Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, TX
Friday, July 25, 2025 – Kickoff: 8:30 PM ET
Broadcast: Apple TV – MLS Season Pass
Match Overview
Two Western Conference teams desperate for a turnaround meet in a high-stakes clash as Houston Dynamo FC host the Los Angeles Galaxy. Houston sits 11th in the West, just two points below the playoff line, while LA Galaxy remain bottom of the table, 13 points adrift of postseason contention. Both clubs are winless in their last three matches, but the Galaxy have shown signs of life, scoring multiple goals in three of their last four outings. Houston, meanwhile, has struggled to maintain defensive shape, conceding 23 goals at home this season.
Team Form & Stats
| Category | Houston Dynamo FC | LA Galaxy |
| Record | 7–11–6 (27 pts) | 3–14–7 (16 pts) |
| Goals Scored | 30 | 28 |
| Goals Conceded | 39 | 48 |
| Home Record | 4–6–2 | 0–8–4 (Away) |
| Last 5 Matches | L–L–W–L–D | D–L–W–W–D |
| Head-to-Head (Last 5) | 2 Wins | 1 Win, 2 Draws |
Houston has won the last two home meetings against LA Galaxy, including a 2–1 victory in October 2024. However, the Galaxy have earned points in four of their last five matchups against the Dynamo.
Key Players to Watch
Houston Dynamo FC
Ezequiel Ponce – 7 goals
Leading scorer with a physical presence in the box.
Jack McGlynn – 3 goals, 2 assists
Creative midfielder with set-piece precision.
Ondrej Lingr – 3 goals in last 9 home matches
Dangerous in transition and late runs.
Jonathan Bond (GK) – Expected starter
Veteran keeper with strong reflexes.
LA Galaxy
Gabriel Pec – 4 goals, 1 assist vs. Houston in 3 career matches
Galaxy’s most consistent attacking threat.
Marco Reus – 2 goals, 5 assists in last 7 matches
Orchestrator in midfield with elite vision.
Matheus Nascimento – 3 goals, 3 assists
Emerging forward with flair and finishing.
Maya Yoshida – Veteran captain; scored 97th-minute equalizer last week
Tactical Breakdown
Houston Strategy:
Press early and exploit Galaxy’s defensive frailties.
Use McGlynn and Lingr to create overloads in midfield.
Target set pieces and second balls in the box.
Galaxy Strategy:
Counterattack through Pec and Nascimento.
Use Reus to dictate tempo and unlock Houston’s backline.
Stay compact defensively and frustrate Houston’s buildup.
Galaxy have not won at Shell Energy Stadium since 2022, but have earned points in 3 of last 4 visits.
Houston has lost 5 of last 7 matches, scoring under 1.5 goals in each loss.
MATCH ODDS
Houston Dynamo FC + 100 Draw + 265 Los Angeles Galaxy + 210
Over 2.5 – 170 Under 2.5 + 125
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, July 24, 2025
