Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, Texas
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. local)
TV/Streaming: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)
Venue
Shell Energy Stadium (formerly BBVA Compass Stadium / PNC Stadium; capacity around 22,000). Home of the Houston Dynamo, known for a passionate atmosphere and a pitch that suits high-intensity, transitional play. Houston’s home form has been a strength this season.
Weather Forecast
Hot and humid typical late-August Houston conditions. Highs near 96°F with heat index values potentially reaching 105–106°F. Mostly sunny with a slight (around 20%) chance of afternoon/evening thunderstorms. Southeast winds 5–10 mph. Expect muggy conditions that could impact player stamina in the evening kickoff.
Current Rosters & Key Notes
Houston Dynamo FC: Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond (primary with Jimmy Maurer injured). Defenders include Erik Sviatchenko, Felipe Andrade, Marcelo Saracchi, and others. Midfield features Jack McGlynn, Artur, Héctor Herrera, and Mateusz Bogusz. Attack led by Guilherme (top scorer with ~12 goals), Ondrej Lingr, Duncan McGuire, and supporting options. Coach Ben Olsen’s side emphasizes solid defense and clinical finishing.
San Jose Earthquakes: Goalkeeper Angus Gunn. Defenders include Daniel Munie, Reid Roberts, Dave Romney, and others. Midfield features Niko Tsakiris, Beau Leroux, Ian Harkes, and recent addition Eduard Löwen. Attack led by Preston Judd (~11 goals), Timo Werner, Ousseni Bouda, and Luka Jovanovic. Under Bruce Arena, the team focuses on organization and set-piece threats.
Injury Reports
Houston Dynamo FC:
Jimmy Maurer (back – out).
Lucas Halter (injured – out in recent reports).
Antônio Carlos (knock – out/doubtful).
Ibrahim Aliyu (knock – doubtful).
Other fluid statuses for lower-body issues.
San Jose Earthquakes:
DeJuan Jones (Achilles – longer-term out).
Nonso Adimabua (muscle/leg – out).
Earl Edwards Jr. (lower body – out).
Ronaldo Vieira (lower body – out).
Benjamin Kikanovic, Timo Werner (questionable/fluid after recent issues).
Key Player Matchups
Guilherme / Mateusz Bogusz (HOU) vs. San Jose back line (Munie, Roberts, etc.): Dynamo’s creative and finishing threats against a defense dealing with absences.
Preston Judd / Timo Werner (SJ) vs. Houston defense and Bond: Earthquakes’ primary scoring outlets needing service on the road.
Midfield battles: McGlynn/Artur vs. Tsakiris/Leroux/Löwen – control of possession and transitions will be key.
Set pieces and wide play involving Saracchi, Bouda, and overlapping fullbacks.
Recent Team Forms
Houston Dynamo FC: Strong overall near the top of the West. Solid defensive record (among the better in the league for goals conceded) with a recent stretch of wins interrupted by a loss at St. Louis. Home form is reliable.
San Jose Earthquakes: Competitive mid-table/upper side but on a four-game losing streak (including heavy defeats). Capable of scoring but defensive vulnerabilities have shown recently; road form is a challenge.
Series History
Houston holds a clear historical edge (roughly 19 wins to San Jose’s 11, with several draws across ~35 meetings). Recent encounters have been competitive, with mixed results. Matches often produce goals, and Houston’s home record against San Jose is strong.
Betting Trends
Trends favor the home side’s form and defensive solidity; San Jose’s recent skid and road struggles support Houston covering. Both teams score in a notable portion of H2H games.
MATCH ODDS
San Jose Earthquakes + 430
Houston Dynamo FC – 150
Draw + 305
Over 3 – 125 Under 3 – 105
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, August 28, 2026
