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Will the LA Galaxy Continue to Use Different Starters Against Houston Dynamo?

As the playoffs seem unreachable, the Los Angeles Galaxy can play for their younger players development by using a different Starting XI.
ByScott Conrad|
LA Galaxy v Orlando City - Leagues Cup Third Place Match
LA Galaxy v Orlando City - Leagues Cup Third Place Match | Ronald Martinez/GettyImages

Despite being one of the worst teams in Major League Soccer this year, the defending champions looked the part during the 2025 Leagues Cup. With a third-place finish and qualifying for the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup, the LA Galaxy can celebrate something this season.

Unfortunately, it looks like making the playoffs won't be apart of the celebrations. The Los Angeles Galaxy (4-7-16) are the bottom of the MLS Western Conference Standings.

Greg Vanney, head coach of the LA Galaxy, has made several roster moves including starting new faces such as Harbor Miller.
LA Galaxy v Pachuca - Leagues Cup Quarterfinals | Jam Media/GettyImages

We have seen some new faces and names in the Starting XI for head coach Greg Vanney. The LA Galaxy reaped the benefits of having Harbor Miller and Elijah Wynder start last month against the Colorado Rapids.

The two young players scored their first-ever goals in MLS that game in the 3-0 victory at home. The Los Angeles Galaxy play the Houston Dynamo on Saturday in the rescheduled match. Could that be a sign of more things to come?

Who could get to start for the LA Galaxy on Saturday against the Houston Dynamo?

New defender Chris Rindov is a likely candidate. He made his first start for Vanney and the LA Galaxy against the Rapids.

The 23-year-old played on the Starting XI in the backline. Rindov played alongside John Nelson, Miki Yamane, and Zanka.

Tucker Lepley scored twice this preseason for the LA Galaxy at the Coachella Valley Invitational. He has played ten games.
LA Galaxy v Colorado Rapids | Shaun Clark/GettyImages

Two other players who got rare starts for the Los Angeles Galaxy were forward Miguel Berry and Tucker Lepley. In scoring twice this preseason at the Coachella Valley Invitational, Lepley impressed heading into the 2025 MLS season.

Berry has made just ten appearances this season, five in which was in the Starting XI. He recorded his first assist on Gabriel Pec's goal against the Vancouver Whitecaps in the LA Galaxy's second game of the season.

Miguel Berry, recorded two of the first assists on the season for the LA Galaxy. He has played 10 MLS games, starting five.
LA Galaxy v Seattle Sounders - Leagues Cup Semifinal | Ronald Martinez/GettyImages

The majority of the reasoning behind so many changes to the Starting XI for the LA Galaxy was due to Vanney wanting to rest his best players before the Third-Place Match against Orlando City SC. Vanney's plan worked as a prepared LA Galaxy beat Orlando and won, 2-1.

The Los Angeles Galaxy hope to do the same against the Houston Dynamo. The two teams tied 1-1 at Dignity Health Sports Park earlier in the season.

Not only did the LA Galaxy allow an early first-half goal, but Zanka was issued a red card. Even while playing a man down, midfielder Diego Fagundez was able to score his 150th career goal in his 400th professional soccer match.

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