Son and Bouanga's Savage Rampage: LAFC Humiliate Orlando in 6-0 Thrashing

Imagine turning up to BMO Stadium expecting a scrap, only to watch LAFC eviscerate Orlando City 6-0 like it was a training drill gone wrong. Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga were the architects of this demolition, with Son playing provider extraordinaire and Bouanga feasting on every delivery. Marc Dos Santos nailed it post-match: pure savagery on the pitch.

Son, the ex-Tottenham star now pulling strings in MLS at 33, hasn't netted yet in 2026 but who's counting? He notched four assists in the first 39 minutes – a feat matched in MLS history only by Lionel Messi in a single half. That instant chemistry with Bouanga, sparked since Son's summer switch, looked sharper than a Gillingham defender's studs.

Bouanga's Lightning Hat-Trick and Defensive Masterclass

Bouanga lapped it up, bagging a hat-trick in just nine minutes, all fed by his Korean mate. That's the third-fastest treble in MLS annals, level with Alejandro Moreno's blitz for LA Galaxy back in 2004. The Ivorian shifted to the left wing for the first time this season under Dos Santos' tweaks, and boy, did it pay off.

"Sonny's been immense," beamed the gaffer. "He doesn't need to bang in goals every game – he's lifting the squad. Five goals in the first half? What more do you want?" Fair play, mate. Meanwhile, Hugo Lloris, the 2018 World Cup hero between the sticks, clawed six saves to preserve LAFC's record-breaking clean sheet streak at six games and 540 minutes. Not quite their 2024 peak of 549, but who's splitting hairs?

The rest chipped in too: Sergi Palencia and Tyler Boyd scored, David Brekalo nodded into his own net, and debutant Jacob Shaffelburg – fresh off surgery – grabbed an assist. LAFC stay top of the Western Conference, the last unbeaten side after six matches. Orlando? Picking up the pieces.

Champions Cup Ambitions Ignite

With the three points banked, eyes swivel to the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals. Midweek brings Cruz Azul, the Liga MX behemoths who lifted the 2025 edition. LAFC scraped past Alajuelense in Costa Rica but arrive brimming with league form.

"Tough Mexican outfit, proper battle ahead," grinned Bouanga. Palencia chipped in: "Everyone's pulling together, no egos. Perfect prep for Cruz Azul." Despite Club World Cup nods, LAFC's Champions Cup hoodoo lingers – finals lost to Mexicans in 2020 and 2023. First leg at home, then Portland Timbers away.

"We chase goals, shut out the rest," shrugged Bouanga. No record obsession, just wins. And after this 6-0 clinic – Son's vision, Bouanga's finish, Lloris' wall – the Black and Gold fancy silverware in every comp. MLS bows to no one right now.

As reported by SI Soccer, this was LAFC at their ruthless best. Pub chat for weeks.