Match Preview: LA Galaxy return home to face in-form Houston Dynamo
Vanney's side look to make it a 9-point week in their return to MLS play
After 28 days without competitive soccer, the LA Galaxy has the chance to finish their first week back in league play collecting all nine possible points. Not only is it great to build momentum but also a moment to showcase the perseverance of a team that’s dealt with so much this season.
This game is a clash of the most in-form teams in the Western Conference. Their opponent, Houston Dynamo, has won their last three games by a combined scoreline of 10-0. Ben Olsen’s team is coming off a 2-0 home win against the Colombus Crew.
The Galaxy will be without Douglas Costa as he nurses a dislocated shoulder. His timetable to return is 10 days to two weeks according to Greg Vanney. After coming out in the 80th minute on Wednesday night due to quad discomfort, Riqui Puig is set to play Saturday night. Jalen Neal recently got treatment to help with inflammation of his pubic symphysis joint, he’s likely to miss his thrid straight game.
Now, let’s get into the key information for this Western Conference showdown.
The Storyline
There is one streak the Galaxy is looking to break on Saturday; Can the Galaxy finally win three league games in a row under Greg Vanney?
The Galaxy has gone into unbeaten runs during Vanney’s tenure but never collected nine points over three games. If the Galaxy come away with the win, it’s going to signal that this team is writing a new chapter of their story under Vanney.
With a win and results around the West going their way, the Galaxy could sit in 11th place and two points behind 9th place FC Dallas. It makes their playoff hopes more in range and realistic with eight games left in the season.
Houston has troubled the LA Galaxy in Carson. The G’s last beat the Texas side in front of their home crowd in 2019. The reverse fixture earlier this season was one of the club’s worst performances of the season. A 3-0 loss with two veterans, Martin Caceres and Costa, getting red cards.
This game looks to be a good one with many viewers seeing if this Galaxy team can go on a run to make the playoffs. If people believe Inter Miami (who have fewer total points than LA) can make the playoffs, that same energy should be kept with the Galaxy.
Players to Watch
LA: Dejan Joveljic, Striker
All you need is just one goal to get going. Joveljic scored his first goal since May during the midweek match against the Earthquakes which ended up as the game-winner. After scoring from the penalty spot, Joveljic's celebration looked weight was lifted off his shoulders.
During the Galaxy’s unbeaten run last season, Chicharito became a scoring machine despite a slow start to the campaign. After getting a pair of goals on the road against Sporting Kansas City last year, the Mexican went on to record five goals in five MLS games.
The hope is for Joveljic to get into a snowball effect that gets him to score more goals to propel the Galaxy forward. The Serbian isn’t struggling to get into good positions but rather his finishing is lackluster. When it comes to non-penalty G-xG, Joveljic has the 3rd worst tally in the league at -3.7. It’s about getting back to those elite clinical instincts in the box in order for there to be a revival in his finishing.
Are we going to see a lethal Joveljic that scores in back-to-back games on Saturday night or will he have minimal impact in the match like many of his starts this season?
Hou: Corey Baird, Forward
Baird has been a catalyst in the Dynamo’s good run of form in recent weeks. The 27-year-old forward has recorded three goals and one assist in his last three league matches.
In Houston’s attack, their forwards are mobile and tend to get in behind often. Baird loves to stay on the shoulder of the last defender and look to get good positions to finish tap-ins.
In 11 career games against the LA Galaxy, Baird has yet to record a goal but he’s played the role of provider with three assists.
That’s the thing with Baird, he’s going to get on the ball and get touches deeper in the midfield like a false nine. He’s good in combination play deeper on the pitch and can unbalance the backline if a center back decides to follow him.
The winning edge: Midfield Trenches
The midfield is without a doubt the most important sector of the pitch. Both teams have their best players in the middle of the park in order to dictate the game.
Hector Herrera and Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla drive Houston’s chance creation and excel in transition moments. Herrera leads the team with 9 assists - the second-highest tally in the league. Carrasquilla excels with long balls and will attempt to dribble past defenders when he’s open space.
Mark Delgado played 45 minutes on Wednesday and could be back in the starting lineup. His work rate, passing, and defensive awareness give the Galaxy more stability in the middle of the park. Puig playing on Saturday is massive as he looks to continue to add goal contributions. He has four goals and two assists in five MLS matches.
The team with the best midfield control and impact in the final third will take the reigns of the match. It’s a good test for the Galaxy to see their midfielder compete and test themselves. I’m expecting to see lots of great passes once the lights shine on the pitch on Saturday night.