Denis Bouanga hat-trick leads LAFC in thrashing of San Jose

Son Heung-Min scored in the opening minute and Denis Bouanga added a hat-trick as Los Angeles FC dominated early in Saturday evening’s 4-2 MLS victory over San Jose Earthquakes.

Bouanga, near post finish 😮‍💨🚀 pic.twitter.com/yxPdttNbOB

— LAFC (@LAFC) September 14, 2025

After scoring a hat-trick during the international window, Bouanga returned back to the USA’s west coast to achieve the feat for the first time this season with his club. After recently signed Korean superstar Son-Heung Min scored soon after kick off, Bouanga was allowed far too much room in the 9th minute and drove in from the left wing to finish at the near post.

It only got worse for San Jose. A few minutes after opening his account, Bouanga did his damage from the right wing this time with a clever chipped finish over San Jose goalkeeper Daniel after being played in behind the defense.

Bouanga Brace 🤝

All it took was 12 minutes for Denis to get his brace. pic.twitter.com/UKvDp5gYiX

— LAFC (@LAFC) September 14, 2025

San Jose did finally respond through Preston Judd to make it 1-3 inside the opening twenty minutes, but the deficit was too great to overcome for the hosts. With hopes of a comeback still alive for San Jose, Sergi Palencia did well to get behind on the right wing and cross for Bouanga to finish and the hat-trick was complete.

A historic hat trick 🎩🪄

Denis Bouanga ties Carlos Vela as the club’s all time leading goal scorer. pic.twitter.com/NvfPxdZfFP

— LAFC (@LAFC) September 14, 2025

The end of the regular season is approaching and LAFC are in a relatively strong position, sitting in fifth place on 44 points from 27 matches. The 2022 MLS champions will look to gain ground on the top-4 with games in hand but appear certain to qualify for the MLS Cup playoffs. With Son getting comfortable in MLS, the potential is there for LAFC to be considered contenders to win the title.

Bouanga is now tied atop the all-time list of goal scorers at his club, moving level with Mexican forward Carlos Vela on 93 goals in all competitions. He now has 18 goals in 26 MLS appearances and 24 goals in all competitions this season for LAFC, who next play at Real Salt Lake on Wednesday.

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