrating night for the hosts, who could do nothing but applaud LAFC's attacking duo's performance in the midweek game.

Key Stats

• Son Heung-min: 3 goals (3’, 16’, 82’)
• Assists: Tillman, Hollingshead, Bouanga
• Hugo Lloris: 6 saves, including two from outside the box
• Missed Penalty: Rwan Cruz (56’)
• Red Card: Victor Olatunji (90’+3)

Next Up

LAFC return to BMO Stadium on Sunday to play Real Salt Lake once again in Los Angeles in a best-of-two affair.