Last-place Galaxy hope to continue recent success vs. Dynamo

Field Level Media|published: Fri 5th September, 19:57 2025

MLS: Leagues Cup-Third Place Match-Orlando City at LA Galaxy

Aug 31, 2025; Carson, California, USA; LA Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil (28) celebrates his goal with midfielder Lucas Sanabria (8) during the second half against Orlando City SC at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-Imagn Images

The LA Galaxy will hope to continue a rare run of good form this season when they visit the Houston Dynamo on Saturday night.

Even as they sit dead last in the league, the Galaxy (4-16-7, 19 points) secured an improbable spot in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup with a 2-1 upset win over Orlando City in the Leagues Cup third- place match on Aug. 31. A powerful strike from outside the box off the boot of forward Joseph Paintsil proved decisive in the 67th minute.

"They grinded and got a result," Los Angeles coach Greg Vanney said after that match. "So I think in a season that's been really difficult, it's good to have the opportunity today, and the guys did it, to take away something important."

League and cup matches combined, the Galaxy have now won three of their last four competitive fixtures. The match against the Dynamo will mark two weeks since their last MLS outing, when they blanked the Colorado Rapids 3-0 at home.

They will be matched up against a Houston Dynamo side (8-12-8, 32 points) fighting for their playoff lives at the tail end of the season. The Dynamo survived a late two-goal rally from St. Louis City SC in their last match, conceding in the 86th and 89th minutes, but ultimately holding on for a much-needed 3-2 victory on Aug. 30.

The win brought them within striking distance of the ninth-place San Jose Earthquakes, who sit three points above them and the Western Conference playoff line. The result marked head coach Ben Olsen's 150th career win and Houston's first since July 5.

"It's huge because we still believe we can make the playoffs," Dynamo midfielder Duane Holmes said after that match. "We had to come out and win tonight and to come out and score three goals, it's great."

Houston will be bolstered by two new transfer additions, both finalized on Tuesday. Veteran forward Sergio Santos was claimed off waivers from FC Cincinnati while Jamaican international defender Damion Lowe will be returning to MLS after a yearlong stint in Saudi Arabia. The Dynamo are searching for their first win at home since June 28.

-Field Level Media