Dynamo try for double over LAFC
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The Houston Dynamo will look to do a double in 2025 over LAFC. The Dynamo beat them 1-0 at Shell Energy Stadium earlier this season and now try and get a win in Los Angeles. The Dynamo are coming off of a big 2-0 win over Austin FC last weekend. LAFC picked up a dramatic late equalizer to draw 2-2 with St. Louis CITY SC in their last match.
When: Saturday, May 3 | 9:40 PM CT kickoff
Where: BMO Stadium; Los Angeles, California
TV/Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Radio: TUDN Deportes Houston 93.3 FM (Spanish)
Same But Different
Houston picked up a win over LAFC earlier this season but that was a very different Los Angeles side. LAFC were in the middle of their Concacaf Champions Cup run and put out a rotated lineup in the loss at Shell Energy Stadium. Dynamo head coach Ben Olsen said Friday that were was nothing to take from that first match because tonight will feature LAFC’s best lineup. Grabbing a second win over LAFC, on the road, against their best, would be a huge accomplishment for Houston.
New Guys Getting Ready
The Dynamo finished off a busy transfer window recently and now some of those players are getting ready to join the lineup. Olsen said center back Pablo Ortiz is ready to go this weekend, giving the Houston defense a big boost. Femi Awodesu has had some good moments this season but he is still a rookie and has made some mistakes. Getting Ortiz into the lineup alongside Erik Sviatchenko should complete a solid backline. Ortiz may not get the start tonight, but I expect we should see him at some point.
Bouanga and the Boys
Denis Bouanga is the unquestioned star of this LAFC team. His ability to pop up and score a goal is among the best in the league, as he did last week to stun St. Louis. Bouanga isn’t alone, however, for Los Angeles’ attack. They lost some pieces but Olivier Giroud finally bagged his first MLS goal last month and new signing Cengiz Under seems to be a perfect fit for this squad and how Steve Cherundolo wants them to play. Houston’s defense will see attacks from all over the field and in a number of different areas. As usual in MLS week-to-week, it will be another test for the Dynamo to contain star attackers.
Houston Dynamo – Out: Lawrence Ennali (knee), Nelson Quinones (knee), Duane Holmes (lower leg), Andrew Tarbell (knee), Toyosi Olusanya (not due to injury); Questionable: Jimmy Maurer (lower body)
LAFC – Out: Maxime Chanot (head), Lorenzo Dellavalle (leg); Questionable: Odin Holm (leg)
Predicted Lineup
