Houston Dynamo vs. LA Galaxy, 2016 MLS: Match Preview

The LA Galaxy embark on their last road game of the season as Bruce Arena’s men travel to Houston, Texas to take on the Dynamo.

The good news is the LA Galaxy have finally sealed a place in the playoffs. The bad news? They didn’t do it on their own merits. A Portland Timbers defeat to the Colorado Rapids meant the Galaxy clinched a top-six spot in the Western Conference, but defeat to FC Dallas means they are winless in their last three games, including two straight defeats.

In the process, the Galaxy have officially taken themselves out of the Supporters' Shield race, and barring a total collapse from the Rapids in their final three games of the season, the highest position the Galaxy can finish in the Western Conference is third place, which means the are going to miss out on an automatic place in the Conference Semi-finals. Of course, first round byes are something of a double edged sword anyway, and the Galaxy need all the momentum they can get going into the playoffs.

Against the Houston Dynamo, the Galaxy are facing the season’s worst team in the Western Conference. Wade Barrett’s side have lost their last two home games and are coming off a scoreless draw in Seattle.

Bruce Arena’s side needs to pick themselves up fast, and with the playoffs fast approaching, they could undoubtedly use a win here. As ever, the Galaxy will go into the playoffs with plenty to prove, and anything less than a positive result in Houston would mean added to pressure to the five-time MLS Cup champions.

LAST MEETING

LA Galaxy 1-0 Houston Dynamo - July 16, 2016 - MLS

Robbie Keane missed an early penalty, but Steven Gerrard scored to earn the Galaxy a hard-earned win over the Dynamo.

LIKELY LINE-UPS

LA Galaxy (4-2-3-1): Rowe; Rogers, Steres, Van Damme, Cole; Husidic, Larentowicz; Boateng, dos Santos, Lletget; Keane

Houston Dynamo (4-2-3-1): Willis; Williams, Rodriguez, Anibaba, Beasley; Warner, Clark; Garcia, Maidana, Alex; Manotas