Los Angeles FC triumphed over Real Salt Lake with a convincing score of 4-1 in Week 18, showcasing Son Heungmin’s outstanding skill with a hat-trick. Real Salt Lake managed to score through Zavier Gozo in the second half (30’). Meanwhile, Son found the back of the net three times—twice in the first half (2’, 15’) and once in the second half (36’). Additionally, Denis Bouanga added another goal for LAFC (42’ 2T).
Son Heungmin opened the scoring early with a brilliant finish just two minutes into the match, expertly converting a cross from Timothy Tillman with precision from inside the penalty area.
Real Salt Lake’s Rwan Cruz had a chance to bring his team back into the game but missed a penalty in the 55th minute.
Son’s exceptional performance earned him the title of the match’s standout player, as he not only scored three goals but also registered six shots on target.
Denis Bouanga also had a noteworthy match, contributing with a goal and making two attempts on goal.
Real Salt Lake’s coach, Pablo Mastroeni, opted for a 4-4-2 formation with Rafael Cabral in goal; DeAndre Yedlin, Justen Glad, Brayan Vera, and Alexandros Katranis forming the defense; while Zavier Gozo, Emeka Eneli, Braian Ojeda, and Diego Luna took charge in midfield; Rwan Cruz and Victor Olatunji led the attack.
On the other hand, Los Angeles FC’s Steve Cherundolo set up his team in a 4-3-3 formation with Hugo Lloris in goal; Sergi Palencia, Ryan Porteous, Nkosi Tafari, and Ryan Hollingshead in defense; Mathieu Choiniere, Mark Delgado, and Eddie Segura in midfield; and the striking trio of Timothy Tillman, Son Heungmin, and Denis Bouanga.
The match was officiated by Armando Villarreal at America First Field.
In their next games, Real Salt Lake will visit Seattle Sounders, while Los Angeles FC will face Toronto FC at home.
Real Salt Lake Substitutions
67’ 2T – Emeka Eneli replaced by Noel Caliskan, Rwan Cruz replaced by Johnny Russell, and Brayan Vera replaced by Samuel Junqua.
77’ 2T – Braian Ojeda replaced by Tyler Wolff.
82’ 2T – Diego Luna replaced by William Agada.
Cautions for Real Salt Lake:
36’ 1T Rwan Cruz (Unsporting Behavior), 17’ 2T Alexandros Katranis (Unsporting Behavior), and 50’ 2T Tyler Wolff (Unsporting Behavior).
Sent-off from Real Salt Lake:
47’ 2T Victor Olatunji (Direct Red).
Los Angeles FC Substitutions
72’ 2T – Timothy Tillman for Andrew Moran.
73’ 2T – Ryan Hollingshead for Artem Smoliakov.
84’ 2T – Mark Delgado for Yaw Yeboah.
85’ 2T – Son Heungmin for David Martínez.
88’ 2T – Sergi Palencia for Ryan Raposo.
Caution for Los Angeles FC:
28’ 2T Andrew Moran (Unsporting Behavior).