Enemy Scouting Report - LAFC
(image via LAFC)
The Houston Dynamo are coming off one of their finest performances of the season, following a commanding 2-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids at Shell Energy Stadium. Head coach Ben Olsen and his squad now set their sights on a challenging trip to Los Angeles, where they’ll aim to topple LAFC for the second time this season, having already bested them a month ago in Houston. The rivalry between these two clubs continues to intensify, with LAFC historically getting the upper hand when it matters most — in the playoffs.
In their first meeting earlier this season, Los Angeles FC rested several key starters, as they were juggling commitments in the CONCACAF Champions League. Since then, however, the Black and Gold have been eliminated from the continental competition and are now fully focused on their MLS campaign. Houston will once again have their hands full containing LAFC’s dynamic attack, led by the likes of Denis Bouanga, Olivier Giroud, and David Martínez.
Bouanga, LAFC’s talismanic winger, brings relentless pace, sharp dribbling, and an eye for goal — he thrives on cutting inside from the flanks and testing keepers from distance. Olivier Giroud, the veteran French striker, offers physical presence, intelligent hold-up play, and lethal finishing in the box, making him a constant aerial threat on set pieces. Meanwhile, young Colombian forward David Martínez adds creativity and flair, often dropping deep to link play and unlock defenses with his vision and quick feet.
LAFC Record: 4W-2D-4L
Results in the last 30 days:
April 5 - Houston 1-0 LAFC (MLS)
April 9 - Inter Miami CF 3-1 LAFC (CCC)
April 12 - LAFC 2-1 San Jose (MLS)
April 19 - Portland 3-3 LAFC (MLS)
April 27 - LAFC 2-2 St. Louis City (MLS)
Last Match Staring XI (from fotmob.com)
2025 Roster
Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris, Thomas Hasal, David Ochoa
Defenders: Eddie Segura, Marlon, Sergi Palencia, Lorenzo Dellavalle, Ryan Hollingshead, Maxime Chanot, Artem Smolyakov, Aaron Long, Luca Bombino, Kenny Nielsen, Nkosi Tafari
Midfielders: Igor Jesus, Mark Delgado, Timothy Tillman, Yaw Yeboah, Frankie Amaya, Adam Saldana, Jude Terry, Odin Thiago Holm
Forwards: Olivier Giroud, Jeremy Ebobisse, Cengiz Ünder, Nathan Ordaz, David Martínez, Adrian Wibowo, Denis Bouanga
Can the Houston Dynamo rise to the occasion and defeat LAFC once again, this time on their home turf?
