MATCH PREVIEW: LAFC vs. Houston Dynamo

by Michael House (LASoccerPress)

June 19, 2021

Venue: Banc of California Stadium — Los Angeles
Date: Saturday, June 19–8:00 PM PST
How to Watch: TUDN

Black & Gold Report

Bob Bradley’s side have struggled mightily this season. After securing an all-important 2–1 win against the Colorado Rapids, the Black & Gold were defeated by New York City FC. Even with the rough start to the season, LAFC have the chance to climb the standings as they only sit four points behind fourth place, Colorado.

Luckily for LAFC, they have more raw talent than the Houston Dynamo and should be able to sneak past them based off of that.

LAFC Team News

The only absence that LAFC has is defender Diego Palacios who is still on International duty with Ecuador. … Corey Baird and Carlos Vela are likely to be joined by forward Diego Rossi, who has recently gained interested from multiple Premier League sides.

LAFC Recent Form: D/L/L/W/L

LAFC Predicted Lineup: Sisnieg (GK); Blackmon, Murillo, Segura, Farfan; Cifuentes, Atuesta, Kaye; Vela ©, Rossi, Baird

Orange Crush Report

Like LAFC, the Dynamo have enjoyed an inconsistent start to their season. They currently sit in a playoff spot, a rare occurrence after they finished at the bottom of the Western Conference last season. The middle of the Western Conference is extremely tight and a bad run of form could be detrimental to their season.

Expect a defensive-minded performance from the Texas outfit, against a dangerous attack in LA.

Dynamo Team News

The Dynamo has no absences due to the Copa America, but they have multiple injuries. Defenders Sam Junqua and Ethan Bartlow are both sidelined. … Tyler Pasher is also expected to miss this match, with him only featuring five times this season.

Dynamo Recent form: D/W/L/W/L

Dynamo Predicted Lineup: Maric (GK); Valentin, Parker, Garcia, Lundqvist; Vera, Jones, Corona; Rodriguez, Urruti, Picault

Predicted Score: LAFC 2–0

Match Odds (via Yahoo Sportsbook):
LAFC -250
Draw +360
Dynamo +675