Enemy Scouting Report - LA Galaxy
(image via LA Galaxy)
The Houston Dynamo are coming off their first regular season win of 2025, after edging out LAFC 1-0 at Shell Energy Stadium last weekend. Now, they’ll hit the road and head west to Los Angeles, California, where they’ll take on a depleted LA Galaxy side at Dignity Health Sports Park. For Houston, the goal is simple — build on the momentum from their home victory and spark a positive run of form in a competitive Western Conference.
Meanwhile, the defending MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy are barely recognizable from the team that lifted the trophy just a few months ago. Currently sitting at the very bottom of the overall league table — behind even Eastern Conference side CF Montreal on goal difference — the Galaxy’s title defense has quickly unraveled.
A big reason for that downfall has been the long-term absence of star midfielder Riqui Puig, who suffered a serious knee injury during last year’s playoffs. His absence kept him out of MLS Cup, where the Galaxy still managed to defeat the New York Red Bulls. But since that final whistle and confetti celebration, LA has seen a mass exodus of key talent.
Midfield anchor Gaston Brugman, rising star defender Jalen Neal, and prolific striker Dejan Joveljic were all traded away during a turbulent offseason. And while Puig remains sidelined for most, if not all, of the 2025 regular season, the Galaxy have also had to deal with injuries to their newest signings — Lucas Sanabria, Joseph Paintsil, and Gabriel Pec. The good news for LA is that those three are slowly returning to fitness and beginning to find their rhythm. The bad news — at least for the Dynamo — is that they could pose a threat if they shake off the rust in time for Saturday’s matchup.
As for Houston, there are several players to keep an eye on as they look to capitalize on LA’s struggles. Veteran striker Christian Ramirez, who had a brief stint with the Dynamo a few years ago, is back in MLS and leading the line for the Galaxy. The Dynamo defense will need to stay alert to his clever movement and finishing ability.
In the midfield, LA will rely heavily on the creativity and experience of Diego Fagundez, whose ability to link play and create chances could be key in breaking down the Houston defense.
Another exciting player to watch is 20-year-old Brazilian forward Matheus Nascimento, currently on loan from Botafogo. Nascimento brings flair, technical ability, and a natural nose for goal that could prove decisive in a game where chances may come at a premium.
LA Galaxy Record: 0W-2D-5L
Results in the last 30 days:
March 9 - LA Galaxy 0-3 St. Louis (MLS)
March 12 - LA Galaxy 4-1 CS Herediano (CCC)
March 16 - Portland 1-1 LA Galaxy (MLS)
March 22 - Minnesota 2-2 LA Galaxy(MLS)
March 29 - LA Galaxy 1-2 Orlando (MLS)
April 1 - LA Galaxy 0-0 Tigres (CCC)
April 5 - Salt Lake 2-0 LA Galaxy (MLS)
April 8 - Tigres 3-2 LA Galaxy (CCC)
Last Match Staring XI (from fotmob.com)
2025 Roster
Goalkeepers: Novak Micovic, JT Marcinkowski, Brady Scott, John McCarthy
Defenders: Miki Yamane, Julian Aude, Maya Yoshida, Mathias Jorgensen, John Nelson, Eriq Zavaleta, Mauricio Cuevas, Carlos Emiri Garcés, Harbor Miller
Midfielders: Edwin Cerrillo, Lucas Sanabria, Riqui Puig, Isaiah Parente, Marco Reus, Tucker Lepley, Elijah Wynder, Ruben Ramos Jr, Ascel Essengue
Forwards: Diego Fagundez, Matheus Nascimento, Gabriel Pec, Christian Ramirez, Miguel Berry, Joseph Paintsil
Can Houston take advantage of their growing confidence and LA’s injury struggles, or will the road test prove to be another MLS challenge?
