Defensive crisis for the hosts and a golden chance for the visitors: prediction for LA Galaxy vs Dallas
The MLS regular season clash between LA Galaxy and Dallas will take place on August 2 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. The hosts are desperate to break a poor run of form since the season resumed, while the visitors are aiming to strengthen their position in the Western Conference standings.
LA Galaxy: defense has collapsed since the break
Since the World Cup, the Los Angeles side have played three MLS matches without a single victory. Galaxy lost 0-3 to LAFC and 1-3 to St. Louis before drawing 1-1 with San Jose Earthquakes.
In this period, the hosts conceded seven goals - six of them in just two home games. The team sits 20th in the overall standings with 21 points from 18 matches and a goal difference of minus five.
Injuries continue to be a major issue. Riqui Puig, Erik Thommy, and João Klauss are all sidelined, so much of the attacking responsibility now falls on Marco Reus and Joseph Paintsil.
Dallas: a high-scoring side with a dangerous attacking leader
Dallas have also failed to win since the restart, but their results have been less alarming. They drew 2-2 with Portland Timbers and suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat to San Diego.
Before the break, the visitors played more convincing football, beating Colorado Rapids 2-1 and San Jose 3-2. In five of Dallas's last six matches, both teams have found the net, with an average of 3.67 goals per game over that stretch.
The main threat to the hosts is Petar Musa. The Croatian striker has scored 13 goals this MLS season, leading the Golden Boot race, and is especially dangerous on the road, netting four times in his last five away matches.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Petar Musa has scored 13 goals in this MLS season—more than any other player in the league.
- The Croatian has found the net four times in his last five away league games.
- LA Galaxy have conceded six goals in their last two home matches.
The visitors’ top scorer to capitalize on the hosts’ crisis: prediction for LA Galaxy vs Dallas
Since the restart, Galaxy have looked unconvincing, especially with countless mistakes at the back. Over the last three rounds, they've conceded seven goals, while their previous two home games ended in defeats with a combined score of 1-6.
Dallas are also yet to rediscover their best form, but before the break they consistently picked up points on the road and showed much more efficiency in attack. The visitors have the ability to exploit open spaces, although their own defense is far from solid, so this encounter promises to be high-scoring and closely contested.
