Previewing Houston Dynamo vs LAFC with Angels on Parade
(image via LAFC)
The Houston Dynamo are back at Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday night for a big test. We talked to our friend Trebor Tracy from Angels on Parade to get some insight on LAFC ahead of the match.
Bayou City Soccer (BCS): LAFC got off to an impressive start with a big win over reigning MLS Cup Champion Inter Miami. After a dominant performance in the Champions Cup as well, is this LAFC team already playing near their best?
Angels on Parade (AoP): I wouldn't say this team is playing its best just yet. There have still been moments on defense where they look to miss Aaron Long who is still rehabbing from his injury, and moments where they aren't as sharp as they can be in midfield but what we are seeing is, for the first time in several years, this team seems to be avoiding their typical slow start. The attack has had a whole offseason to build even more chemistry and its proven to be the key in their fast start so far.
BCS: Marc Dos Santos has taken over for Steve Cherundolo as LAFC head coach. What has been the biggest change, if any, in the way LAFC plays under Dos Santos?
AoP: So far under Marc Dos Santos we see a lot more aggressive LAFC going forward. How much of that is the roster he has inherited with Son and how much is his own philosophy remains to be seen, but under Cherundolo this team was happy to give up possession and sit back waiting for the right moment to go on the counter, while under Dos Santos, there is no waiting. It's all gas from kickoff and its a big reason why they have not only won their first few matches, but done so with a fair amount of goals scored.
BCS: Everyone knows the star power LAFC has but who are some players Dynamo fans may not know about that are key to this team?
AoP: The one newest key to the team is their loanee, Stephen Eustaquio who has already made a solid impact on the midfield. He has, so far, not only pulled the strings but been fabolous in getting the attack going. The other name would be David Martínez who's had breakout moments over the last couple of seasons, but this year feels like his true breakout year. He's being given a lot more play time and so far, has shown he can absolutely be that third threat in attack with Bouanga and Son.
BCS: With the addition of Stephen Eustaquio, LAFC may have the best midfield in the league. What makes the trio of Eustaquio, Mark Delgado, and Timothy Tillman so good and vital to how LAFC plays?
AoP: It's the fact that they all know their roles, and do them really well in the middle of the pitch. Tillman is an excellent passer especially from range so he tends to sit a bit deeper, Delgado is very solid defensively, and isnt afraid to stick his boot in and get physical when tracking back to help out the back four, and Eustaquio has settled really well in that maestro role, pulling the strings and really helping push the attack, freeing up space for the forwards to really use the pace they all have to their advantage.
BCS: LAFC have not won in Houston in their last 5 meetings with their last victory in 2019. Do you think the winless run in Houston is something players are even aware of, or does it become noise once kickoff starts?
AoP: Maybe in the past it would have played a small part as some sort of revenge angle, but this season feels like such a clean slate all around for the team. They aren't concerned with past records, history, or anything else, they have a laser focus on the task at hand which at the moment is stacking wins and making sure they not only start the season strong but maintain that form throughout the year. It will be a good test early for the team though, as they continue to shake off the road struggles they've suffered the last couple of seasons, but it isn't something they are thinking about.
BCS: Are there any injury concerns for LAFC coming into this match and do you expect to see the same lineup we saw in the win over Miami?
AoP: Aaron Long remains out, but outside of that it's a team that is healthy and ready to go. It remains to be seen just how often or how Dos Santos will approach rotating the squad with such a busy schedule, but we definitely expect it to be the same lineup we saw against Miami. Their strongest possible, especially coming off the back of their recent Champions Cup second leg where they were able to get a few guys some early rest.
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We want to thank Trebor for his time and wish our friends in Los Angeles the best of luck this weekend.
