The way this game started was a complete 180 degrees from the way it finished. With a tough loss on Wednesday to the Portland Timbers, LAFC was looking to rebound against a Houston team who was teetering on the edge of the playoff picture.With a busy schedule this month, Bob Bradley chose to sit several starters. It was clear the team was out of sync to start the game. Houston took advantage early and put a goal in the back of the net in the third minute. From the get-go, the Black and Gold were on their heels. By the 40th minute, it was surprising the lead for the Dynamo wasn’t two or three. Mistakes by Kaye, Beitashour and even Miller had put them in a bad position and a 1-0 lead in favor of the Dynamo was partially luck and partially Mohamed El Munir making an incredible play to keep the Dynamo out of the net. LAFC put it together though to close out the half and Diomande scored to go into the break tied at 1-1.
LAFC had a renewed energy to start the second half. Josh Perez put a beautiful move on the outside defender and dropped in a gorgeous pass to start the play and between Lee Nguyen and Diomande, the Black and Gold were up 2-1. The game continued back and forth as both sides had several opportunities. LAFC really struggled on defense throughout the game. The offense was solid despite not having the MVP of the season up to this point in Carlos Vela. Perez once again beat his defender on the right side of the filed and gave a beautiful pass to Diego Rossi who made it 3-1.
LAFC played well even with the second team out there. Joshua Perez was winning down the right side all night long. Mohamed El Munir is making a strong case to start over Jordan Harvey on the left side and after some initial nerves, Miller looked comfortable again. This might be one of the more impressive wins this season. After a shaky start, the second team unit rebounded to beat a decent team 3-1. Of course, the starters have been incredible, but for the second team guys to come together like that? Impressive.
