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The Galaxy lacked energy and ideas as a makeshift lineup featuring some of the Galaxy young guns lost on the road once again, this time to the Houston Dynamo 3-0 Saturday night.
#LAGalaxy XI: Rowe; Gargan, DLG, Leonardo, Romney; Juninho, Walker; Jamieson IV, Gerrard, Lletget; Keane #HOUvLA pic.twitter.com/CrC9EAtRJf
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) July 26, 2015
Two changes were of note to the Galaxy lineup: Bradford Jamieson IV was shifted to the right wing, and Los Dos product David Romney earned his first league start at left back.
Right away, Gerrard showed his class when he switched the ball perfectly for Robbie Keane, who chested in the air before his left footed volley went wide.
Hollywood pass. #HOUvLA pic.twitter.com/vByGByYece
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) July 26, 2015
Houston went ahead early in the 9th minute when Brad Davis sent in a cross from the left flank that eluded the Galaxy defense including a sliding Leonardo, and Will Bruin finished over Brian Rowe into the net for his ninth goal of the season.
LA were reeling shortly afterwards when the Dynamo had a brilliant sequence of touches inside the Galaxy box come up just short when a poor final effort allowed the Galaxy defense to clear the ball.
In the 27th minute, the Dynamo doubled their lead. Nathan Sturgis found Davis on the top of the box, and with three Galaxy players not within five yards of the U.S. international, Davis shot a low hard rocket from 25 yards out that Rowe got a hand on but couldn't keep out of the bottom right corner of the goal.
LA had a few chances to get back into the game. Sebastian Lletget floated a cross to Robbie Keane who managed to bring the ball down at the far post, but his point-blank attempt was bravely saved by goalkeeper Tyler Deric. Later on, Bradford Jamieson IV scored almost single-handedly when he split two Houston defenders on the right touchline and streaked inside the box before his deflected shot beat Deric but bounced just wide of the post.
The start of the second half was briefly delayed when the sprinklers refused to shut off for several minutes.
Though the Galaxy were very much in the game early, the sweltering 92 degree heat with 55% humidity took its toll on the players in the second half as the team lacked the intensity to mount a comeback. Steven Gerrard and Juninho in particular appeared to struggle with the conditions.
In the 71st minute, Ariel Lassiter got his first taste of MLS play when he replaced Kenny Walker.
Brian Rowe was active as the match wore down, tipping away a Brad Davis blast in the 79th minute before stoning substitute Erick "Cubo" Torres in the 82nd to keep the Galaxy in the match.
However, Rowe had no chance late when a Dynamo counter-attack resulted in Lionel Miranda cutting inside the box and chipping a high looping shot off the post to complete the victory.
The Galaxy will now travel to Colorado to face the Rapids next Saturday following the All-Star game on Wednesday.