LAFC Storm Past Real Salt Lake 4–1 On Carlos Vela Night
Son Battling a 1 on 1 vs Vera (Phot Credit: Juan Hernandez)
A Night for Carlos Vela
Before a ball was even kicked, BMO Stadium was buzzing with emotion. LAFC officially celebrated “Noche de Carlos Vela”, honoring their first-ever Designated Player, captain, and newly named Club Ambassador following his retirement.
Fans arrived early for a special Fan Fest, which featured live music, folkloric dancers, mariachi, and banda performances. A “Thank You Carlos” wall was set up for supporters to write personal messages. Every fan entering the stadium received a commemorative Vela t-shirt and LED wristband, while the club store sold exclusive tribute merchandise.
The pre-match ceremony was emotional. Vela walked onto the pitch with his family, greeted by a standing ovation as fans waved banners and chanted his name. A video montage of his greatest moments played on the stadium screens, highlighting his record-breaking 2019 MVP season, his 2022 MLS Cup triumph, and the 93 goals he scored in Black & Gold.
At the end of the match, fireworks capped off the tribute, leaving an unforgettable atmosphere in Los Angeles.
Brayan Vera Celebrating First goal of the game. (Photo Credit: Juan Hernandez)
First-Half Drama
Real Salt Lake started strong, shocking the home crowd in the 14th minute when Brayan Vera unleashed a rocket from distance to give the visitors a 1–0 lead.
LAFC, however, responded just before halftime. In stoppage time (45+1), Denis Bouanga tapped in after a quick exchange with Heung-Min Son, leveling the score at 1–1.
Moments later (45+3), Son produced magic of his own, curling a strike from 20 yards that clattered off the post and in. In the blink of an eye, LAFC went into the break ahead 2–1, turning the stadium atmosphere from anxious to electric.
Dennis Bouanga Scoring His Second of the Half. (Photo Credit: Juan Hernandez)
Second-Half Takeover
The second half belonged entirely to LAFC. Their midfield, led by Mark Delgado and newcomer Andrew Moran, dictated the game and forced RSL onto the back foot.
In the 73rd minute, Bouanga doubled his tally, racing onto a through ball from Moran before delicately chipping the goalkeeper for 3–1.
Then came the history-making moment. In the 87th minute, Jeremy Ebobisse slipped Bouanga through once more, and the forward finished coolly to complete his hat-trick. With that strike, Bouanga became LAFC’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing none other than Carlos Vela — fittingly, on the very night the club celebrated their No. 10.
(Photo Credit: Juan Hernandez)
Records & Milestones
Bouanga Hat-Trick: His three goals secured the match and earned him the top spot in LAFC’s scoring history.
Playoff Berth: The victory officially clinched LAFC’s spot in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Symbolic Passing of the Torch: Bouanga overtaking Vela’s scoring record on Vela’s night created one of the most symbolic moments in LAFC history.
RSL’s Missed Opportunity
Real Salt Lake’s promising start quickly unraveled. After Vera’s early strike, defensive lapses in stoppage time doomed them.
The backline couldn’t handle Bouanga’s pace and movement.
Momentum was lost after conceding twice just before halftime.
Though Cristian Arango and Andrés Gómez tried to spark attacks, they were stifled by the veteran pairing of Giorgio Chiellini and Aaron Long.
The 4–1 loss marked RSL’s fourth away defeat in five matches, denting their playoff hopes.
(Photo Credit: Juan Hernandez)
What’s Next
LAFC: With a playoff berth secured, Steve Cherundolo’s men will focus on climbing higher in the Western Conference and sharpening the chemistry between Bouanga, Son, and the supporting cast.
Real Salt Lake: Pablo Mastroeni’s side must bounce back quickly, with defensive adjustments crucial to their postseason push.
Legacy Honored, Future Secured
The night was more than just three points. LAFC celebrated their past by honoring Carlos Vela — the man who built the club’s identity — and looked to their future with Bouanga, the new all-time top scorer.
In many ways, September 21 was a night where LAFC’s history came full circle: a farewell to a legend, and the rise of a new one.