Written by Juan Pereira

Photo by Houston Dynamo FC

The feelings surrounding this win against LAFC aren’t the best. Although this victory puts the Dynamo one step closer to their goal of reaching the playoffs, it came at a cost. Lawrence Ennali, the club’s most expensive u22 signing ever, came down in the final stages of the match with a non-contact leg injury. 

Although his injury was and still is worrying, Houston were able to grab three points in a convincing fashion against LAFC, one of the best teams in MLS by a wide margin. The first goal of the match came in the 28th minute thanks to Ezequiel Ponce, Houston’s marquee signing. Although some may consider that goal a tap in, it’s important to recognize that Ponce positioned himself very well to pounce on the loose ball. 

For the rest of the first half, Houston were able to control possession and limit LAFC’s offense to a minimum, which was showcased by the large xG disparity. 

The second half had more intensity from LAFC, but Houston did well to once again limit their opponent. The midfield was stellar and Ben Olsen made some good substitutions to keep the level up on the pitch. 

Ennali, one of the substitutes, scored an incredible solo goal in which he juked past Hugo Lloris and tapped it into the back of the net. That’s a goal that only a few players on this roster could have accomplished. 

The rest of the match was smooth sailing for the squad, but the stain of Ennali’s injury remained. Ben Olsen said in the press conference that the injury didn’t “look good” for the German winger. 

Nevertheless, this was a big game for the Dynamo that makes up for their home loss last week against Toronto FC. 

“Tonight was about our response from losing a home game last week,” Olsen said. “We are still fixing our home form because we want to win every time we are in our building at Shell Energy Stadium.” 

The Dynamo will try to rectify their home performances against LAFC in the second game of this miniseries on Saturday, September 7.