LAFC vs. Houston Dynamo: Match Preview

Where: Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles, Calif.

When: Friday, October 12th, 7 pm PT

How To Watch: Youtube TV, UniMás 46 in Los Angeles viewing region; ESPN+ in the rest of the United States.

Los Angeles Football Club did it, they pulled off the tremendous accomplishment of clinching a playoff spot.

Most expansion teams fail to even be competitive, let alone actually make the playoffs.

Now, since that goal has been met, the next task is to try to secure a first round bye in the playoffs. LAFC is tied with Sporting Kansas City on points at 53, and three behind them on goal difference.

Both teams are four points behind FC Dallas, and play each other on the last day of the season in what could decide the top of the Western Conference

LAFC’s next opponent is sure to keep their attention, because it’s one of the few teams that LAFC have struggled against, the Houston Dynamo.

Besides the two games against the LA Galaxy where they blew those leads, Houston has caused LAFC the most heartache so far, grabbing two goals in stoppage time to steal a point at home, and knocking LAFC out of the U.S. Open Cup on penalties.

LAFC have gotten better at defending leads, but Houston could be a team that will still give them problems, because of their counterattacking style and their talent up front. Mauro Manotas in particular is having a very good season.

Houston has been eliminated from the playoff race this year, so now all they can do is attempt to play the spoiler.

For LAFC, it was great last game for Adama Diomande to get back on the scoresheet, after struggling with an injury and really just getting back into the fold.

Being at home and given Houston’s style, LAFC should hold a majority of the possession.

If LAFC can get their playmakers, in particular Benny Feilhaber, Lee Nguyen, and Carlos Vela on the ball, they stand a good chance of coming up with a victory here.

Prediction: LAFC 2, Houston Dynamo 0.

LAFC wins to keep pace at the top, and Diomande scores in his second consecutive game.

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