San Diego FC v Houston Dynamo: Angel highlights composure as reason for recent comebacks

San Diego FC forward Tomas Angel credited his side’s mentality following their run of comeback victories.

San Diego have come from behind in three of their last five wins, including their most recent victory, a 3-2 win over FC Dallas.

They sit top of the Western Conference after eight wins in their last 10 MLS matches (D1 L1), with a one-point lead over the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Angel scored the 96th-minute winner against Dallas last time out, one of many late goals San Diego have scored in recent games.

The Colombian forward pointed toward their mentality and composure when asked about their current form.

Angel said: "They've always said that the game doesn't finish until the referee whistles, and I always try to be calm and thinking that there's an opportunity that's going to come.

"I think it's just being calm and thinking that whatever ball is loose, try to score.

"Sometimes it's gonna be a fantastic day, sometimes it's going to be a not-so-good day, but I think the attitude has to be always there and try to keep on going, looking forward and looking to the next play.

"I think we have a great group. We all get along, and I think that’s important for a long season, for a season with a team that’s just starting out, and the truth is, I feel that we are a big family."

Next up on San Diego's MLS schedule are Western Conference rivals the Houston Dynamo, who ended a three-game losing streak by beating St. Louis City SC 1-0 in their last match.

The Dynamo sit 10th in the West, just outside the playoff places, and are three points behind ninth-place Austin FC.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

San Diego FC – Anders Dreyer

San Diego have been led by Anders Dreyer, the team's joint top scorer with nine goals.

Dreyer had a goal and an assist last time out at Dallas, while Hirving Lozano added a goal off the bench, the seventh time that the pair have each had a goal contribution in the same MLS match.

The only MLS team-mate duo with more such games this season is Nashville's Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar.

Houston Dynamo – Ezequiel Ponce

Ezequiel Ponce has been the most prolific player for Houston, netting on five occasions, including three match-opening goals.

Ponce’s winner against St. Louis was his 10th career regular-season goal for the Dynamo, and he became the 25th Houston player with double-digit league goals for the club and the second Argentine.

MATCH PREDICTION – SAN DIEGO FC WIN

Hosts San Diego have six wins, three draws, and one loss this season in 10 MLS contests at Snapdragon Stadium. San Diego are in the midst of a five-match MLS home unbeaten streak dating to May 4 against Dallas. 

Since the beginning of the 2015 season, Houston have lost 10 of their 18 matches against MLS expansion teams (W2 D6). That is the most losses to such clubs by any MLS team in that time. 

In their last six league matches, San Diego have won five and lost one. Houston, meanwhile, have won two, drawn one and lost three in their last six.

San Diego and Houston will be meeting for the first time. San Diego have won both of their home matches against teams from Texas with a 5-0 win against FC Dallas and a 2-0 victory versus Austin FC, both in May.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

San Diego – 52.4%

Draw – 24.3%

Houston Dynamo – 23.3%