For the first time since 2019, LAFC walked out of Shell Energy Stadium with a win, earning a 2-0 shutout over the Houston Dynamo on Saturday evening. The Black and Gold are now 2-0-0 in MLS play, and have won four straight across all competitions in a span of just 12 days.
"After the way the season ended last year, I think we wanted to play as many games as possible," said forward Ryan Porteous. "We're starting really well, but we know nothing is won within the first 12 days of the season. I think we're very grounded...we'll stay very humble."
Despite the lack of a scoring spark from their star duo of Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min, Mark Delgado and Stephen Eustáquio stepped up to provide second-half goals. Son still made his presence felt, drawing a pair of red cards against Antônio Carlos and Agustín Bouzat, leaving Houston short two men by the 76th minute.
"I think, regardless of the red cards, we were pretty much in control of the game," said Porteous. "We knew it was going to be a tough place to come and a tough game for us. It was a very good performance."
Delgado got LAFC on the board in the 56th minute with a curling strike that snuck past the reach of Dynamo goalkeeper Jonathan Bond.
Delgado from distance 🚀#HOUvLAFC 0-1 pic.twitter.com/HqqlFf0hpy
— LAFC (@LAFC) March 1, 2026
In the closing minutes, Eustáquio came through with a timely insurance goal to notch his first with Los Angeles. The 29-year-old midfielder joined the club this offseason, ending his time with FC Porto.
Eustáquio from deep 🎯
— LAFC (@LAFC) March 1, 2026
What a way to score your first 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/OO8p8uBOhE
Deep strikes from Delgado and Eustáquio were enough to get LAFC across the finish line against Dynamo squad reduced to nine men. Son had numerous looks late to extend the lead, but could not convert.
Hugo Lloris secured his second shutout performance to open MLS play in 2026, making three saves in the process. The 39-year-old has now allowed just one goal through his first three games of the calendar year.
After splitting their season series with Houston last season, Los Angeles claimed the first of two against the squad this year to hand them their first loss. The all-time head-to-head record is now 8-5-6 in favor of the Black and Gold.
LAFC will get a six-day rest before returning to action in the home opener at BMO Stadium on Saturday, March 7, against FC Dallas. So far, Dallas has gone 1-1-0 to open their season.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT.
