LA Galaxy lose Western Conference lead in last-minute 2-1 defeat to Houston

This Saturday, October 19th, Houston Dynamo and LA Galaxy (2-1) faced off on Decision Day, marking the final match of the 2024 MLS regular season.

In a thrilling and dramatic contest for Week 34, Houston Dynamo secured a 2-1 victory in the closing moments, leaving LA Galaxy to contemplate a second-place finish in the Western Conference standings.

LA Galaxy Official Lineup: McCarthy; Yamane, Garces, Yoshida, Aude; Reus, Cerrillo, Puig; Paintsil, Pec, Joveljic.

LA Galaxy lose Western Conference lead in last-minute 2-1 defeat to Houston

First Half

From the kickoff, LA Galaxy dominated possession, controlling 80.2% of the ball within the first few minutes. Marco Reus, returning from injury, drew a foul in the defensive zone in the 4th minute and again in the 11th minute.

Despite LA Galaxy’s early control, Houston Dynamo responded aggressively, with several fouls committed against the Galaxy, creating tension in the defense.

In the 14th minute, Houston Dynamo launched a dangerous counterattack, but Maya Yoshida brilliantly intercepted, providing a solid defensive stand.

Moments later, in the 17th minute, Joseph Paintsil—recently recovering from an injury—made a stunning run toward the goal, narrowly missing a shot that led to a corner for LA Galaxy.

As the half progressed, Gabriel Pec came close to breaking the deadlock with a left-footed strike in the 24th minute, but it sailed wide. LA Galaxy continued to press, and in the 30th minute, midfielder Riqui Puig attempted a long-range effort that just missed the mark, as the Galaxy maintained 51.7% possession.

In a shocking twist, Houston Dynamo took the lead right before halftime. In the 43rd minute, Ezequiel Ponce found the back of the net, scoring the game’s first goal and shifting momentum in favor of the home team.

Despite LA Galaxy’s dominance in possession, they struggled to convert chances into goals, while Houston capitalized on one of their few clear opportunities.

Second Half

The second half started with renewed energy. Gabriel Pec fired a shot toward the goal in the 47th minute, but Houston’s goalkeeper made a comfortable save.

A minute later, Joseph Paintsil found the net with a powerful strike, but the goal was disallowed after VAR intervened, ruling a foul in the build-up. The Galaxy’s frustration grew as Paintsil was shown a yellow card in the 55th minute.

In the 68th minute, Marco Reus was substituted for Gaston Brugman as LA Galaxy continued to press for an equalizer. Their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time when Gabriel Pec scored a crucial penalty in the 96th minute, leveling the match at 1-1. The Galaxy seemed poised for at least a draw.

However, in an unexpected and heartbreaking turn of events, Houston Dynamo snatched victory in the 101st minute.

Former Galaxy player Daniel Steres headed in a goal from a set-piece, stunning the visitors and securing a 2-1 win for Houston. LA Galaxy’s hopes of clinching the top spot were dashed in the final seconds.

With this defeat, LA Galaxy finishes the regular season in second place in the Western Conference, losing out to LAFC, who overtook them in the standings on the final day. It was a bitter result for the Galaxy, who will now turn their focus to the playoffs after a disappointing Decision Day.

Yellow Cards

• Amine Bassi (Houston Dynamo)
• Joseph Paintsil (LA Galaxy)
• Brooklyn Raines (Houston Dynamo)