LAFC DEFEATS REAL SALT LAKE 4-1 ON EMOTIONAL CARLOS VELA NIGHT

Los Angeles FC delivered a commanding performance on an emotional evening at BMO Stadium, defeating Real Salt Lake 4–1 on Carlos Vela Night. The club honored its longtime captain and MLS icon before kickoff, celebrating his remarkable career and contributions to the Black and Gold with a framed jersey presentation and heartfelt tributes from fans and teammates.

The atmosphere was electric from the opening whistle. LAFC pressed early, with Denis Bouanga forcing a strong save from Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Cabral in the seventh minute. RSL responded through Brayan Vera, who opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a thunderous strike from distance that found the top-left corner, giving the visitors a 1–0 lead.

LAFC nearly equalized moments later when Tafari’s header ricocheted off the crossbar. The hosts continued to apply pressure, and their persistence paid off just before halftime. In the 45th minute, Son set up Bouanga for the equalizer after a quick exchange inside the box. Then, deep into stoppage time, Son netted his first home goal for LAFC, finishing calmly from a David Martínez assist to send the home crowd into celebration. LAFC entered the break leading 2–1.

Manager Steve Cherundolo made several second-half changes, introducing Segura, Hollingshead, and Choinière to maintain the tempo. The adjustments worked to perfection. In the 73rd minute, Bouanga struck again, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to extend LAFC’s advantage to 3–1. The moment was made even more special when Carlos Vela, watching from the sideline, congratulated Bouanga with an embrace.

Bouanga completed his hat trick in the 86th minute with a composed finish inside the box, sealing a dominant victory for the Black and Gold. He was substituted a minute later to a standing ovation, replaced by Yeboah as LAFC closed out the match. Despite Real Salt Lake maintaining a slight edge in overall possession, they were outmatched by LAFC’s clinical finishing and defensive organization.

After five minutes of stoppage time, the final whistle confirmed another statement win for LAFC, one filled with emotion, energy, and a fitting tribute to a club legend.

Final Score: LAFC 4, Real Salt Lake 1

Goals: Vera (RSL, 14’), Bouanga (LAFC, 45’, 73’, 86’), Son (LAFC, 45+3’)

LAFC will now look to build on this performance as they continue their late-season push, fueled by both veteran leadership and emerging stars ready to carry the torch forward in the post-Vela era.

Written by: Ana Oquendo

Photographed by: Steven Esperanza