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12h ago

Bouanga Nets Hat Trick as LAFC Rout RSL 4-1, Pulls Even With Messi in Golden Boot Race

The forward became the first MLS player to record at least 20 goals in three consecutive seasons.

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

  • Denis Bouanga scored in first‑half stoppage time and added goals in the 73rd and 87th minutes to seal his second hat trick in three games.
  • Bouanga now has 22 goals this season, tying Lionel Messi for the league lead, and set an LAFC mark with four regular‑season hat tricks, surpassing Carlos Vela.
  • LAFC are the first MLS team with a hat trick in three straight matches, a sequence produced by Bouanga, Son Heung‑min and Bouanga.
  • Son logged a goal and two assists in the win and has six goals in his first seven MLS matches, with coach Steve Cherundolo praising his "intensity and quality."
  • With the result coming a day after their berth was clinched by St. Louis City’s win over San Jose, LAFC sit fourth in the West on 50 points as they chase higher seeding.