Three things we learned: Houston Dynamo vs LAFC

(image via Aldo Canale)

The Houston Dynamo shook off their poor home form and beat LAFC 1-0 at Shell Energy Stadium this weekend. After each game this season, we’re going to bring you three things we learned from the match. Here is our next edition after watching the Dynamo pick up win number one of 2025.

McGlynn has found his role

Before this weekend, Jack McGlynn played deeper in the midfield, in the role we have seen Hector Herrera in the past few seasons. On Saturday, McGlynn moved further up the field to the right midfield position, which we saw Coco Carrasquilla play during his time in Houston. Full credit to Ben Olsen and the coaching staff for changing things around and unlocking McGlynn. The 21-year-old midfielder had 11 shot-creating actions and scored his first goal for the club. With Ondrej Lingr joining the lineup soon, it will be interesting to see where he slots in and where McGlynn plays. It’s a good problem to have.

Gillingham is showing out

Coming into the season, Blake Gillingham was the Dynamo’s third string goalkeeper. Now after two injuries, the rookie has ascended to the starting job and is proving he’s worthy of it. Gillingham has the sixth best post-shot xG plus/minus in all of Major League Soccer, and he has only played two full games and a little of a third. There were reports over the weekend that Houston is in negotiations with Watford keeper Jonathan Bond, who previously played in MLS with LA Galaxy. Ben Olsen said on Friday that Jimmy Maurer would be back soon, meaning the Dynamo could have a goalkeeping trio of Gillingham, Bond, and Maurer. It should be an interesting battle for the starting job, but with two saves on Saturday, including a big one to keep the lead late, Gillingham is proving he has what it takes to start in MLS.

Sviatchenko’s worth can’t be overstated

Erik Sviatchenko played the full 90 minutes at center back, showing he has fully recovered from his injury worries. The Danish center back helped Houston contain Denis Bouanga, Olivier Giroud, and David Martinez and post a clean sheet. Having him playing alongside Femi Awodesu is also huge for the youngster. If Sviatchenko can remain healthy, the Dynamo defense is exponentially better, especially with the incoming arrival of Pablo Ortiz.