MLS Match Preview: Houston Dynamo FC (5-9-5) vs. St. Louis City SC (3-10-6)

Match Significance

This Houston Dynamo vs St. Louis City MLS 2025 fixture is a battle between two struggling Western Conference sides desperate to end winless streaks. With both clubs sitting outside the playoff picture, this match could be a turning point in their respective seasons.

Houston Dynamo FC – Team Overview

Current Standing: 11th in Western Conference

Record: 5W-5D-9L (20 points)

Last 5 Matches: L-L-L-W-D

Manager: Ben Olsen

Key Players: Ezequiel Ponce, Erik Sviatchenko, Adalberto Carrasquilla

Strengths

Strong home support at Shell Energy Stadium

Ezequiel Ponce leads the team with 4 goals

Carrasquilla’s creativity and Sviatchenko’s leadership in defense

Concerns

Three straight 3-1 losses before this match

Just 1 win in last 6 MLS games

Injuries to Andrew Tarbell (ACL) and Nelson Quiñónes (knee)

Path to Victory

Houston must stay compact defensively, control possession through Carrasquilla and Artur, and feed Ponce early. Set pieces and second-half surges could be decisive.

St. Louis City SC – Team Overview

Current Standing: 14th in Western Conference

Record: 3W-6D-10L (15 points)

Last 5 Matches: L-D-L-W-L

Manager: David Critchley (interim)

Key Players: João Klauss, Celio Pompeu, Simon Becher

Strengths

Klauss in red-hot form (6 goals in 14 starts, 5 in last 4 matches)

Historically strong vs Houston (3W-2D-1L in 6 meetings)

Dangerous on the counterattack

Concerns

Winless in last 3 matches

Multiple injuries: Eduard Löwen, Joakim Nilsson, Rasmus Alm, Tomas Ostrak

Defensive instability and coaching transition

Path to Victory

St. Louis must press early, exploit Houston’s defensive lapses, and rely on Klauss’s finishing. Quick transitions and wide play from Pompeu could stretch the Dynamo backline.

Head-to-Head & Historical Context

All-Time MLS Meetings: 6

St. Louis Wins: 3

Houston Wins: 1

Draws: 2

Last Meeting: St. Louis 3–0 Houston (2024)

Recent Trend: St. Louis unbeaten in 5 of last 6 vs Houston

Despite Houston’s home advantage, St. Louis have historically had the upper hand in this fixture.

Tactical Insight & Prediction

Expect a tense, physical battle between two sides desperate for points. Houston will look to dominate possession and create through Carrasquilla, while St. Louis aim to frustrate and counter through Klauss and Becher. The midfield battle—Artur vs Watts—could shape the tempo.