The Dynamo look to extend their unbeaten run at home this season when they host the LA Galaxy on Saturday evening. The team has earned six points from their first two matches at home following victories over Austin FC and New York City FC last month.
Houston conceded a penalty kick in the opening stretch of their match against San Jose on Saturday and tallied the equalizer minutes before the first half came to a close. The Earthquakes ultimately pulled away with three points after the home side converted a penalty kick early in the second half. Amine Bassi tallied his third goal of the campaign on Saturday, his third consecutive tally from the penalty spot in the last three matches. Houston had to adjust their backline toward the end of the first half following an injury to defender Tate Schmitt. The defender is listed as out on the most recent availability report due to a knee injury suffered in San Jose.
The Dynamo and Galaxy split the series in 2022 with both teams earning victories on the road. The all-time series is also tied with 13 victories for each squad plus 10 draws. Houston holds an 8-7-4 (WLD) record at home against the Galaxy. Houston looks to snap a three-game winless streak at home against the Galaxy and claim their first victory at home since a 4-2 triumph on Decision Day to close the 2019 season.
Saturday’s match marks the return of midfielder Memo Rodriguez, who began his career as a Homegrown Player for the Dynamo in 2015. He made his MLS debut in 2017 and finished with 136 appearances for the team in regular season play. The El Campo, Texas native has earned four starts for the Galaxy this season.
The LA Galaxy is winless to start the regular season and have earned a draw in three of their last four games. The team lost 2-1 to Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday and looks to build momentum prior to the first meeting of the season with LAFC, scheduled for April 16. The opening match of the season for both LA squads was postponed till July due to inclement weather in southern California.
The team is led by Riqui Puig, who enters his first full season with the Galaxy after joining the club for the final 10 games of the 2022 season. With Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez recovering from injury the primary target for the Galaxy offense has been Dejan Joveljic, who finished with 11 goals in 2022. Hernandez will be eligible for Saturday’s match at Shell Energy Stadium according to Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney. The Mexican international could make his MLS debut after navigating a hamstring injury.
The Dynamo return to the East Coast next weekend when they visit the Garden State for a match against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, April 15.
