Son Heung-min Scores First MLS Hat-Trick As LAFC Thrashes Real Salt Lake

‎Los Angeles FC’s new superstar, Son Heung-min, announced himself in the biggest way possible on Wednesday night, scoring his first Major League Soccer hat-trick to fire LAFC to a dominant 4-1 victory over Real Salt Lake in Utah.

‎The South Korean forward, who only joined the club in August for a reported MLS record fee of $26 million (£20m), showed exactly why he was worth every penny with a great performance.

‎A Dream Start to Life in the U.S.

‎The former Tottenham Hotspur captain wasted no time in making his mark.

‎Just two minutes into the match, Real Salt Lake nearly took the lead when Diego Luna latched onto a cross in the box but dragged his shot wide. Son immediately punished the miss.

‎Intercepting play in midfield, Timothy Tillman slipped him through on goal, and Son made no mistake, slotting past goalkeeper Rafael to put LAFC ahead.

‎Thirteen minutes later, Son doubled the advantage in style. Picking up the ball in space, he unleashed a stunning long-range strike that ripped between defenders and flew past Rafael.

‎By halftime, LAFC were firmly in control at 2-0, thanks in part to Hugo Lloris, another former Spurs player now playing for LAFC, who pulled off several key saves to deny Salt Lake.

‎Salt Lake Fight Back, But Son Answers

‎Real Salt Lake had a chance to change the momentum in the 56th minute when Rwan Cruz won a penalty.

‎However, his effort smacked off the post, keeping LAFC two goals clear.

‎The hosts finally got on the scoreboard in the 76th minute when Xavier Gozo struck, briefly igniting hopes of a comeback. But once again, Son had the perfect response. Just three minutes later, Denis Bouanga broke free on the right flank and set up Son for his hat-trick goal, calmly finishing to make it 3-1.

‎Bouanga Makes History

‎If the night belonged to Son, it also marked a historic milestone for Denis Bouanga. In the 88th minute, the Gabonese forward latched onto a pass from David Martinez during a lightning-quick counterattack, firing home his 94th goal for LAFC in all competitions.

‎That strike made him the club’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Carlos Vela’s record.

‎Instant Impact for LAFC

‎Son’s arrival has already electrified LAFC and MLS. In just six appearances, he has scored five goals, showing that his lethal finishing and ability to shine in big moments translate seamlessly from the Premier League to America.

‎With the win, LAFC moved into fourth place in the Western Conference, sitting two points clear of rivals Seattle Sounders.