HOUSTON – The LA Galaxy will go for their first road victory of 2016 when they take on the Houston Dynamo on Friday night at BBVA Compass Stadium.
The Galaxy are undefeated in three matches but have struggled offensively without a goal -- scored by a Galaxy player -- in their last two. Houston has just one win this season but have scored a whopping 12 goals this year.
Ahead of tonight’s match, check out a few links, matchups and an important quote surrounding the game.
LINKS:
The LA Galaxy will be without Nigel de Jong for three games after his suspension following a tackle on Darlington Nagbe. The Portland Timbers attacker is already back in training and could feature in their game tomorrow. Bruce Arena's comments on the matter are not to be missed.
Steven Gerrard is expected to be available for the Galaxy’s clash against the Dynamo, but will he start?
One player who is certain to start is Giovani dos Santos, but which Dos Santos will we see? Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena insists that the best is still to come from his Mexican international.
Houston has been very unkind to the Galaxy in recent years, and we examine that record in the latest edition of By the Numbers.
*LAGalaxy.com’s Larry Morgan provides a preview of tonight’s match.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH:
Will Bruin vs. Daniel Steres
Jelle Van Damme may get the headlines, but the Galaxy’s most consistent defender this season has been the former Galaxy II captain. Steres has passed all tests presented to him to date, but will have a tough task in stopping Bruin, who has scored three goals and two assists this season.
Giovani dos Santos vs. David Horst
Giovani dos Santos had an uneven appearance against the Timbers and will look to make much more happen when LA face Houston. Dos Santos is expected to get plenty of space from a porous Dynamo defense, but whether he can take advantage will decide the match.
A.J. DeLaGarza vs. Giles Barnes
DeLaGarza figures to slide in for the injured Robbie Rogers for this tough assignment to contain the talented midfielder. The Galaxy defender will need to keep his head on a swivel to stop Barnes, who has notched two goals to date.
WHAT THEY SAID:
“They’re a good team, have had usual MLS start to the season. They’ve scored a lot of goals, they’re dangerous.”
- Bruce Arena on the Houston Dynamo.
