Houston Dynamo FC got an early goal from Fafa Picault but Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez scored a second-half equalizer for the LA Galaxy, leaving the Western Conference sides deadlocked 1-1 in their Wednesday evening matchup at Dignity Sports Health Park.
The Dynamo bagged a shock opener on 13 minutes courtesy of Picault's ninth goal of the season. The Houston attacker latched onto a through ball from Darwin Quintero and snuck his shot underneath Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann, giving the Dynamo a lead they held through the halftime break.
The 1-0 scoreline lasted until just past the hour mark when Chicharito struck for the equalizer. Playing in his second game after a lengthy absence due to a calf injury, the standout striker got back to his goal-scoring ways with a leaping header off a cross from Dejan Joveljic that he placed perfectly past the outstretched arms of diving Houston goalkeeper Michael Nelson.
That leveler stood as the game's final goal, as both teams saw one notable chance at a winner go begging. Houston had their best look on a close-range effort from Matias Vera, who had an opening after a corner kick slid through to him in front of goal, but he put the shot wide.
Chicharito had one more chance for LA in the 88th minute off another header set up by a cross from Sebastian Lletget, but that also went wide, leaving the match to end 1-1.
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: This is a draw that neither side will be particularly pleased with. For LA, it'll feel like two points dropped at home against a Dynamo side that's second from bottom in the Western Conference standings and hasn't won on the road all season. Houston, meanwhile, missed an opportunity to get a breakthrough first away win after taking the early lead and once again found themselves unable to hold on away from BBVA Stadium.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Chicharito's equalizer decided the result, and it was a class header from the Mexican superstar.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: On that note, we'll go with Chicharito. If there was a positive from this match for LA, it's that he got back on the scoresheet and looks healthy as returns following a long injury layoff.
Next Up
- LA: Saturday, September 18 at Minnesota United | 8 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+)
- HOU: Saturday, September 18 vs. FC Dallas | 9:30 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+)
