Houston Dynamo vs SJ Earthquakes preview

United States flag 2026 Major League Soccer, United States
Shell Energy Stadium
Major League Soccer
Full Time
Regular Season

CONTEXT

Match is finished. Houston Dynamo 0–0 SJ Earthquakes. The match ended in a draw. Houston Dynamo showed a significant deviation from the pre-match structural baseline. Possession-adjusted chance creation was in line with projected levels. The end result aligned with the pre-match projection. xG finished Houston Dynamo 0.6 – 1.3 SJ Earthquakes. Possession was 42%–58%.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Houston Dynamo experienced a significant structural deviation of 100 percent from expected performance levels.
  • Efficiency shift: The efficiency shift remained in line with the overall performance metrics.
  • xG alignment: The final result did not align with the expected goals differential favoring the away side.
  • Market alignment: The outcome proved consistent with market alignment indicators.
  • xG expectations: SJ Earthquakes generated higher expected goals at 1.33 compared to Houston Dynamo's 0.62.
  • Event impact: The match concluded without major events altering the 0-0 scoreline.
  • Red card distortion: No red cards were issued resulting in zero distortion from such events.
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
P. Luce Lauziere
P. Luce Lauziere
Referee 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.32
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
M. Barwegen
M. Barwegen
1st Assistant 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
L. Arfa
L. Arfa
2nd Assistant 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
A. Calume
A. Calume
4th Official 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
1.84
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
1.42
2.5 i
Last 6 Opponents
St. Louis City Rank: 64 L
Vancouver Whitecaps Rank: 73 W
LA Galaxy Rank: 61 W
New England Rank: 62 W
Sporting KC Rank: 51 W
Austin Rank: 59 W
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
0.17 i
Last 6 Opponents
Minnesota United Rank: 63 L
LA Galaxy Rank: 60 L
St. Louis City Rank: 64 L
Cincinnati Rank: 69 L
LA Galaxy Rank: 61 D
Orlando City Rank: 65 L
2
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
2 - 1 - 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.
66.38
62.92
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Houston Dynamo
SJ Earthquakes
Power Score
66.38
62.92
League Position
2
4
Global Rank
377
484

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
SJ Earthquakes Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Houston Dynamo SJ Earthquakes

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

SJ Earthquakes

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
SJ Earthquakes
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Houston Dynamo SJ Earthquakes
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
50%
12%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
-0.31 vs -0.16
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Houston Dynamo SJ Earthquakes
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
12%
50%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.16 vs -0.31
Houston Dynamo
SJ Earthquakes
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
SJ Earthquakes
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Houston Dynamo SJ Earthquakes
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
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Houston Dynamo SJ Earthquakes
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
Houston Dynamo
SJ Earthquakes
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 46'.
  • SJE started the game with stronger pressure.
HOU Pressure SJE Pressure
Pressure Index: HOU reached the top pressure at 46' (63.20).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 4 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Houston Dynamo HOU Home
4 matches
SJ Earthquakes SJE Away
Match Record
2
Wins
1
1
Draws
1
1
Losses
2
Goals
7
Goals Scored
6
6
Goals Conceded
7
+1
Goal Difference
-1
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-08-30T00:36:29+00:00

STARTING XI

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

General Information

Date & Time
Competition
2026 Major League Soccer, United States · Regular Season
Stadium
Shell Energy Stadium
Capacity
22039
Pitch Surface
Grass
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Pierre Luce Lauziere
Michael Barwegen
Lyes Arfa
Alejo Calume

Statistics

Possession
HOU
42%
SJE
58%

Top Statistics

1 Big Chances Created 2
6 Shots 1
32 Dangerous attacks 56
42 Possession 58
7 Corners 4
9 Free kicks 8
0 Yellow Cards 1

Match Overview

5 Goal Kicks 7
4 Substitutions 6
24 Throwins 16
14 Dribble Attempts 12
4 Successful Dribbles 6
29 Successful Dribbles Percentage 50

Attacking

74 Attacks 93
1 Big Chances Missed 2

Possession

38 Long Passes 41
377 Passes 524
315 Successful Passes 467
84 Successful Passes Percentage 89
8 Key Passes 6
16 Successful Long Passes 28
42 Successful Long Passes Percentage 68

Defensive

4 Saves 0
8 Tackles 19
10 Interceptions 9
28 Duels Won 40

Build-up

12 Total Crosses 20
4 Accurate Crosses 2

Discipline

1 Offsides 0
8 Fouls 9

Lineup

Referee : Pierre Luce Lauziere

Starting XI

31
Jonathan Bond
Jonathan Bond Goalkeeper
6.92
3
Antônio Carlos
Antônio Carlos Defender
6.8
21
Franco Negri
Franco Negri Defender
6.81
24
Ibrahim Aliyu
Ibrahim Aliyu
Attacker61'
6.63
34
Agustin Resch
Agustin Resch Defender
6.92
36
Felipe Andrade
Felipe Andrade Defender
6.76
14
Duane Holmes
Duane Holmes
Midfielder83'
6.67
6
Artur
Artur (C) Midfielder
6.95
8
Jack McGlynn
Jack McGlynn Midfielder
7.44
30
Agustín Bouzat
Agustín Bouzat
Midfielder90+1'
6.71
16
Héctor Herrera
Héctor Herrera Midfielder
6.93
23
Duncan McGuire
Duncan McGuire
Attacker75'
6.69
19
Mateusz Bogusz
Mateusz Bogusz Midfielder
7.04
20
Guilherme
Guilherme Midfielder
7.85
11
Lawrence Ennali
Lawrence Ennali Attacker
6.78
Referee : Pierre Luce Lauziere

Starting XI

1
Angus Gunn
Angus Gunn Goalkeeper
6.58
4
Dave Romney
Dave Romney Defender
6.62
25
Max Floriani
Max Floriani
Defender69'
6.9
5
Daniel Munie
Daniel Munie Defender
6.86
18
Reid Roberts
Reid Roberts Defender
6.89
2
Jamar Ricketts
Jamar Ricketts Midfielder
6.69
17
Jack Jasinski
Jack Jasinski
Defender82'
6.55
3
Paul Marie
Paul Marie Midfielder
6.72
19
Preston Judd
Preston Judd
Attacker73'
7.07
14
Ronaldo Vieira
Ronaldo Vieira Midfielder
6.7
34
Beau Leroux
Beau Leroux Midfielder
7.06
20
Nick Fernandez
Nick Fernandez
Midfielder73'
6.69
7
Ousseni Bouda
Ousseni Bouda Attacker
6.99
10
Niko Tsakiris
Niko Tsakiris Attacker
7.36
6
Ian Harkes
Ian Harkes
Midfielder90+1'
6.7
23
Eduard Löwen
Eduard Löwen Attacker
7.02
87
Vítor Costa
Vítor Costa
Defender90+1'
6.35

Events

2ND-HALF
Event
Agustín Bouzat Jack McGlynn
8th Substitution
90+1'
90+1'
Event
Vítor Costa Eduard Löwen
9th Substitution
90+1'
Event
Ian Harkes Niko Tsakiris
10th Substitution
Event
Duane Holmes Felipe Andrade
7th Substitution
83'
82'
Event
Jack Jasinski Jamar Ricketts
6th Substitution
Event
Duncan McGuire Héctor Herrera
5th Substitution
75'
73'
Event
Nick Fernandez Beau Leroux
3rd Substitution
73'
Event
Preston Judd Paul Marie
4th Substitution
69'
Event
Max Floriani Dave Romney
2nd Substitution
Event
Ibrahim Aliyu Franco Negri
1st Substitution
61'
58'
Event
Foul / 1st Yellowcard

Match Commentary

90
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
90
Attempt Attempt
Mateusz Bogusz takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
90
Attempt Attempt
Preston Judd takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
90
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
90
Update Update
Agustin Bouzat comes on for Jack McGlynn.
90
Update Update
Ian Harkes replaces Niko Tsakiris.
90
Update Update
Vitor Costa de Brito is on, and Eduard Lowen is off.
90
Attempt Attempt
Lawrence Ennali takes a right-footed shot but misses.
89
Attempt Attempt
Eduard Lowen takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
83
Update Update
Duane Holmes is on, and Felipe de Andrade Vieira is off.
82
Update Update
Jack Jasinski is on, and Jamar Ricketts is off.
77
Attempt Attempt
Nick Fernandez takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
75
Update Update
Duncan McGuire is on, and Hector Miguel Herrera Lopez is off.
73
Substitution Substitution
Nick Fernandez is substituted for Beau Leroux.
73
Update Update
Preston Judd is on, and Paul Marie is off.
72
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
69
Update Update
Max Floriani is on, and David Romney is off.
64
Attempt Attempt
Shot by Antonio Carlos Capocasali is blocked.
64
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
63
Attempt Attempt
Jack McGlynn takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
61
Update Update
Offside.
61
Update Update
Ibrahim Aliyu comes on for Franco Negri.
59
Attempt Attempt
Jack McGlynn takes a left-footed shot but misses.
58
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card shown to Reid Roberts.
57
Attempt Attempt
Niko Tsakiris takes a right-footed shot but misses.
56
Attempt Attempt
Eduard Lowen takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
54
Attempt Attempt
Reid Roberts takes a left-footed shot, but it is saved.
54
Attempt Attempt
Niko Tsakiris takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
49
Attempt Attempt
Guilherme Augusto Vieira dos Santos takes a right-footed shot but misses.
45
Attempt Attempt
Felipe de Andrade Vieira attempts a header but misses the shot.
45
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
42
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
41
Attempt Attempt
Mateusz Bogusz takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
34
Attempt Attempt
Antonio Carlos Capocasali attempts a header but misses the shot.
34
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
32
Attempt Attempt
Beau Leroux's left-footed shot is blocked.
32
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
29
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
22
Attempt Attempt
Beau Leroux's right-footed shot is blocked.
21
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
19
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
14
Attempt Attempt
Ousseni Bouda takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
3
Attempt Attempt
Ousseni Bouda takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
1
Update Update
Kick-off! The referee is P. Lauziere.

CONCLUSION

Final score detail: Houston Dynamo 0-0 SJ Earthquakes. 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. Market alignment: The match result was within the projected probability range.