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Bouanga Hat Trick Powers LAFC Past RSL, Sets MLS Record for Three Straight 20-Goal Seasons

The forward now has 22 goals to tie Lionel Messi for the lead in the Golden Boot race.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 21: Denis Bouanga #99 of LAFC congratulates Son Heung-Min #7 after he scored a goal against Real Salt Lake during the first half of the game at BMO Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Son Heung-min of Los Angeles Football Club (2nd from L) celebrates with teammate Denis Bouanga (2nd from R) after scoring a goal against Real Salt Lake during the clubs' Major League Soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sept. 21, 2025, in this Getty Images photo. (Yonhap)
Los Angeles Football Club head coach Steve Cherundolo (standing) watches his team play Real Salt Lake in a Major League Soccer match at America First Field in Sandy, Utah, on Sept. 17, 2025, in this Imagn Images photo via Reuters. (Yonhap)
Son Heung-min of Los Angeles Football Club (R) is challenged by Brayan Vera of Real Salt Lake during the clubs' Major League Soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sept. 21, 2025, in this Imagn Images photo via Reuters. (Yonhap)

Overview

  • LAFC beat Real Salt Lake 4-1 at BMO Stadium, with Denis Bouanga scoring in first-half stoppage time and again in the 73rd and 87th minutes.
  • The treble was Bouanga’s second in three matches and extended his scoring streak to four consecutive games.
  • Son Heung-min contributed a goal and two assists as his partnership with Bouanga continued to drive LAFC’s attack.
  • Bouanga set a club mark with four regular-season hat tricks, surpassing Carlos Vela.
  • LAFC had clinched a playoff berth a day earlier and is fourth in the West with 50 points, while RSL has lost five of six after Brayan Vera’s early strike.