NOTEBOOK: Houston Holds Steals Point From LAFC

by Michael House (LASoccerPress)

June 20, 2021

Los Angeles FC’s early-season struggles continued as they dropped points against Houston Dynamo on Saturday night at the Banc of California Stadium.

The Black & Gold had 65 percent of the possession, 15 shots and five shots on goal as their defense let them down once again. Jose Cifuentes scored from a corner early in the second half, while Houston’s Maxamilliano Urruti equalized eight minutes later.

The defense was not the only issue for LAFC, as the team missed multiple clear-cut chances. The return of Carlos Vela has been a welcome boost to the attack, but there’s a stark lack of conviction in the final third. This resulted in LAFC’s second 1–1 draw against Houston this season.

• Los Angeles FC (2–3–3 overall) falls to ninth in the Western Conference of the MLS with nine points.
• Diego Rossi, 23, continued his strong form amid links to multiple Premier League clubs.
• Jose Cifuentes tapped in a short-lived lead for LAFC when a corner kick fell to his feet.
• Houston Dynamo’s Fafa Picault sliced through LA’s defense before laying off the ball for Urruti to tuck in the bottom corner.