Los Angeles FC forward Denis Bouanga credited his desire to score, and help from Son Heung-min, for his rich recent form.

The 30-year-old scored a hat-trick in LAFC’s 4-2 win against the San Jose Earthquakes last time out, helping move within a point of fourth-place Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference.

Bouanga’s third goal of the game saw him equal Carlos Vela’s record of 93 goals for LAFC, and the striker could take the outright record in their next game against Real Salt Lake.

Having also scored a hat-trick for Gabon during the international break, Bouanga is keen to continue his scoring form.

“I’m hungry for goals,” said Bouanga after the win over San Jose.

“The team also help me a lot and I love football so much. I’m very happy to get the [match] ball.

“I’m very happy to tie Carlos [record]. Carlos is a legend at LAFC and I appreciate [the opportunity] to tie Carlos.

“It is too easy to play on the pitch with Sonny. You can see he is an amazing player and off the field he is a good person. Everyone who knows Sonny, knows this.

LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo said of Son: “I enjoy coaching him. Hopefully, he enjoys playing for us.

“I think what any attacker means for any club is goals. He has 93 arguments that he is one of the best.”

After beating Sporting Kansas City in their last match, RSL will be looking to continue their momentum as they chase a playoff spot in the West.

They are currently one point behind the Earthquakes in ninth, but have played two fewer games.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Real Salt Lake – Zavier Gozo

Zavier Gozo recorded assists for both of Real Salt Lake’s goals last time out, becoming the first player 18-years-old or younger to record two assists in an MLS match since another RSL player, Fidel Barajas, did so in March 2024.

Los Angeles FC – Denis Bouanga

Although he already boasted an impressive scoring record for LAFC, Bouanga has also benefitted from Son’s arrival.

Bouanga has scored five goals in his last five MLS games, while only Lionel Messi (19) and Sam Surridge (21) have scored more often in the league this season than the Gabon international.

MATCH PREDICTION – LOS ANGELES FC WIN

LAFC extended their regular-season road unbeaten streak to nine games (three wins, six draws) against the Earthquakes. Only two teams in MLS history have gone 10 or more straight away league games without defeat: RSL in 2024 (10 straight) and FC Dallas in 2010 (12 straight).

However, RSL have won five of their last seven regular-season home matches (two losses) following a 2-1 win over Kansas City. RSL had managed just two wins in their first seven league games at America First Field this season (D1 L4).

RSL are unbeaten in their last three matches against LAFC (two wins, one draw). Prior to that, RSL had lost 13 of their 15 matches in the fixture (two wins) across all competitions.  

In their last six league matches, Salt Lake have won two and lost four. LAFC, meanwhile, have won two, drawn two and lost two in their last six.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Real Salt Lake – 31.2%

Draw – 25.2%

Los Angeles FC – 43.7%