Dynamo season ends with loss to LAFC in Western Conference Final
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The Houston Dynamo season ended Saturday night with a 2-0 loss to LAFC in the Western Conference Final. Houston came into the match looking to beat LAFC for a third time this season but a full strength squad for the defending champions was too much to overcome. The 2023 season, that exceeded so many expectations, comes to a close.
LAFC came out swinging early. Carlos Vela hit the crossbar just two minutes in. Vela then had the ball in the net two minutes later but the flag went up for offside. Just minutes later, in the 7th minute, Hector Herrera whipped in a cross to Corey Baird but LAFC goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau came out and stuffed the shot from a difficult angle.
After 30 minutes, Carlos Vela looked to be in on goal when Dynamo goalkeeper Steve Clark came way out of his goal and took out the Mexican attacker. It would have likely been a red card for Clark but the flag was once again up on Vela. The Dynamo looked to get the game to the half scoreless but the home side had other plans.
A corner kick in the 44th minute was headed on goal by Giorgio Chiellini. Clark saved the initial shot but Ryan Hollingshead crashed the goal and put the rebound into the net to give LAFC a 1-0 lead.
The Dynamo tried to find an equalizer but just not could find anything on the attack. Thor Ulfarsson and Aliyu Ibrahim came in off the bench to try and bring a spark but they just couldn’t get anything going. LAFC killed the game off with a second goal in the 80th minute.
Diego Palacios got to the end line and put a cross in front of goal. Defender Franco Escobar slid back to try and cut out the pass but ended up putting the ball into the Houston net. LAFC went up 2-0 and they were able to see the game out to advance to their second straight MLS Cup.
The Dynamo season ends but their is hope to be had. Houston lifted the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and made a deep run in the playoffs. This is quite a remarkable turn around from what the Dynamo have been in recent years, even last season. The challenge now will be how can the Dynamo keep this up and not just be a flash in the pan. The club has a big offseason ahead of them. Stay tuned here at Bayou City Soccer and we will keep you updated on everything this offseason.
