Previewing Houston Dynamo at LAFC with Angels on Parade
(image via LAFC)
The Houston Dynamo will head to California for their second match against LAFC this season. We talked to our friend Trebor Tracy from Angels on Parade to get some insight on LAFC ahead of Saturday’s match.
Bayou City Soccer (BCS): The Dynamo beat LAFC 1-0 a few weeks ago. Is there anything you took from that game that led to the loss?
Angels on Parade (AoP): Yes and no. That loss featured a slightly rotated squad but also featured a fair amount of the regulars. Obviously, a win is a win, so Houston should absolutely feel great. As far as learning anything from it, not too much. That loss was while the team as focusing, perhaps a bit too much, on Concacaf Champions League. Now, Dynamo will have their full attention, and the strongest squad possible.
BCS: Olivier Grioud scored his first MLS goal recently. Is he finding his footing in this LAFC team now?
AoP: It seems as though Giroud is starting to find his footing with LAFC. Scoring aside, he seems to be a lot more engaged the last few matches when compared to the start of his time here. The goals always help, but to have him attacking defensives, drawing away defenders, and setting up others, makes him just as dangerous.
BCS: It was announced recently that head coach Steve Cherundolo is leaving the team at the end of this season. Do you think this will have any effect on the team the rest of the year and how will Cherundolo be remembered for his time in LA?
AoP: This is a bit of a tough question. In terms of affecting the team, it likely has but they have done well to navigate it. This is a team that comes into every season wanting to win it all, and lift every trophy they can, but after the recent announcement there is definitely the sense the squad want to send Cherundolo off with another MLS Cup in his hands. As for how he's viewed longterm, that is yet to be seen. So far, it's a mixed bag. Having won the MLS Cup in 2022 is phenomenal, but the subsequent run of four final appearances and losses across several competitions, is something fans especially, won't forget or let go easily.
BCS: LAFC have given up 16 goals in 10 league games. Has the defense struggled, is Hugo Lloris regressing some, or is some kind of combination of all of that?
AoP: That is one of the bigger questions for LAFC this year. The defense as a whole is struggling. In fairness, Lloris started off the year in great form, but its been the backline that has let him down. However over the last few matches, it seems like the entire group is struggling to keep opponents out of the back of the net. There have been a couple of injuries to players like Marlon, but as a whole, the defense has been a sore spot for the team all season.
BCS: We know how good Denis Bouanga is, but can new signing Cengiz Under help this LAFC team become a championship contender again?
AoP: Cengiz Ünder is a massive reason for Bounga's resurgence as of late. The new arrival has been a real spark for the club and his distribution has been a key reason why Denis has been able to get back to his goalscoring ways. If Ünder can keep his form consistent, he will absolutely be a reason this side competes for the MLS Cup this Fall.
BCS: Are there any notable injuries for LAFC and what do you expect for a lineup on Saturday?
AoP: At the moment, the only injuries are Maxime Chanot who is expected to be out with a head injury, Lorenzo Dellavalle, and midfielder Odim Holm remains questionable with a leg injury.
Predicted Starting XI:
Lloris-Palencia-Marlon-Long-Hollingshead-Tillman-Jesus-Delgado-Bouanga-Ordaz-Giroud
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We want to thank Trebor for his time and wish our friends in Los Angeles the best of luck tomorrow.
