Three things we learned: Houston Dynamo vs LAFC
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The 9-man Houston Dynamo fell 2-0 to LAFC on Saturday in their second game of the MLS season. After each game this season, we’re going to bring you three things we learned from the match. Here is our next edition after watching the Dynamo suffer their first loss of the season.
The Dynamo need Ponce in build up
A surprise name on the injury report this week was Ezequiel Ponce, who was listed as questionable with a lower body injury. The Dynamo DP striker was absent in training on Friday and was ruled out for this weekend’s game. This was a big blow for the Dynamo. Ponce might’ve not scored in the season opener against Chicago, but he played big roles in the build up to both of the Dynamo’s goals. Without Ponce, Ondrej Lingr was played as a False-9 but failed to make a mark on the game. The Czechia international was substituted off at halftime with just 9 total touches, and just 2 in the LAFC half. The Dynamo clearly felt Ponce’s absence.
Backline stays firm
Despite being down a man for a large part of the game, the Dynamo defense managed to keep both Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-Min at bay. Jonathan Bond officially made 4 saves, but had a couple great moments that were nullified by late offside flags. It’s hard to blame the Dynamo defense for either of the two goals, which were rockets from outside the box. Lucas Halter and Erik Sviatchenko dealt well with LAFC in transition, and squashed much of the doubt surrounding the integrity of the Dynamo back-3 system.
The week off can’t come soon enough
This Houston Dynamo team is thin at the back, with Antonio Carlos suspended and just two more short-term loans availabke for Agustin Resch until he has to be signed to a senior contract, the Dynamo will be looking to the transfer market for more personnel at the back. Some good news for the Dynamo is that they have no match this coming weekend, with New England having to postpone their game due to weather issues affecting the installation of their new natural grass pitch. This will give the Dynamo plenty of time to not only look for replacements, but to also rehab Felipe Andrade from his quad injury. He made an appearance for Dynamo 2 this Sunday, playing 45 minutes, and should be in contention to make his first start on March 14th when the Dynamo host the Portland Timbers.