MLS: Son scores first LAFC hat-trick, NYCFC leapfrog Columbus
Son Heung-min scored his first MLS hat-trick as Los Angeles FC beat Real Salt Lake, while the Columbus Crew lost at New York City FC.
Son Heung-min scored his first MLS hat-trick as Los Angeles FC beat Real Salt Lake 4-1 at America First Field.
The MLS record signing scored his first just three minutes into the match with a composed finish past Rafael Cabral, before doubling his tally 13 minutes later with a stunning effort from outside the box.
Eighteen-year-old Zavier Gogo scored a stunning bicycle kick in the 76th minute to halve the deficit for the hosts, 20 minutes after Rwan Cruz struck the woodwork from the penalty spot, but Son completed his hat-trick soon after following an unselfish pass from Denis Bouanga.
Bouanga did get a goal of his own two minutes from time as LAFC moved up to fourth in the Western Conference, nine points behind leaders San Diego FC with two games in hand.
The match ended on a slightly sour note for Salt Lake, as well, as Victor Olatunji was sent off in second-half stoppage time for violent conduct.
"Even [if] score [or] I don't score, I enjoy playing for this club and get a good result away from home," said Son after the win.
"I think I'm still adapting [to] this league, but I think I still can play better than where I am at for sure."
Elsewhere, New York City FC moved above the Columbus Crew in the Eastern Conference after Julian Fernandez's 94th-minute winner clinched a 3-2 victory against them.
Columbus took the lead in the 40th minute from the penalty spot through Daniel Gazdag, but the hosts equalised on the stroke of half-time through Hannes Wolf.
Wessam Abou Ali scored his second goal in as many matches as the Crew regained the lead on the hour mark, but Wolf levelled the score again for NYCFC 13 minutes later.
Pascal Jansen's side then grabbed all three points in second-half stoppage time after a brilliant first-time finish into the far corner from Fernandez.
Data Debrief: Bouanga makes LAFC history
Bouanga's late goal for LAFC was his 94th for the club, surpassing Carlos Vela's record of 93 for the Black and Gold.
He has scored 68 of those goals in MLS, and the Gabon international has netted five in his last three games in the competition.
NYCFC, meanwhile, beat Columbus for the first time in seven matches (three draws, three losses).
