LOS ANGE;ES — The Houston Dynamo registered their second consecutive shutout victory over LAFC, 1-0, on Wednesday.

The previous game between the two teams just four days prior on Saturday saw LAFC suffer a 4-0 beating on the road. The consecutive shutouts by Houston represents only the second instance in LAFC’s history where they failed to score against the same opponent twice in a season.

The loss also marks four consecutive games without a victory for LAFC, including the Concacaf Champion’s League final.

Despite the discouraging results, LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo believes that some struggles were expected.

“I think you’re seeing a very fatigued team, who put a lot into the first third of the season up until the (Concacaf) Champion’s League Final which was how we wanted to approach the season” Cherundolo said after the loss. “

In the 23rd, Houston’s Micael found himself unmarked at the far post and effortlessly tapped in a goal from a set piece, capitalizing on the defensive lapse.

In the 79th minute, LAFC forward, Kwadwo Opoku, received a straight red card for a studs-up tackle.

Houston (7-7-4) earned its first away victory this season, breaking their winless streak on the road. Prior to this match, the Dynamo had accumulated a mere two points from eight away games, which is the lowest in the MLS this season.

Meanwhile, LAFC (7-3-6) suffered their first defeat at home in MLS play this season.

LAFC captain Carlos Vela said the team has two choices in response to the recent struggles.

“We are not in our best moment right now. There are two ways to go right now, go home and cry or come back tomorrow and work harder to get back,” Vela said.