Preview: LA Galaxy vs. Houston Dynamo | MLS is Back Tournament, Group F

MLSsoccer staff

2020 MLS is Back Tournament – Group F, Matchday 16
Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Houston Dynamo
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Thurs., July 23 – 8:00 PM ET

TV: FS1, TUDN, TVA Sports

STREAMING: FOX Sports App, TUDN App, TVA Sports App

The LA Galaxy meet the Houston Dynamo with the final Round of 16 berth on the line. The score of the match will determine whether it will be the Houston Dynamo, LA Galaxy or NYCFC to earn the final berth.

A win would not just be Tab Ramos's first as MLS coach, but it would send the Dynamo through to the Round of 16. The Galaxy are still alive, but they'll need a lopsided of three or more goals to clinch the final wildcard berth.

The two teams have already faced off this year in the 2020 regular season opener played on Feb. 29. That match ended in a draw, a result that would eliminate both teams from the MLS is Back Tournament.

That previous match was the much-anticipated MLS debut of Galaxy striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, but it was Cristian Pavon who provided the fireworks with a gorgeous strike from distance that put LA in front just 13 minutes after kickoff before Mauro Manotas leveled.

LA Galaxy

The Galaxy admit they are hurting without star players Jonathan Dos Santos and Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, but they are still have a chance to get through to the Knockouts even after the 6-2 defeat to their rivals LAFC. Head coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto said his side "gave up" in the second half and vowed it would never happen again on his watch.

In Chicharito's absence against LAFC, Cristian Pavon started at center forward and looked promising, according to Schelotto. Although he indicated the team is entertaining other attacking options, the talented Pavon still seems to be the best one for a team that needs to win by three or more goals.

Preview: LA Galaxy vs. Houston Dynamo | MLS is Back Tournament, Group F - Project Starting XI

Updated team roster

Injury Report:
- OUT: Jonathan dos Santos (M) - groin injury
- OUT: Danilo Acosta (D) - ACL injury
- OUT: Javier Hernandez (F) - right calf injury
- QUESTIONABLE: Kai Koreniuk (M) - hamstring injury
Suspended: None
Suspended after next caution: None
International duty: None

Houston Dynamo

Ramos said he's not going to miss Chicharito, who poses a unique attacking threat and combined so well with Pavon. The Dynamo will also be missing an attacking threat with Alberth Elis suspended after a red card in a 2-1 loss to the Portland Timbers.

"Obviously not having Chicharito is always something from our end we welcome because he's a player that doesn't need many opportunities to score," Ramos said. "He's been a great player for a long time and him not being on the field certainly is better for us."

Updated team roster
Injury Report:
- OUT: Michael Salazar (F) - right knee injury
- QUESTIONABLE: Marcelo Palomino (M) - thigh injury
Suspended: Alberth Elis (M)
Suspended after next caution: None
International duty: None