Dynamo kick off doubleheader against LAFC
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The Houston Dynamo are in Southern California for a rematch of last season’s MLS Western Conference Final as they take on LAFC. It will be the first of two straight meetings between these two clubs, with the second match in Houston next weekend. The Dynamo returned to league play last Saturday, losing 1-0 to Toronto at home. LAFC finally returns to league play tonight after a run to the Leagues Cup Final and a Lamar Hunt US Open Cup semifinal on Wednesday.
When: Saturday, August 31 | 9:30 PM CT
Where: BMO Stadium; Los Angeles, California
TV/Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Radio: TUDN Deportes Houston 93.3 FM (Spanish)
WCF Rematch
Tonight’s match will be the first meeting between the Dynamo and LAFC since December’s Western Conference Final. The teams were scheduled to meet in Houston earlier this summer but the match was postponed because of Hurricane Beryl. LAFC advanced to MLS Cup after beating the Dynamo 2-0 in last year’s playoff match. The Dynamo did do a double over LA in the regular season, similar to this season where they played back to back matches. Houston won 1-0 in Los Angeles behind a Micael goal. Can they conjure up some more magic at BMO Stadium and revenge last season’s finale?
Coco’s Return
Head coach Ben Olsen said in his Friday press conference that midfielder Coco Carrasquilla is making the trip with the team to LA, meaning he should be available for tonight’s match. The Dynamo have missed Carrasquilla’s playmaking ability in his hybrid right wing/central midfield role. The Panamanian is great at switching the point of attack for Houston and finding weak spots in the opposition’s defense. Aliyu Ibrahim is one player who thrives with Carrasquilla as he has been keen to get on the end of his long, cross-field passes. Coco’s return could help unlock the Houston offense that struggled to score last weekend.
Allez Les Bleus
LAFC has been known in recent years for their big-name Designated Players and they’ve added a French flair this season. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris joined the club before the season from Tottenham Hotspur in England and has been solid for the Black and Gold. The summer window saw the French national team’s all-time leading scorer Olivier Giroud join Lloris in Southern California. Giroud made his debut for the club during Leagues Cup and is now poised to make his MLS debut tonight. Whether it is Giroud at the number 9 or Kei Kamara, LAFC have a big physical presence in the box to complement their dynamic wingers.
Houston Dynamo – Out: Nelson Quinones (knee); Questionable: Coco Carrasquilla (quad), Jan Gregus (hip)
LAFC– Out: Lorenzo Dellavalle (knee), Jesus Murillo (knee)
Predicted Lineup
