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Ruben Ramos Jr. was perfect, literally, as his perfect hattrick (scored with both feet and a header) led the way as the LA Galaxy defeated Charlotte SC 4-1 to repeat as MLS Next Cup U17 champions. It concludes an impressive season for a team that reached the GA Cup final in early spring.

At kickoff, all eyes were on Ramos, who made his MLS debut with the LA Galaxy just six days prior, and USYNT star Nimfasha Berchimas of Charlotte FC, who also had MLS minutes on his resume and was flown in by the team to play in the semifinal. The Charlotte FC prodigy had already proved his worth days prior with a last-minute game-winning goal to lead the team to the final.

Ramos would strike first in the 17th minute with a world-class header on a cross from Dylan Vanney. It was an outstanding goal worthy of the occasion.

Go off then Ruben 😤

Dylan Vanney sends in a dime to Ruben Ramos Jr. to put us in the lead! pic.twitter.com/EoyOAuoPUe

— LA Galaxy Academy (@LAGalaxyAcademy) June 24, 2024

And in the 23rd minute, the Galaxy would strike again on another header, this time from impressive center-back Jose Magana, who rose highest to power home an in-swinging corner kick from Gabriel Arnold. It was a deserved goal for Magana, who formed a formidable center-back duo with Enrique Martinez.

He just wants it more 👏

Pepe Magana makes it 2-0! pic.twitter.com/J1HUHYLmhu

— LA Galaxy Academy (@LAGalaxyAcademy) June 24, 2024

Despite the best attempts of Berchimas and the Charlotte attack, the Galaxy would put away all hopes of a comeback in the 45th minute as Ramos would again flex his elite goal-scoring instincts to tap in a left-footed shot. With the game essentially out of hand, the LA Galaxy striker would score a well-placed right-footed shot in the 50th minute to give him the first hat trick in MLS Next Cup final history.

Make that 3️⃣ pic.twitter.com/Y3m4ZjjmrT

— LA Galaxy Academy (@LAGalaxyAcademy) June 24, 2024

A consolation goal from Rocket Ritarita ensured Charlotte FC did not suffer a shutout in the 4-1 loss.

Magana was named tournament MVP.

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