LA Galaxy fall to Houston Dynamo 4-2

On Decision Day, the LA Galaxy blew it.

Mid-day Sunday at a sweltering BBVA Compass Stadium, LA had their chances in attack and in defense and couldn’t execute, falling to the Houston Dynamo 4-2. The Galaxy will now begin the 2019 MLS Cup playoffs on the road vs. Minnesota United FC.

LA Galaxy

Giancarlo Gonzalez replaced Daniel Steres at center back while Joe Corona returns to the starting XI alongside Jonathan dos Santos.

The first half was a see-saw affair; after Zlatan scored a stunner of a beauty in the 9th minute, squaring up at the corner of the 18-yard box and curling a finish over and around Tyler Deric, LA threatened to dominate the match, especially after Ibra’s close-range effort soon afterwards slammed off the post.

Unfortunately the Galaxy gave up a killer of a goal right before halftime and the teams were level. A beautiful team sequence ended with Cristian Pavon restored the lead for Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s side only for lax marking to give Alberth Elis an easy finish at the far post. 2-2.

After Pavon and Lletget hit the woodmark and Zlatan missed a sitter, the Dynamo took over. Diego Polenta was arguably run over by Elis, but it didn’t matter as Christian Ramirez put away a sloppy finish to gift Houston the lead. LA collapsed in stoppage time, giving up a final tally as the match finished 4-2.