Houston Dynamo Aim for First Win Against Los Angeles FC

HOUSTON, Texas — The Houston Dynamo will seek their first victory of the MLS season when they host Los Angeles FC at Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday, April 6, 2025. After a dismal start, the Dynamo are currently second-bottom in the Western Conference with only two points from six matches.

Houston has struggled significantly this season, drawing twice and losing four times. Their most recent match resulted in a 3-1 defeat to the Portland Timbers, where they allowed three goals, showing vulnerabilities in defense despite holding the ball for much of the game.

“We need to convert our possession into more than just shots on goal. Last week against Portland, we had just one shot on target,” Dynamo coach said in a pre-match interview. “We need to be sharper in front of the net and more resilient at the back.”

Historically, the Dynamo have found some success against LAFC at home, being unbeaten in their last three encounters and having lost only one of their six all-time matches against the visitors.

Los Angeles FC, on the other hand, is coming off a mixed run of form, seated in eighth place with nine points from six games. They recently managed to secure a narrow 1-0 victory against Inter Miami in the ongoing CONCACAF Champions Cup, boosting their morale after a disappointing loss where they conceded three goals away from home against San Diego.

“It’s crucial we carry our momentum from the Champions Cup into Sunday’s match,” said LAFC coach, emphasizing the importance of consistency in performances. “We need to find a way to tighten up defensively while maintaining our attacking prowess.”

The Dynamo are facing injury concerns, with several key players sidelined. Goalkeeper is unlikely to play due to injury, leaving for the starting spot after making his first MLS start last week.

Meanwhile, LAFC is also dealing with their share of absentees, most significantly the suspension of holding midfielder due to a red card in their last match.

The dynamics of this matchup may hinge significantly on each team’s ability to capitalize on injuries within the other’s squad. As both teams look to improve their standings, the matchup at Shell Energy Stadium promises to be a closely contested affair.

The probable starting lineups are as follows:

Houston Dynamo: Gillingham; Dorsey, Escobar, Awodesu, Steres; Artur, McGlynn; Lodeiro, Bassi, Kowalczyk; Ponce.

Los Angeles FC: Lloris; Palencia, Long, Segura, Hollingshead; Tillman, Holm, Delgado; Under, Ordaz, Bouanga.

With both teams eager for points, this match could be a turning point in their seasons.