NEED TO KNOW:
Houston travel to Carson, Calif. for the first time since 2019 to face LA Galaxy
Dynamo FW Fafa Picault has scored six goals in last eight games
Dynamo host in-state rival FC Dallas on Saturday at BBVA Stadium
HOUSTON – Houston Dynamo FC travel to Carson, Calif. on Wednesday for their first meeting with the LA Galaxy in Southern California since 2019. Houston looks to extend its unbeaten run against the Galaxy to four games on Wednesday and the Dynamo hold a 12-11-9 record against the five-time MLS Cup champions.
The Dynamo snapped a 16-game winless streak on Saturday with a 3-0 victory over Austin FC at BBVA Stadium. Forward Griffin Dorsey scored his first goal of the season in the opening minute of the game, his strike in the 48th second was the fastest goal scored by the Dynamo this season. Dorsey capitalized on a rebound after forward Darwin Quintero forced a save at the far post, Saturday’s game was the first start for Quintero who finished with two shots on target and one key pass.
Forward Fafa Picault finished with a brace against Austin FC and now leads the team with eight goals this season. Picault scored his fourth brace in MLS on Saturday and first for the Dynamo. The forward has scored six goals and adds one assist in his last eight games for Houston. Saturday’s performance earned Picault a spot in the MLSSoccer.com Team of the Week.
Goalkeeper and Katy native Michael Nelson earned his first clean sheet in league play on Saturday. Nelson finished with two saves against Austin FC and his effort in the 63rd minute finished with Picault’s second goal of the game after denying Cecilio Domínguez inside the box.
Houston enters Wednesday’s game with a three-game unbeaten streak against the LA Galaxy that began with a 4-2 victory at BBVA Stadium on Oct. 6, 2019. The Dynamo and Galaxy split the series in 2020 with a 1-1 draw on opening day at BBVA Stadium and another 1-1 draw to close group play at the MLS is Back Tournament in Florida.
The Dynamo return to Houston on Thursday to prepare for Saturday’s match against FC Dallas at BBVA Stadium. For tickets, updates and additional information, visit HoustonDynamoFC.com.
Here are three key points ahead of Wednesday’s game:
FAFA PICAULT WITHIN REACH OF MILESTONE: Dynamo forward Fafa Picault needs two goals to reach 10 this season and match his career-high set in 2018 with the Philadelphia Union. Picault would also be the seventh Dynamo player to reach the milestone and the first since forward Mauro Manotas finished with 13 goals in 2019. The forward has scored six goals in his last eight games and recently led the Dynamo to their first victory since May 22. Five of Picault’s eight goals this season have come against in-state rivals and the Dynamo will welcome one of those rivals to BBVA Stadium on Saturday. Prior to shifting focus to Saturday’s game, the MLS veteran will look to add his first goal against the Galaxy. Prior to Wednesday’s game, Picault has earned two starts against the Galaxy and played in 235 minutes against Los Angeles.
TIM PARKER AMONG FEW IRONMEN IN MLS: Dynamo defender Tim Parker is one of two field players in MLS to play every minute for their team this season. Parker is the only field player in the Western Conference to reach that milestone following 24 games played this season. The center back currently leads the team in games started, games played and minutes. Additionally, the 28-year-old leads the team in blocks with 13 and clearances with 73. The 6-2 defender also leads the backline with 45 aerial duels won through 24 games. Parker will play a key role in Houston’s final push for a postseason spot and has been one of the few constants for the Dynamo, who enter with 21 different lineups this season.
GALAXY BUILD BUFFER IN FINAL STRETCH: The Galaxy look to snap four-game winless run this Wednesday after a 1-1 draw with the Colorado Rapids on Saturday. The Galaxy currently sit comfortably in fourth place in the Western Conference with 37 points but look to gain ground on the top half of the table prior to the end of the season. Mexican international Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez will play a key role in that final push after his return from injury on Saturday. Hernandez leads the team with 10 goals and looks to give the Galaxy their first victory since a 1-0 victory over Minnesota United on Aug. 14. The Dynamo backline will also need to contain Kevin Cabral who enters Saturday’s game with four goals and one assist. The Galaxy midfield also features Jonathan Dos Santos and USMNT attacker Sebastian Lletget, both returned from international duty on Saturday.
