Houston Dynamo FC returns to international competition for the first time since 2019 when they hosted Club America in the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup. This will mark Houston’s fourth matchup versus Santos.
The revamped format of Leagues Cup features 47 clubs that currently compete in Major League Soccer and Liga MX. Both leagues have paused their regular season to compete in the World Cup-style tournament. After Houston hosts Club Santos Laguna on Tuesday, the group will be decided on July 29 when Santos face Orlando in Florida.  
The Dynamo, who currently sit in an MLS playoff position, earned one point in their opening Leagues Cup group stage match at Orlando City SC on Friday night. The teams played to a 1-1 draw in regulation, while Orlando won the ensuing penalty shootout 5-4 to earn an extra point. Forward Amine Bassi converted a penalty kick in the final minutes of the first half to open scoring, while Duncan McGuire tied the match for Orlando in the open minutes of the second half.
The penalty shootout started with a miss from Dynamo midfielder Héctor Herrera, whose attempt was saved by a diving Pedro Gallese to the left side. Every player from both teams converted on the ensuing attempts, as Facundo Torres scored the winning penalty with a strong shot into the inside of the right-side netting.
Three matches into the Liga MX season, Santos currently sits in 10th place with four points and a 1-1-1 record (WLD). The club started the season with a 2-0 home loss to Querétaro, before defeating Puebla 3-2 on the road and playing to a scoreless draw with Atlas at home. Santos qualified for postseason play in both the Apertura 2022 and the Clausura 2023.
