Son breaks out with key strike
After failing to score in his first 13 games of the season, Son Heung-min changed the trajectory of LAFC's performance in the 11th minute. Using quick footwork to evade pressure, he curled a left-footed shot from outside the box that nestled into the bottom left corner. It was a moment of individual brilliance that immediately shifted the game’s direction.
Bouanga and Choinière combine for second goal
By the 40th minute, Denis Bouanga added to the lead with a composed finish after Mathieu Choinière threaded a perfectly weighted through ball. Chasing the ball on the left flank, Bouanga cut past DeAndre Yedlin before slotting the ball into the right side of the net, showcasing LAFC’s growing attacking synergy.
Yedlin’s misfortune compounds
Yedlin's defensive effort backfired in the 68th minute. Attempting to block a shot from Son, he deflected it directly into the back of the net, extending LAFC’s lead to 3-0. The mistake marked a turning point in the game, as Real Salt Lake was unable to recover.
Salt Lake finally broke through in the 86th minute through Lukas Engel, who struck from the left side of the box. The shot deflected off Nkosi Tafari, leaving goalkeeper Hugo Lloris stranded and momentarily halting LAFC’s shutout run. But it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
Lloris, who made six saves to match his season high, helped maintain the lead despite the late concession. The win marked LAFC’s second consecutive match with three goals, a much-needed bounce after a quiet offensive phase before the World Cup break.
The result lifted LAFC to 9-5-3 and 30 points, placing them just two points behind the league leaders in the Western Conference. Their upcoming match against Sporting KC on Saturday promises to be another pivotal moment as they chase a playoff spot.