LAFC’s locker room is in turmoil after a crushing 4-1 defeat to Houston Dynamo in the 2026 MLS season’s 12th round at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. The loss puts their third-place position in the Western Conference at risk, with the team potentially dropping to as low as sixth depending on other results.
It was a rout that needed no excuses. LAFC dominated early but proved vulnerable on the counterattack. Jack McGlynn opened the scoring in the 25th minute, and a deflected free kick made it 2-0 in the 34th. Son Heung-min sparked a move that led to Nathan Ordaz’s consolation goal just before halftime, but that was all they could muster. Two more goals conceded within the first 10 minutes of the second half sealed the fate—LAFC’s third 4-goal loss in their last seven matches.
After the game, manager Marko dos Santos blamed the team’s energy levels. “Every time we lost the ball, we lacked the energy and ability to control their counterattacks,” he said. “The first two months were fantastic, but the recent flow has been poor.” He also pointed to a grueling schedule, calling it “the harshest in LAFC history,” but avoided admitting any tactical mistakes.
However, players disagreed. Ordaz, who scored the sole goal, stated, “We’re tired from playing too many games, but not so tired that we should lose 4-1. We all expect a higher standard from ourselves. We tried to bounce back after the Toluca defeat, but the results didn’t follow.” He emphasized that physical exhaustion wasn’t the issue.
Another player identified the real problem as a mental one. Eddie Segura spoke candidly: “This week has been one of the most mentally draining. Getting knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup was a huge shock, and now these results keep coming.” He added, “But we need to stick together, figure out what’s wrong, and work to change the situation.”
With the World Cup just a month away, the slump could also affect Son Heung-min. LAFC still has three matches before the break for the international tournament.
