LAFC lose against Houston Dynamo in return to MLS Regular Season

A daunting schedule of six matches over the course of the three weeks ultimately led to LAFC's loss in the regular season as the Houston Dynamo bested them 2-0 at BMO Stadium on August 31 in front of a sold-out stadium of supporters after over a month hiatus in the regular season. It was the first of a two-match series between them with the second to be played at Shell Energy Stadium on September 7. Last season, the Dynamo recorded two shutout wins against the Black and Gold in two straight matches held merely four days apart. 

Houston's Ezequiel Ponce and Lawrence Ennali scored their first MLS goals and their goalkeeper Steve Clark recorded six saves.This was LAFC (14-6-5) second defeat in their last 14 matches (10W). "The intensity and concentration was there for today. We just got outplayed tactically," defender Ryan Hollingshead said. "They just had control of the game. We couldn’t get our finger on it and figure out what we need to do to change the momentum." 

LAFC sits five points behind crosstown rival LA Galaxy, who they will face on September 14, with two matches in hand.