Dynamo set for late-night clash with Galaxy: What to watch for
(image via Aldo Canale)
The Houston Dynamo are back on the road tonight to take on the LA Galaxy in a late night contest. The Dynamo drew 1-1 last time out against FC Dallas. The Galaxy also drew their last match, finishing 0-0 on the road against Charlotte FC.
When: Saturday, May 25 | 9:40 PM CT kickoff
Where: Dignity Health Sports Park; Carson, California
TV/Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Radio: TUDN Deportes Houston 93.3 FM (Spanish)
Hollywood Nose Job
This isn’t a story about plastic surgery in LA, but one about the Dynamo’s ironman goalkeeper. Steve Clark had to leave Saturday’s draw against Dallas after inadvertently being kneed in the face by teammate Artur on the play that Dallas scored. Head coach Ben Olsen said Steve Clark has a broken nose and will not play tonight. Olsen called Clark a tough guy and doesn’t expect him to miss a lot of time. However, it will likely be Andrew Tarbell between the sticks tonight for Houston. Tarbell played in the US Open Cup defeat to Detroit, conceding three goals and missing what turned out to be the deciding penalty in the shootout. Tarbell is a veteran and should not be bothered by going into a hostile environment on the road.
Where’s the Nine?
Sebastian Kowalczyk, who has been used as a false nine for the majority of this season, is suspended for tonight’s match because of yellow card accumulation. Sebas Ferreira still injured, the question now is who will play up top tonight? Moving Aliyu Ibrahim to the middle and starting Brad Smith on the left wing is one option. Bringing in Gabe Segal is also an option, but he has not played much this season with the first team. Olsen was expectedly mum on the subject in his weekly press conference. Whoever plays as the nine tonight will be expected to score, something the Dynamo have struggled mightily with in 2024.
Not The Same Old Galaxy
Gone are the older Designated Players of years past at the LA Galaxy. Javier Hernandez and Douglas Costa are gone from last season, replaced by young wingers Joseph Paintsil and Gabriel Pec. Paintsil is injured and won’t play tonight, but Pec is finding his footing in Major League Soccer. LA started the year well but have not won in their last five matches, drawing the last four. They will still be a tough ask for this Dynamo team to beat in Southern California where they have yet to lose this season.
Houston Dynamo – Out: Nelson Quinones (knee), Sebastian Ferreira, lower body) Sebastian Kowalczyk (yellow card accumulation) Steve Clark (face), McKinze Gaines (lower body); Questionable: Franco Escobar (lower body)
LA Galaxy – Out: Joseph Paintsil (hamstring)
Predicted Lineup
