LA Galaxy Vs Houston Dynamo: 3 things we learned – NYCFC clinch third
By Harvey Cruz
Cristian Pavon’s late penalty rescued a point for the LA Galaxy against the Houston Dynamo on Thursday night. Here are three things we learned.
The scenario was simple, win and you’re into the next round. For the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Houston Dynamo, a game based around two desperate teams played out exactly that way.
Houston opened the scoring as Darwin Quintero curled in a beauty of a free-kick, but the Galaxy pressed high in order to create chances and forced Houston to defend for the majority of the contest. They couldn’t, however, convert their dominance. But then, out of nowhere, referee Victor Rivas pointed to the spot as Diedie Traore was brought down. Cristian Pavon converted in the 91st minute to dash Houston’s hopes.
And so, the Galaxy crash out, Houston follow them, and New York City FC sneak into the knockout stages as one of the top-four third-placed teams. Here are three things we learned from the 1-1 draw.
3. LA Galaxy lack cutting edge
It was always going to be a substantial hill to climb for the LA Galaxy to win, nevermind qualify. They needed to win by a three-goal margin in order to advance. Once Darwin Quintero’s freekick sailed in, that task was entirely impossible.
The Galaxy were largely dominant on the night, but while they won the battle of possession, they rarely threatened the Houston goal. Ultimately, this was their downfall. They ended the match with 34 crosses, an obscene number that shows the lack of fluidity and precision to play through the middle. According to InfoGol, the Galaxy had an expected goals of 1.31, which includes the late penalty.
Give Houston credit for seeing out the dangers when presented, but this was a tepid offensive display from the Galaxy who have consistently struggled to break down opposing defenses under Guillermo Barros Schelotto. They lack a cutting edge, and it was most evident here.