Houston Dynamo v LA Galaxy: Olsen relishing tough test in playoff preparation

Ben Olsen believes LA Galaxy are the perfect team for Houston Dynamo to face the week before the playoffs to get them into the right frame of mind.

Houston can finish as high as fifth in the Western Conference but have alternated between a win and a loss in their last four games, losing 3-0 to St. Louis City last time out.

Olsen is keen to quickly put that result behind them and get the win that would secure fifth place in the table.

“Our objective doesn’t change – it’s still about putting the best performance against LA Galaxy we can in preparation for what’s going to be a very tough first-round match in the playoffs,” he said.

“It’ll be a tough test. But I like that we’re playing arguably the best team in the league the week before the playoffs because that’s the level we’re going to see then.”

Meanwhile, the Galaxy need at least a draw to ensure they finish top of the table above derby rivals Los Angeles FC.

LA Galaxy are on a three-match winning streak in MLS, edging past Austin FC 2-1 in their last outing, and head coach Greg Vanney is glad they are not just going through the motions as they see out the end of the regular season.

“It’s a nice test for us, it’s great that the game is meaningful at this time of year, and we’re playing for something before we start really playing for something,” Vanney said.

“I think that keeps the right intensity and the right tension in the group, and hopefully draw or win, it keeps the right tension going into the playoffs.

“We have to be efficient about how we defend, though we can’t get pulled around by them.”

One more regular season match before we grind toward Playoffs

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— Houston Dynamo FC – x (@HoustonDynamo) October 16, 2024

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Houston Dynamo – Adalberto Carrasquilla

The Dynamo enter the final match of the season with 51 points, equalling their total from last season, while a win would set a new club record for points in a single season, surpassing the 52 they recorded in 2012.

Adalberto Carrasquilla set up both goals the last time Houston won, and another in this game would level him with Amine Bassi for the most assists this season (six).

LA Galaxy – Gabriel Pec

Both Gabriel Pec and Riqui Puig enter the final match of the season with 29 goal contributions this season.

No team in MLS history has had two players record 30 goal contributions in a single season.

MATCH PREDICTION: HOUSTON DYNAMO WIN

Houston have lost only one of their last 11 regular-season home matches (W4 D6) including recording a 2-1 win in their last match at Shell Energy Stadium. The Dynamo’s only set of consecutive home wins this season came in March with victories over Portland Timbers and San Jose Earthquakes.

The Galaxy defeated the Dynamo 2-1 at home on May 25. LA have not defeated Houston twice in a single regular season since winning all three meetings during the 2016 campaign.

A win on the final day of the season would give the Galaxy 67 points on the year, equalling the second-most in club history. Only two teams in MLS history have totalled 67 or more points in a regular season and not won the Supporters’ Shield: Atlanta United in 2018 and Philadelphia Union in 2022.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Houston Dynamo – 47.2%

Draw – 26.3%

LA Galaxy – 26.5%