LAFC Defeats the Dynamo 2-0

PHOTO; LAFC Communications

In an usual encounter between Western Conference rivals, LAFC and Houston Dynamo had a one-sided game at BMO Stadium. Nathan Ordaz in the tenth minute and Jeremy Ebobisse at the end of the second half gave LAFC their third home victory in this 2025 season.

Ben Olsen, Dynamo´s manager, came to the field with a 4-2-3-1: the captain Artur and Raimes were in charge to give solidity to the midfield; the Argentine Ezequel Ponce was a solitary number 9 striker. Former LAFC Academy player Erik Dueñas and MLS veteran and Seattle Sounders legend Nicolas Lodeiro were in the bench.

As usual, the Black and Gold had its traditional 4-3-3 formation; Hugo Lloris in goal; captain Aaron Long and Eddie Segura as cetral defenders; Rayan Hollingshead and Sergi Palencia in the wings; Timothy Tilman, Mark Delgado and Igor Jesus in the midfield; and Nathan Ordaz, David Martinez and Denis Bouanga as attackers.

The first half was practically one-sided. Dynamo´s goalkeeper had a total of seven shots, most of them against Designed player Denis Bouanga. A free kick at the seven minute and a one-on-one battle at the end were the most notable. Without the Gabonese player´s participation and with a sequence of passes initiated by Eddie Segura is how the first goal came. The Colombian defender passed the ball to Tilman, who gave it to David Martinez. After that, Sergi Palencia ran through the right side and placed the ball in the area. After two attempts and one rebound, Nathan Ordaz placed the ball in the net, this at the tenth minute.

The second half was not different than the first one. At the 54th minute, a number of first touch passes ended with a strike with the right foot by Denis Bouanga saved by Jonathan Bond.

Seeking a different approach in offense, Steve Cherundolo brought Cengiz Under to the field. The three in the front had the departure of goal scorer Nathan Ordaz and the incorporation of Jeremy Ebobisse. It was the former San Jose Eeathquakes striker who placed the ball in the net at the 79th minute. A counter attack had Denis Bouanga and Ebobisse against three Dynamo players. With the chance of scoring, Bouanga passed the ball to the right area to Ebobisse, who left-footed the ball to give LAFC the 2-goal advantage.

BMO Stadium saw the debut of Frankie Amaya.

With this result, Houston Dynamo ended in the 13th place of the Western Conference. On the other hand, the Black and Gold finishes fifth San Diego, the Portland Timbers, Minnesota United and CONCACAF Champions Cup finalist Vancouver Whitecaps above them.

Speaking of the Canadian sensation, LAFC travels to BC Place to play against the Whitecaps next Sunday. The Dynamo goes to Phoenix in the week to play against the Raising as part of the US Open Cup and retunrs to Texas to host the Seattle Sounders next Saturday.