Mendiola wins hearts as LA Galaxy lose match

The LA Galaxy (2-3-3) were kept off the scoreboard for the second time in three weeks in route to a 1-0 loss at the hands of the Houston Dynamo. It was one unbelievable mistake away from a scoreless draw, but miscommunication between Dan Gargan and Jaime Penedo led to a pressing Houston getting the match winner.

LA finished their stretch of four straight matches on the road with two draws and two losses for just two points from the last four weeks. The Galaxy are currently winless in their last four regular season contests, although there were some MLS Cup wins mixed in there.

There were a number of debuts tonight, with LA missing the services of Landon Donovan and Omar Gonzalez as well as the injured Marcelo Sarvas, Todd Dunivant, and Leonardo. The most significant was Raul Mendiola making his MLS debut in the 66th minute, playing in the midfield and showing some flashes of his potential.

Tommy Meyer also made his season debut replacing Leonardo who fractured his finger against the Portland Timbers. Robbie Rogers made his season debut coming off the bench in the 70th minute. He hadn't made a MLS appearance since October 27th, 2013.

This was LA's first match this season against an Eastern Conference opponent. They have two matches at the StubHub! Center this upcoming week, as they start spending their matches in hand.