3 non-negotiable starters for LA Galaxy against Houston Dynamo

Saturday’s match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Houston Dynamo holds major importance for playoff hopes. The fourth-best team in the Western Conference is looking to get back on track and earn three points against a mediocre rival.

Currently at 5-7-2 (22 points), head coach Greg Vanney is looking for the team’s first win in over a month. Their last winning match took place on April 21 against San Jose, 4-3. Since then, in the five matches, the Galaxy have only managed to score four times (0-4-1).

Vanney and company can’t settle for ties, especially scoreless ones. The LA Galaxy experienced two in May. So, the need to score must be emphasized when putting together the starting lineup.

3. Ricard Puig

The 24-year-old Spaniard has been a huge contributor to the LA Galaxy’s offense. Over the season, he has three goals and eight assists. In fact, in the last three meetings, Puig has recorded three of those eight passes leading directly to a goal.

The Galaxy not only ranks fourth in the West right now, but their 25 team goals and 18 assists are also tied for fourth, but in the league. In seven of Los Angeles’ 13 games, Puig had a goal or assist.

The midfielder will be called upon to produce for a struggling attack that desperately needs a win if the Galaxy look to stay in the upper echelon of the Western Conference table. Now in his third season with the team, Puig has already tied his record for assists.

During his tenure with the LA Galaxy, Puig played in 52 matches, starting in all but two. His career passing percentage in MLS is over 88% and he has yet to receive a red card.

This level of production and discipline is necessary for Los Angeles to win against Houston on Saturday night.

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