Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 27/10
Bookmaker: Betfair
Still reeling from their heartbreaking US Open Cup exit, a disheartened Dallas team will host Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS on Saturday.
The Galaxy have lost each of their last seven visits to Toyota Stadium since a narrow 2-1 victory in August 2015 and will look to end this poor run over the weekend.
FC Dallas
Dallas’ quest for a third US Open Cup title ended on Thursday morning with a 2-1 extra-time defeat to Sporting Kansas City in their quarterfinal match at Children’s Mercy Park.
After a 3-2 league loss to Sporting Kansas City just three days earlier, the Burn were eager for revenge. However, after normal time ended in a draw, Colombian defender Daniel Valencia secured the win for the visitors with a decisive header in the 111th minute.
Since their 2016 title triumph, Dallas have struggled to progress past the quarterfinals in the US Open Cup. They faced last-16 exits in 2017 and 2018 and were knocked out in the quarterfinals in 2022 by a 3-0 extra-time loss to Sporting Kansas City.
Thursday’s defeat continues their poor league form, where Peter Luccin’s men have lost three of their last four matches—conceding nine goals and scoring seven—with a 3-2 home victory over Portland Timbers on July 5 being the exception.
Dallas have lost 11 of their 22 MLS matches this season, securing six wins and five draws to accumulate 23 points, placing them 11th in the Western Conference, seven points shy of the play-off spots.
After two away games, Dallas will be glad to return home, where they remain unbeaten in eight of their last nine matches across all competitions, securing six wins and two draws since the start of April.
Team News
Dallas will be without the experienced forward Paul Arriola, who is suspended after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season against Sporting Kansas City on June 8.
Injuries also plague the hosts, who will be missing the attacking trio of Alan Velasco (ACL), Jesus Ferreira (hip), and Paxton Pomykal (knee), all of whom remain sidelined.
Joining them on the injury list are Geovane Jesus and Brazilian defender Patrickson Delgado, both recovering from knee and ACL injuries, respectively.
Canadian midfielder Liam Fraser, who sustained a hip injury against Cincinnati on June 30, has missed the last three matches and will not feature in Saturday’s game.
Los Angeles Galaxy
Los Angeles Galaxy, on the other hand, returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Minnesota United at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Brazilian striker Gabriel Pec stole the show by scoring twice, either side of Teemu Pukki’s 73rd-minute equalizer, securing all three points for the hosts and handing Minnesota their sixth consecutive defeat.
Before that, the LA team ended a four-game winning streak on July 5 with a 2-1 home loss to city rivals Los Angeles FC, where Kei Kamara and Denis Bouanga scored for the Black and Gold.
Greg Vanney’s men have now secured 12 wins from their 23 MLS matches, along with four losses and seven draws, accumulating 43 points to sit third in the Western Conference. They are level on points with Real Salt Lake and first-placed Los Angeles FC.
The Galaxy aim to climb to the top of the conference standings this weekend but will need to be at their best against a Dallas side that has remained unbeaten in 15 of their last 20 encounters, claiming 13 wins and two draws since May 2008.
Team News
LA Galaxy continue to be without midfielders Jonathan Perez and Gaston Brugman, sidelined due to hamstring and knee injuries, respectively.
Argentine defender Julian Aude missed Monday’s 2-1 victory over Minnesota United due to a groin injury and remains a major doubt for Saturday’s match.
Serbian forward Dejan Joveljic has been a standout performer for the Galaxy this season. With 12 goals and four assists in 21 league games, the 24-year-old is expected to lead the attack once again.
Conclusion
The last five encounters between Dallas and Los Angeles Galaxy have seen a total of 18 goals scored, suggesting another potentially lively match at Toyota Stadium. Despite Dallas still recovering from their cup disappointment, they boast a strong home record against LA Galaxy. Therefore, it’s not unlikely that they manage to secure a draw in this contest.
Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 27/10
Bookmaker: Betfair
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