Houston Dynamo vs LA Galaxy preview

United States flag 2026 Major League Soccer, United States
Shell Energy Stadium Today - 12:30 AM
Major League Soccer
Houston DynamoHOU
1 0
LA GalaxyLAG
Full Time Today 12:30 AM
Regular Season
Guilherme - 21' (P)
Goal
|
Ibrahim Aliyu 90+11' Second yellow card
|
Red Card Carlos Garcés 58'

CONTEXT

Houston Dynamo secured a 1-0 victory over LA Galaxy in a match that saw the home side lead from the first half onward. The halftime score stood at 1-0, with the sole goal coming early to set the tone. Houston controlled 62 percent of possession compared to LA Galaxy's 38 percent. Expected goals favored the winners at 1.3 against 0.95 for the visitors. Both teams were reduced to ten players after receiving one red card each, which shaped the flow of the second half. The stronger team according to pre-match indicators delivered the result in line with underlying metrics. The outcome proved consistent with the xG differential of 0.35.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Houston Dynamo recorded a significant 100 percent deviation from pre-match patterns.
  • Efficiency shift: Efficiency remained in line with expectations across both sides.
  • xG alignment: The 1-0 result aligned with home xG of 1.3 and away xG of 0.95.
  • Market alignment: The final outcome matched market alignment indicators.
  • xG expectations: Houston Dynamo met xG expectations in the 1-0 win.
  • Event impact: Key events shaped the narrow 1-0 scoreline between the sides.
  • Red card distortion: One red card per team distorted second half play.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
R. Fierro
R. Fierro
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.4
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Houston Dynamo B. Olsen
B. Olsen
VS
LA Galaxy G. Vanney
G. Vanney
1.78
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
1.16
2.33 i
Last 6 Opponents
New England Rank: 62 W
Sporting KC Rank: 55 W
Austin Rank: 59 W
DC United Rank: 55 D
LA Galaxy Rank: 61 D
Vancouver Whitecaps Rank: 73 W
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
1 i
Last 6 Opponents
Dallas Rank: 68 D
SJ Earthquakes Rank: 66 D
St. Louis City Rank: 61 L
Los Angeles FC Rank: 73 L
Houston Dynamo Rank: 66 D
Seattle Sounders Rank: 67 W
1
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
1 - 3 - 1
1

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power ranking is SportMonks' model-based team strength indicator. Historical input capped to 2 seasons.
65.73
61.2
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Houston Dynamo
LA Galaxy
Power Score
65.73
61.2
League Position
4
12
Global Rank
389
534

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Houston Dynamo — Opponent-weighted form score
LA Galaxy — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Houston Dynamo LA Galaxy

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Houston Dynamo

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

LA Galaxy

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —
Possession Efficiency data not available for this match.

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Houston Dynamo
vs
LA Galaxy
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Houston Dynamo LA Galaxy
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
76%
24%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
1.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
+0.00 vs -0.23
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Houston Dynamo LA Galaxy
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
24%
76%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 1.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.23 vs +0.00
Houston Dynamo
LA Galaxy
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Houston Dynamo
vs
LA Galaxy
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Houston Dynamo LA Galaxy
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Houston Dynamo 0.00
LA Galaxy 0.00
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Houston Dynamo LA Galaxy
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Houston Dynamo 0.00
LA Galaxy 0.00
Houston Dynamo
LA Galaxy
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • HOU had peak pressure around 104'.
  • LAG started the game with stronger pressure.
HOU Pressure LAG Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: HOU reached the top pressure at 104' (78.26).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 5 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Houston Dynamo HOU Home
5 matches
LA Galaxy LAG Away
Match Record
1
Wins
1
3
Draws
3
1
Losses
1
Goals
6
Goals Scored
6
6
Goals Conceded
6
0
Goal Difference
0
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-08-16T00:12:24+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-1-4-1
Match Formation 4-2-3-1
Pitch

General Information

Date & Time
Aug 16, 2026, 12:30 AM
Competition
2026 Major League Soccer, United States · Regular Season
Stadium
Shell Energy Stadium
Capacity
22039
Pitch Surface
Grass
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Ricardo Fierro

Statistics

Possession
HOU
60%
LAG
40%

Top Statistics

1 Goals 0
1 Big Chances Created 0
4 Shots 4
52 Dangerous attacks 31
62 Possession 38
4 Corners 3
13 Free kicks 14
3 Yellow Cards 1
0 Red Cards 1

Match Overview

1 Penalties 0
6 Goal Kicks 3
5 Substitutions 5
18 Throwins 12
1 Hit Woodwork 0
4 Successful Headers 4
12 Dribble Attempts 10
5 Successful Dribbles 2
42 Successful Dribbles Percentage 20

Attacking

107 Attacks 75

Possession

51 Long Passes 33
548 Passes 341
500 Successful Passes 303
91 Successful Passes Percentage 89
4 Key Passes 6
40 Successful Long Passes 20
78 Successful Long Passes Percentage 61

Defensive

0 Saves 1
14 Tackles 12
4 Interceptions 12
36 Duels Won 35

Build-up

15 Total Crosses 9
1 Accurate Crosses 1

Discipline

2 Offsides 1
15 Fouls 14

Lineup

Referee : Ricardo Fierro

Starting XI ▼

31
Jonathan Bond
Jonathan Bond Goalkeeper
6.95
5
Lucas Halter
Lucas Halter Defender
6.93
11
Lawrence Ennali
Lawrence Ennali Defender
6.78
21
Franco Negri
Franco Negri Defender
6.68
14
Duane Holmes
Duane Holmes
Midfielder65'
6.65
34
Agustin Resch
Agustin Resch Defender
6.85
6
Artur
Artur (C) Midfielder
6.9
8
Jack McGlynn
Jack McGlynn Midfielder
7.51
30
Agustín Bouzat
Agustín Bouzat
Midfielder83'
6.75
16
Héctor Herrera
Héctor Herrera Midfielder
6.95
18
Diadié Samassékou
Diadié Samassékou
Midfielder89'
6.67
19
Mateusz Bogusz
Mateusz Bogusz Midfielder
7.08
24
Ibrahim Aliyu
Ibrahim Aliyu
Attacker89'
6.64
20
Guilherme
Guilherme Midfielder
7.94
23
Duncan McGuire
Duncan McGuire Attacker
6.69
9
Ondrej Lingr
Ondrej Lingr
Midfielder65'
6.6
Referee : Ricardo Fierro

Starting XI ▼

12
JT Marcinkowski
JT Marcinkowski Goalkeeper
7.06
4
Maya Yoshida
Maya Yoshida (C) Defender
6.75
25
Carlos Garcés
Carlos Garcés
Defender46'
6.69
5
Jakob Glesnes
Jakob Glesnes Defender
6.82
14
John Nelson
John Nelson Defender
6.43
26
Harbor Miller
Harbor Miller Defender
6.72
8
Lucas Sanabria
Lucas Sanabria Midfielder
6.83
24
Rubén Ramos
Rubén Ramos
Attacker89'
6.49
15
Justin Haak
Justin Haak Midfielder
6.72
21
Robert Taylor
Robert Taylor Midfielder
6.7
11
Hirving Lozano
Hirving Lozano
Attacker65'
7.31
22
Elijah Wynder
Elijah Wynder Midfielder
6.54
16
Isaiah Parente
Isaiah Parente
Midfielder54'
6.48
28
Joseph Paintsil
Joseph Paintsil Midfielder
6.94
7
Kyogo Furuhashi
Kyogo Furuhashi Attacker
6.59
76
Troy Elgersma
Troy Elgersma
Midfielder65'
7.44

Events

2ND-HALF
Event
Ibrahim Aliyu
Second Yellow Card / 1st Yellow/red Card
90+11'
Event
Ibrahim Aliyu
4th Yellowcard
90+9'
90+4'
Event
Hirving Lozano
Foul / 3rd Yellowcard
Event
Ibrahim Aliyu → Mateusz Bogusz
8th Substitution
89'
Event
Diadié Samassékou → Héctor Herrera
10th Substitution
89'
89'
Event
Rubén Ramos → Lucas Sanabria
9th Substitution
Event
Agustín Bouzat → Jack McGlynn
7th Substitution
83'
Event
Duane Holmes → Franco Negri
4th Substitution
65'
Event
Ondrej Lingr → Duncan McGuire
5th Substitution
65'
65'
Event
Troy Elgersma → Kyogo Furuhashi
3rd Substitution
65'
Event
Hirving Lozano → Robert Taylor
6th Substitution
58'
Event
Carlos Garcés
Professional foul last man / 1st Redcard
Event
Lawrence Ennali
Penalty awarded
57'
Event
Lawrence Ennali
Argument / 2nd Yellowcard
56'
54'
Event
Isaiah Parente → Elijah Wynder
2nd Substitution
46'
Event
Carlos Garcés → Maya Yoshida 
1st Substitution
1ST-HALF
Event
Héctor Herrera
Foul / 1st Yellowcard
45+1'
Event
Guilherme
Right foot shot / 1st Penalty
21'

Match Commentary

90
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Second Yellow Card - Ibrahim Aliyu
90
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow Card
90
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow Card - Ibrahim Aliyu
90
Update Update
Offside
90
Update Update
Offside
90
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Agustin Bouzat Left Footed Shot Saved
90
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow Card
90
Corner Corner
Corner
90
Corner Corner
Corner
89
Update Update
On Ruben Ramos Jr.，Off Lucas Agustin Sanabria Magole
89
Update Update
On Diadie Samassekou，Off Hector Miguel Herrera Lopez
89
Update Update
On Ibrahim Aliyu，Off Mateusz Bogusz
87
Update Update
Offside
86
Update Update
Offside
86
Corner Corner
Corner
83
Update Update
On Agustin Bouzat，Off Jack McGlynn
82
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Hirving Rodrigo Lozano Bahena Right Footed Shot Blocked
75
Update Update
Offside
74
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Ondrej Lingr Head Shot Missed
65
Update Update
On Troy Elgersma，Off Kyogo Furuhashi
65
Update Update
On Troy Elgersma，Off Kyogo Furuhashi
65
Update Update
On Hirving Rodrigo Lozano Bahena，Off Robert Taylor
65
Update Update
On Ondrej Lingr，Off Duncan McGuire
64
Update Update
On Duane Holmes，Off Franco Negri
60
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Mateusz Bogusz Right Footed Shot Blocked
58
Red Card Red Card Important
Red Card - Carlos Emiro Torres Garces
57
Red Card Red Card Important
Red Card
56
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Duncan McGuire Left Footed Shot Saved
56
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow Card - Lawrence Ennali
54
Update Update
On Isaiah Parente，Off Elijah Wynder
50
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Elijah Wynder Right Footed Shot Blocked
46
Update Update
On Carlos Emiro Torres Garces，Off Maya Yoshida
45
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Jakob Glesnes Right Footed Shot Missed
45
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow Card - Hector Miguel Herrera Lopez
41
Corner Corner
Corner
41
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Justin Haak Head Shot Missed
38
Corner Corner
Corner
37
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Kyogo Furuhashi Right Footed Shot Blocked
36
Corner Corner
Corner
36
Corner Corner
Corner
34
Corner Corner
Corner
33
Corner Corner
Corner
30
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Jack McGlynn Left Footed Shot Missed
28
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Jack McGlynn Left Footed Shot Blocked
21
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot - Guilherme Augusto Vieira dos Santos Right Footed Shot Goal
21
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal - Penalty - Guilherme Augusto Vieira dos Santos 1-0
21
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal 1-0
15
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Kyogo Furuhashi Right Footed Shot Blocked
10
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Hector Miguel Herrera Lopez Right Footed Shot Blocked
5
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Harbor Miller Left Footed Shot Missed
1
Update Update
Kick-off! Referee：Ricardo Fierro

CONCLUSION

Final score detail: Houston Dynamo 1-0 LA Galaxy. Structural assessment: Houston Dynamo exhibited a significant deviation from the pre-match structural baseline. Efficiency outcome: Possession-adjusted chance creation finished in line with projected levels. Result alignment: The final score was consistent with the pre-match probability model. Structural distortion: The match was materially influenced by red card(s), altering baseline dynamics. Market alignment: The match result was within the projected probability range.