Son Heung-min scores MLS hat-trick as LAFC dominate Real Salt Lake 4-1, continuing his brilliant start in Major League Soccer with five goals in six games

Son Heung-min scores MLS hat-trick to propel Los Angeles FC to a commanding 4-1 victory over Real Salt Lake in Utah, extending his sensational start to life in the United States.

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The South Korean forward, a former Tottenham captain who joined LAFC in August for a record \$26 million, netted twice in the first half before completing his treble after the break.

A former Premier League Golden Boot winner, Son’s impact on American soil has been instant and electrifying, with five goals in just six Major League Soccer appearances.

Denis Bouanga added a fourth for LAFC, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer as they climbed to fourth place in the Western Conference, two points clear of Seattle Sounders.

Early on, Diego Luna nearly put Real Salt Lake ahead but missed narrowly. Son quickly punished this chance, intercepting a pass from Timothy Tillman to break the deadlock with a clinical finish.

Thirteen minutes later, Son doubled the lead with a powerful long-range strike that left goalkeeper Rafael with no chance.

French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, Son’s former Tottenham teammate, made crucial saves to keep LAFC’s clean sheet at half-time.

Real Salt Lake’s Rwan Cruz missed a penalty in the 56th minute, hitting the post and nearly conceding again soon after.

Xavier Gozo finally got Real on the scoreboard in the 76th minute, but Son’s third goal, set up by Bouanga on a swift counterattack, put the game firmly beyond doubt.

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Bouanga sealed the emphatic win in the 88th minute, scoring his 94th goal for LAFC and overtaking Carlos Vela as the club’s all-time top scorer.