Surging Dynamo face rested but struggling Galaxy side

The Houston Dynamo have made a strong push in recent weeks, but they're not trying to send a message.

Yet Saturday night's match against the Los Angeles Galaxy could be a toway of gain more attention.

It's a chance for the Dynamo (10-6-2, 32 points) to climb to the top of the Western Conference standings with a victory, depending on other results.

"The message is to keep pushing and keep getting better and keep trying to pick up as many points as possible," Dynamo coach Ben Olsen said. "We've got to keep pushing and be very, very humble right now and hungry."

Houston has a six-match unbeaten streak dating back to May. During that stretch, the Galaxy and Dynamo tied 1-1 on May 23.

Olsen is suspended for Saturday's match because of yellow card accumulation. Assistant coach Juan Guerra likely will fill in.

The Galaxy (5-7-7, 22 points) are winless since the World Cup layoff, carrying a five-match winless streak overall. They haven't played since a scoreless draw with Dallas on Aug. 1.

Forward Kyogo Furuhashi made his MLS debut for the Galaxy in the Dallas game. With the two-week gap in the schedule, there has been time for adjustments. Defender Maya Yoshida had played with Furuhashi on the Japanese national team.

"As soon as we can get him in sync with the group and understanding who kind of does what and where they go ... you see a lot of things that are really positive," Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. "He just brings a lot of different parts."

The Dynamo have secured three consecutive shutouts, including last Saturday's 2-0 decision at New England. Houston hasn't conceded a goal in nearly 300 minutes.

The defensive efforts have included numerous blocked shots, which are necessary to maintain the level of stinginess in front of goalkeeper Jonathan Bond.

"Everyone is laying out and it matters to these guys right now," Olsen said. "It has been a nice little run."

Houston's 8-2-2 record over its last 12 matches is the best in the Western Conference during that stretch. Guilherme has 11 goals and has been on the scoresheet for 18 of Houston's 26 goals this year.

The Dynamo signed defender Marcelo Saracchi, a member of Uruguay's 2026 World Cup squad, to a contract earlier in the week

After back-to-back road matches, the Dynamo will play at home for the first time this month.

"We're going to need them," Olsen said of the fans. "LA is a very good team and they've got a lot of weapons."

The Dynamo will celebrate their 2006 championship as part of the match's festivities.

--Field Level Media