Hernán Herrera only needs two games to make MLS history.
When the Mexican decided to move to Houston Dynamo last summer, he shocked the soccer world. He had just won titles with FC Porto and Atlético Madrid in the top European leagues. Houston had not won a prize since 2018 and had not made the playoffs in five years before he joined the team.
Before the game against LAFC, Herrera talked to reporters about his first full season in Major League Soccer.
“Many of you told me when I first came here that I was going to retire here, be quiet, and enjoy the way of life here,” he said. “I told them I was coming to win things and get the team ready to compete and win titles.” This team is going to compete this year. We already have a title. I did not come to MLS to slow down. I’m happy that I kept my word.
For new manager Ben Olsen, the Open Cup win in September was the first trophy. Olsen recently talked to AS USA about this. In the final, Houston played an in-form Inter Miami, and Herrera thinks that victory could be a big moment for a team that is still growing.
“We won the Open Cup, which was a big deal for me.” “Maybe because I feel important on the team or because it was so hard to get, I had never enjoyed a title like that before,” he said.
Herrera gets ready to play Vela, a friend from El Tri
Herrera’s Houston go to Los Angeles this weekend to play the defending MLS Cup winners. At times during the regular season, LAFC had trouble staying consistent. However, they have shown their class in the playoffs by beating the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Seattle Sounders.
Steve Cherundolo’s team wants to become only the fourth to win back-to-back MLS Cups. They have one of the best players in the league in Carlos Vela, who plays with Herrera for Mexico. Before Saturday’s game, Herrera talked about how great Vela’s career has been.
“Carlos Vela is not only my friend, but also the best player in Mexico because of how good he is and how long he has been playing.” I’ve told him that before; it’s what I think about him. He said, “It will be great to see him again and play against him.”
On Saturday, December 2, La FC will play the Houston Dynamo. The game will start at 6:30pm (PT) or 9:30pm (ET) at BMO Stadium.
