Houston Dynamo vs LAFC player ratings

(image via Ricky Vega)

The Houston Dynamo were beaten 2-0 by LAFC on Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium. Let’s take a look at how everyone performed.

Starters

Jonathan Bond - 6.5

LAFC scored on two shots from outside the box. Both were well placed into the corner following set pieces where the Dynamo defense seemed to shut off. Bond kept the Dynamo in the game with some big saves, including back to back stops on Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min in the first half.

Duane Holmes - 6.5

Holmes was pinned back for stretches of the game with the threat of Bouanga on his side. He did well to limit the LAFC star while also getting into the attack when needed.

Erik Sviatchenko - 6

Erik had 7 defensive contributions and 4 passes into the final third, highlighting what he can give to this team. He had to come off late in the game when he looked to be grabbing at his hamstring. That will be a worry going forward given his recent injury history.

Antonio Carlos - 5

Up until the red card, Antonio Carlos was key in keeping LAFC at bay. He had 8 defensive contributions in the first half. Then came the foul on Son, and say what you will about the call, which changed the game dramatically.

Lucas Halter - 7

The Brazilian put in another very good performance, leading the team with 12 defensive contributions. The bright lights weren’t too much for him and he’s proving that he not only belongs in MLS but has the ability to be an upper echelon center back.

Lawrence Ennali - 6.5

This was one of those games that Ennali has had during his time in Houston where he seems invisible for long stretches. He’s still learning a new role so he gets some leeway but he just didn’t offer much to the team on this night outside a shot late in the match.

Agustin Bouzat - 5.5

Bouzat was all over the field in this match, especially when the Dynamo went down to 10 men. With Houston pushing men forward for a corner kick, trying to find an equalizer, the Dynamo got caught on a counter and Bouzat tugged at the arm of Son. It was a tactical foul by the veteran but he had to see red, a decision that sealed Houston’s fate.

Jack McGlynn - 7.5

McGlynn is the straw that stirs the Dynamo drink. He comes very deep to gain possession and is involved in most attacking sequences. He completed an impressive 93% of his passes and created 2 chances.

Mateusz Bogusz - 6.5

In a match against his former team, Bogusz wasn’t able to exact any revenge. He did well in getting into the box and setting up chances but nothing came from those opportunities.

Guilherme - 6

It’s hard to follow up the debut Guilherme had. LAFC did well to stifle him, the Brazilian attempted just 15 passes and had only 39 touches. He was dispossed 4 times and completed none of his dribble attempts. A rough outing for Guilherme but he’ll surely bounce back.

Ondrej Lingr - 6.5

Lingr started up top for the injured Ezequiel Ponce but then was sacrificed at half time for a defender with the Dynamo down a man. In 45 minutes Lingr had just 9 touches. He was good when he did get on the ball, he just didn’t have many chances.

Substitutes

Agustin Resch - 6

Imagine having to come on at half time for your MLS debut against LAFC’s attack with your team down a man. That’s what Resch had to do on Saturday night and he did it admirably. He had 5 defensive contributions but also didn’t make any glaring mistakes, which is big for a young player’s confidence.

Hector Herrera - 6

It was nice to see Herrera return to the field for the Dynamo for the first time since 2024. He only got about 15 minutes of game time but you could see that he can still do a job when called on.

Diadie Samassekou, Nick Markanich, and Matthew Arana - N/A

All three players came on late. Arana’s debut was notable as he became the youngest player ever to play for the Dynamo at just 15-years-old.

Head Coach

Ben Olsen - 7

The Dynamo seemed to have the game plan right against this dangerous LAFC team. Then the red card came and threw all that out the window. You can’t blame Olsen for that and they adjusted well given the circumstances. Both goals coming from set pieces will drive Olsen and the staff mad, and it’s something they will definitely be looking to clean up going forward.