Just when we think we’ve learned what to expect in Major League Soccer, this happened: 

VICTORY!!#VWFC defeat league-leading @LAFC to earn first win of 2019. Let's gooooooooo! #VANvLAFC pic.twitter.com/U3UtGcl3Sf

— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) April 18, 2019

LAFC have looked an unstoppable force and are scoring goals for fun, but last night’s shocking loss against the previously winless Vancouver Whitecaps proved they are indeed human — much to the enjoyment of the rest of the league.

Meanwhile, the Seattle Sounders have had their own flying start to the season, winners of five with a single draw coming against the Whitecaps. LAFC must quickly regroup following their first setback with Seattle coming to town on Sunday.

Yet it’s been an orange-clad team in southeast Texas who have been producing result after result away from the spotlight and are now one of only two undefeated teams alongside the Sounders. In his third season at the helm, coach Wilmer Cabrera seems to have everyone on board in figuring out how to strike a balance between playing to their offensive strengths and figuring out how to dictate the game.

So what exactly is propelling the Dynamo to their hot start? Up top, it’s been the usual suspects of Mauro Manotas and Alberth Elis who have been a part a lightning-quick counterattack in recent seasons and have combined for 11 goals and assists thus far. Nothing’s changed with the team’s ability to carve open defenses, and Romell Quioto will be hoping to rediscover his scoring form to add to the mix.

It’s largely been a case of spreading the love and becoming more efficient as a unit — so far the team has improved in possession, shots per game, and passing success from their 2018 averages.

Born in the small town of Wharton, Texas, just 60 miles southwest of Houston, Homegrown Player Memo Rodriguez has really found his footing in the early going. The 23-year-old’s long-awaited breakthrough has proved instrumental in the team’s undefeated start with four goals to his name, ahead of both Elis and Manotas.

Additionally, attacking midfielder Tomas Martinez has continued his development after signing in 2017 as a Designated Player. He thoroughly struggled to make an impact in his first year in Houston, but 2018 saw substantial improvement and this year could see him become one of the league’s most important playmakers. Martinez was brought in to primarily orchestrate the attack, but he has proven he can find the back of the net himself at times and his finish proved decisive in the 2-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes.

The left foot on @martineztomas34 ?? #ForeverOrange pic.twitter.com/sKo9UCYqYn

— Houston Dynamo (@HoustonDynamo) April 16, 2019

Next up for Cabrera’s men is a trip to City of Angels to take on Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the Los Angeles Galaxy, who sit just above the Dynamo in the standings having played one more game. Revenge will still be heavy on the hosts’ minds thanks to a dramatic 3-2 Dynamo victory on Decision Day that eliminated the Galaxy from playoff contention.

An avid Roma fan, Wesley Davidson works in youth soccer in Austin, TX, and contributes to FloFC. You can find him on Twitter.