Denis Bouanga has become LAFC's all-time leading scorer in MLS regular-season play. The forward reached 79 goals in 127 matches, moving past Carlos Vela's 78 goals in 152 games. The record was broken in the 53rd minute of a 2-2 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes, when Bouanga finished a counterattack after an assist from Son Heung-min. The figures were confirmed by MLSsoccer.com and LAFC.
Bouanga vs. Vela: the record numbers
The direct comparison shows that Bouanga passed Vela in fewer regular-season appearances. The rate below is calculated from the official goal and match totals.
| Player | MLS regular-season goals for LAFC | Games | Goals per game |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denis Bouanga | 79 | 127 | 0.62 |
| Carlos Vela | 78 | 152 | 0.51 |
Bouanga also reached the 75-goal mark more quickly. LAFC recorded that he needed 118 regular-season matches to score 75 goals, while Vela reached the same mark in 136 games. The comparison appears in an official club preview.
How the record-breaking goal happened
The goal came in the 53rd minute against San Jose. According to LAFC's official recap, the team built a counterattack from its own end. Mark Delgado found Son in space through the middle, the South Korean drove forward and served Bouanga at the far side. The Gabon international finished to make it 2-0 at that point.
San Jose responded later and tied the match 2-2 in stoppage time. The night therefore ended with the points shared, but with Bouanga's individual milestone officially secured.
What the new record actually represents
The scope matters: the 79 goals that put Bouanga ahead of Vela are MLS regular-season goals for LAFC. The figure does not automatically include playoffs, the Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup or other competitions.
Bouanga had already passed Vela as the club's leading scorer across all competitions. This new milestone removes the remaining gap at the top of the regular-season scoring list, the category in which Vela had still been ahead before this matchday.
Bouanga's 2026 season context
The goal against San Jose was Bouanga's 14th of the 2026 MLS regular season. After the match, MLSsoccer.com noted that he still had seven games to try to reach 20 goals again. Bouanga is the only player in MLS history to score at least 20 goals in three consecutive seasons.
His recent pace also helps explain the record. LAFC reported that Bouanga has scored 78 regular-season goals since the start of 2023, nine more than any other league player over that span after this match.
Son's assist also carried statistical weight
The pass for the record-breaking goal was Son Heung-min's 13th assist of the 2026 regular season. At the end of the match, LAFC reported that the total put him level with Lionel Messi for the league lead in assists at that moment.
The move summarizes a connection that has become central to LAFC's attack in 2026: Son driving the transition and Bouanga attacking space to finish. In this case, their combination had a direct impact on the club's statistical history.
What changes on LAFC's all-time list
With 79 goals, Bouanga now holds first place alone among LAFC scorers in MLS regular-season play. Vela is second with 78, while retaining a legacy that includes the 2019 MLS MVP award and Golden Boot. LAFC now also identifies him as a club owner and ambassador.
For Bouanga, every additional regular-season goal from this point will extend a record that already belongs to him. LAFC's next match is scheduled for September 26 against FC Dallas, according to the schedule published by the club after the draw in San Jose.
