Full Breakdown
Heung-min Son's First MLS Hat Trick Propels LAFC to Victory
9/19/2025, 2:20:30 PM
Heung-min Son Shines in LAFC's 4-1 Win
Heung-min Son scored his first Major League Soccer (MLS) hat trick on September 18, 2025, leading Los Angeles FC (LAFC) to a commanding 4-1 victory over Real Salt Lake at America First Field in Sandy, Utah. The South Korean forward, who joined LAFC from Tottenham Hotspur in August for a record fee of €22.5 million, demonstrated his scoring prowess by netting three goals within the match, bringing his tally to five goals in just six appearances for the club.
Son opened the scoring just three minutes into the match, capitalizing on a pass from Timothy Tillman to slot the ball past Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Rafael Cabral. He doubled the lead in the 16th minute with a powerful long-range shot, before completing his hat trick in the 82nd minute with a close-range finish following a counterattack led by teammate Denis Bouanga. Bouanga also scored in the 88th minute, marking his 94th goal for LAFC, thus becoming the club's all-time leading scorer.
Official Statements & Responses
After the match, Son expressed his gratitude, stating, “It’s amazing to get my first hat-trick in the MLS. I’m very happy and grateful to everyone.” He emphasized his enjoyment of playing for LAFC, regardless of whether he scores, and noted the strong team chemistry he has developed in a short time. “Even if I don’t score, I enjoy playing for this club and getting a good result away from home,” he added.
LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo praised Son's impact on the team, highlighting his ability to adapt quickly to the league and contribute significantly to the team's performance.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite Son's impressive performance, Real Salt Lake's head coach Pablo Mastroeni pointed out areas for improvement, particularly in physicality and defensive organization. He acknowledged Son's talent but stressed the need for his team to be more robust in their approach.
Why It Matters / Impact
Son's hat trick not only solidifies his status as a key player for LAFC but also enhances the team's prospects as they aim for a strong finish in the Western Conference. With this victory, LAFC moved up to fourth place in the standings, just five points behind third-place Vancouver, with six regular-season games remaining. Son's performance has reinvigorated LAFC's attack, providing hope for a successful playoff run.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m very, very grateful. But also the defenders who make a really good job. So yeah, very happy to get us three points.” — Heung-min Son
- “Obviously, Son, he's a killer, but I think from our standpoint, I think we've just got to be a bit more physical.” — Pablo Mastroeni, Head Coach of Real Salt Lake
What's Next
LAFC will face Real Salt Lake again in their next match, providing an opportunity for Son and his teammates to build on this momentum. As the playoffs approach, Son's performance will be crucial in determining LAFC's success in the postseason.
