LAFC were back in action and on the road this weekend. A trip to Texas saw them take on the Houston Dynamo. Looking to get back in the win column after the draw their last match, the black & gold were up against a Dynamo side looking to get into a playoff position with a win tonight.
Ciao, Houston. #LAFC pic.twitter.com/JFic7F2VfA
— LAFC (@LAFC) June 10, 2023
Both sides knew getting an early goal would be crucial in coming away with a win on the night, but it was the home side who was able to strike first. Nelson Quiñónes took on a couple defenders, created space and got off a shot that, with the help of a bit of a deflection, found its way past John McCarthy for the lead.
Nelson Quiñónes smashes @HoustonDynamo in front.
Watch for FREE on #MLSSeasonPass: https://t.co/MH8C0qwh3P pic.twitter.com/Le8whhELhS
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 11, 2023
The goal would be the only one scored in the half, with Houston taking the lead into the break. The second half started much like the first, which wasn’t great for LAFC. The Dynamo were able to draw a penalty in just four minutes into the second half, setting up a huge chance to double the lead. Amine Bassi stepped up to the spot, sent McCarthy the opposite direction and secured the second goal of the night for Houston.
Amine Bassi stays automatic from the spot. @HoustonDynamo go 2-0 up. pic.twitter.com/5K1mHRlDYO
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 11, 2023
The match began to slip away from LAFC when Corey Baird added a third to the tally for Houston. The one time LAFC player was able to take advantage of some sloppy passing out the back from the LAFC defense, and only had McCarthy left to beat, which he did with a slotted effort into the back of the net.
Corey Baird subs on and extends @HoustonDynamo‘s lead by 3️⃣. pic.twitter.com/sdP9mPEWOf
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 11, 2023
Dynamo waited until the final moments of the match to put the final nail in the coffin. In the 90th minute, Franco Escobar, another former LAFC player, received the ball outside the box and in one swift move turned and put on a shot that sailed past the keeper for the exclamation point.
Franco Escobar from DOWNTOWN Houston ☄️ pic.twitter.com/ZqEMRNsCNF
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 11, 2023
The black & gold finished fairly even with the Dynamo in just about everything. Both sides had 12 shots, LAFC had three find their target as opposed to the four for Houston, and the visitors held more possession with 58%. However it was the home side to take advantage of their opportunities more, coming away with four goals, and three points.
Thoughts on the match? Leave a comment below!