In a tightly contested match at the Shell Energy Stadium, LA Galaxy and Houston ended with a 1-1 draw in Week 22 of MLS.
Houston initially took the lead in the first half with a goal from Ezequiel Ponce in the 34th minute, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. However, LA Galaxy equalized shortly after the break, thanks to Lucas Sanabria’s striking effort in the 53rd minute.
Ponce’s goal was a well-placed shot after receiving a precise cross from Ondrej Lingr, allowing him to finish confidently from inside the penalty area, beating goalkeeper James Marcinkowski.
Lucas Sanabria emerged as the standout player of the match for LA Galaxy, scoring one goal and attempting three shots on goal throughout the match.
Ponce also had a significant impact for Houston, as he registered one goal and was involved in four shooting attempts.
Houston’s coach, Benjamin Olsen, deployed a 4-3-3 formation featuring Jonathan Bond in goal; a defensive line of Griffin Dorsey, Antônio Carlos, Ethan Bartlow, and Felipe Andrade; a midfield trio of Júnior Urso, Artur de Lima, and Lawrence Ennali; and a forward line composed of Ondrej Lingr, Ezequiel Ponce, and Duane Holmes.
On the other hand, LA Galaxy, managed by Greg Vanney, lined up with a 4-3-3 formation, including James Marcinkowski as the goalkeeper; defenders Mauricio Cuevas, Chris Rindov, Maya Yoshida, and John Nelson; a midfield consisting of Elijah Wynder, Edwin Cerrillo, and Diego Fagúndez; and an attacking front of Tucker Lepley, Miguel Berry, and Harbor Miller.
Referee Marcos de Oliveira officiated the match.
In their next fixtures, Houston will travel to face Colorado Rapids, while LA Galaxy will host FC Dallas.
Substitutions for Houston
75’ 2T – Ethan Bartlow replaced by Pablo Ortiz
81’ 2T – Ondrej Lingr replaced by Amine Bassi
90’ 2T – Lawrence Ennali and Duane Holmes replaced by Sebastian Kowalczyk and Femi Awodesu, respectively.
Bookings for Houston:
24’ 2T Júnior Urso (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for LA Galaxy
45’ 2T – Miguel Berry replaced by Christian Ramírez
45’ 2T – Tucker Lepley replaced by Gabriel Pec
60’ 2T – Mauricio Cuevas replaced by Miki Yamane
62’ 2T – Elijah Wynder replaced by Lucas Sanabria
79’ 2T – Harbor Miller replaced by Isaiah Parente
Bookings for LA Galaxy:
6’ 2T Maya Yoshida (Unsporting behavior)
12’ 2T Mauricio Cuevas (Unsporting behavior)
44’ 2T Gabriel Pec (Holding a player to prevent advance)