On Saturday December 2nd, 2023 LAFC defeated Houston Dynamo by a score of 2-0 at BMO Stadium in downtown Los Angeles, California. LAFC appeared to be in control most of the game because they consistently created the more promising scoring opportunities despite Houston Dynamo retaining ball possession for significantly longer time. LAFC was led by Carlos Vela and his friend and previous teammate from the Mexican National team Hector Herrera led the Houston Dynamo. This might have been Carlos Vela’s last game at BMO Stadium as an LAFC Player.

The start time of the game was delayed several minutes because smoke from flares covered the stadium and field. And as the game began LAFC fans, led by the 3252 Independent Supporters Union, began with their, “Dale, Dale, Dale, Black and Gold!” chant. Later, “Somos El Barrio Angelino…” The first significant shot on target for LAFC came at the 12:00 minute with a shot from Carlos Vela saved by Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Corey Baird. The save resulted in a corner kick concluding in a shot attempt by LAFC’s MLS Golden Boot 2023 winner Denis Bouanga. As play continued, “Ref you suck” chants erupted from the crowd following referee Victor Rivas’ refusal to call fouls against Houston Dynamo. For example, he did not call a foul when a Houston Dynamo defender dragged Carlos Vela down by the arm.

LAFC’s Ryan Hollingshead scored the first goal of the match at 44:00 with a right-footed shot that resulted from his teammate Giorgio Chielleni’s blocked header from Carlos Vela’s corner kick attempt. The game continued with LAFC looking more dominant and Houston Dynamo looking more frustrated. Hector Herrera earned a yellow card at 71:00 for fouling LAFC’s Timothy Tillman on a breakaway. At 78:00 Houston’s Franco Escobar scored an own goal to make the score 2-0. Escobar appeared devastated but he should not have been. His team had not demonstrated an ability to create opportunities to tie the game as it neared its conclusion. LAFC moves on to the MLS Cup Final against Columbus Crew in Ohio on Saturday, December 9th, 2023 at 1:00 PM.