GAME NIGHT:
LA GALAXY 1, DYNAMO 0
The Houston Dynamo fell to a 1-0 defeat to the first-place LA Galaxy on a controversial first-half penalty kick Wednesday night at The Home Depot Center. Landon Donovan scored the game’s only goal just before halftime when Houston midfielder Lovel Palmer blocked an off-target shot but was whistled for a handball despite Dynamo appeals that the ball hit his chest. Donovan converted the penalty kick for his league-leading eighth goal of the year.
The loss extends Houston’s winless streak to five games (0-3-2) and winless streak against the Galaxy to six games (0-5-1). The Dynamo are next in action on Saturday night, taking on in-state rival FC Dallas at Robertson Stadium at 7:30 p.m.
In Wednesday’s second half, Houston controlled the majority of the game’s possession but forced just one save out of LA goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts. The Dynamo’s best chance when substitute Mike Chabala snuck behind the defense and beat Ricketts to a loose ball, but Ricketts blocked Chabala’s touch with his legs to deny the opportunity.
Houston midfielder Brad Davis set a new club record with his 137th career MLS regular season appearance for the Dynamo, passing former Houston players Brian Mullan and Pat Onstad. The appearance was also Davis’ 175th game for the Dynamo in all competitions.
Defender Corey Ashe left the match at halftime with a left leg injury and was replaced by Mike Chabala, making his third MLS appearance of the season.
Dynamo defender Andre Hainault extended his own club record for consecutive MLS minutes by a field player to 2,835 by starting his 31st consecutive game and playing 90 minutes.
For Houston, defender Corey Ashe made the 110th appearance of his MLS career, midfielder Geoff Cameron made his 105th appearance for Houston in all competitions, and midfielder Colin Clark made his 75th career MLS start.
The Dynamo played without forwards Calen Carr (concussion) and Brian Ching (plantar fasciitis); and midfielder Danny Cruz (knee hyperextension).
Next Match: Saturday, May 28, 7:30 p.m., Dynamo vs. FC Dallas, Robertson Stadium
