LAFC will have revenge on its mind after blowout
The Dynamo handed the defending MLS Cup champions LAFC its worst loss of the year, dropping four goals on them this past weekend.
With a quick turnaround after Saturday’s 4-0 win, the Dynamo will try to defeat LAFC on the road for the first time as the teams meet in the second of back-to-back matches at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at BMO Stadium.
“This game will be a different animal going to LA. Won’t be 95 degrees, so their energy I think will be a little higher,” said Dynamo coach Ben Olsen, who will return after serving a one-game suspension. “We also just put four on them, so there will be a little animosity and they’d like to return that favor. We’ll have to be at our best.”
LAFC has been in a slump. Steve Cherundolo’s squad is scoreless in its last three games for the first time in club history, has been shut out at home in the last three games and has been outscored 9-1 in the last five matches in all competitions.
Still, LAFC has outscored its opponents 15-5 in seven league home games, Forward Dénis Bouanga has 10 goals and is tied with three others for the most in MLS play.
Olsen is taking last weekend’s 4-0 triumph with a grain of salt.
“I know we beat the champs but they’re coming off a real emotional week losing the Champions League and then having a tough game two days after that,” Olsen said.
Dynamo defender Franco Escobar, who scored in Saturday’s win was named to the latest edition of the MLS Team of the Matchday alongside midfielder and captain Héctor Herrera, will miss the rematch because of yellow card accumulation. Adalberto Carrasquilla will also be out on international duty with Panama.
“We’re always searching for that perfect game,” Olsen said. “Really fine-tuning it and making sure we’re in a good spot down the stretch in this league to make sure we get the right amount of points to get into the playoffs.”