Los Angeles FC (LAFC) aims to maintain their unbeaten start under new head coach Marc Dos Santos as they prepare to face the Houston Dynamo. This matchup will take place on Saturday night and promises to test both teams early in the season.
LAFC’s Strong Start
LAFC kicked off their regular season on February 21 with a resounding 3-0 victory against Inter Miami, featuring Lionel Messi. Following this win, they dominated Real Espana in the first round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, securing a 6-1 victory in the first leg in Honduras and a 1-0 win at home in the return leg.
Key Players Shine
- Denis Bouanga: Scored four goals and added an assist across the two matches.
- Son Heung-Min: Contributed four assists, despite having a challenging preseason.
Coach Dos Santos prioritized rhythm for his players, opting to use Bouanga and Son for the first half of the return leg against Real Espana, even when advancement was nearly assured.
Dynamo’s Offseason Reinventions
The Houston Dynamo also began their season on February 21, securing a 2-1 home victory over the Chicago Fire. Brazilian forward Guilherme Augusto, making his MLS debut, was instrumental in this win with both goals.
Strategic Additions
- Guilherme Augusto: Former Santos captain, pivotal in the team’s recent victory.
- Mateusz Bogusz: Acquired from Cruz Azul, previously an LAFC winger.
- Hector Herrera: Returned from Toluca, having significant experience with the Dynamo.
The Dynamo, who finished 12th in the Western Conference in 2025, look to their new acquisitions to enhance their performance this season. Manager Ben Olsen acknowledges that facing LAFC will be a significant challenge.
Looking Ahead
Olsen remarked on LAFC’s caliber, describing them as potentially one of the best transition teams in league history. He noted that this match will serve not only as a test for Houston but also as a benchmark for the team’s development.
The recent history between LAFC and Houston is balanced, with both teams winning two of their last five encounters and one match ending in a draw. As both teams gear up for this critical match, fans can expect an exciting and competitive show on the field.
