MATCH PREVIEW: Houston Dynamo FC return to Shell Energy Stadium to host the LA Galaxy on 2006 Championship Celebration Night

HOUSTON (Aug. 14, 2026) – Houston Dynamo FC return home to host the LA Galaxy on Saturday, Aug. 15, on what will be 2006 Championship Celebration Night, presented by Ford. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT at Shell Energy Stadium, and fans can secure their tickets for the match HERE. 

One technical staff note for this match is that head coach Ben Olsen will serve a one-match suspension due to yellow card accumulation. 

The Club will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Club's inaugural MLS Cup championship as members of the 2006 title-winning team return to Houston for a special halftime ceremony to recognize the players, coaches and staff who helped establish the Dynamo as a championship club. Fans in attendance will also relive unforgettable moments from the 2006 season through exclusive video features, in-stadium tributes and championship highlights. 

Earlier this week, the Dynamo also launched the highly anticipated Adidas Archive Kit, inspired by Houston’s kits during the inaugural 2006 and 2007 MLS Cup championship seasons. The jersey reflects the journey that has shaped the team, its fans and the city of Houston, providing opportunities to honor the moments, memories and unwavering pride that have defined their shared story. It serves as a tribute to the legacy built together and the enduring connection between the team and the community that has stood behind it every step of the way and into the future. 

The Dynamo currently sit fourth in the Western Conference standings, just two points away from the top spot, and are the hottest team in the Western Conference over the past 12 matches, compiling an 8-2-2 record for 26 points over that stretch. Notably, Houston has earned three consecutive shutout victories and has not conceded a goal in nearly 300 minutes. 

Saturday’s match between Houston and Los Angeles marks the second and last meeting this season, with the Dynamo earning an important road point at LA Galaxy on May 23. The fixture also marks the 43rd all-time MLS regular season meeting between the clubs, as Houston leads the tight all-time regular season series with a 15-14-13 (WLD) record versus the Galaxy. Additionally, the Dynamo are unbeaten in their last three home matches versus Los Angeles.  

Houston is coming off their third consecutive shutout victory, defeating the New England Revolution 2-0 on the road on Aug. 8, behind goals from attacker Guilherme and defender Agustin Resch. Guilherme has now contributed to 18 of Houston’s 27 goals this season, while Resch’s goal marked the first of his professional career. 

Additionally, Guilherme has scored or assisted on 66.7% of Houston's goals this season, the highest in MLS so far, and he could flirt with the all-time single-season record set by Sebastien Le Toux in 2010 for the Philadelphia Union at 71.4%.  

Los Angeles is coming off a scoreless draw versus FC Dallas on Aug. 1 and currently holds a 0-2-2 (WLD) record in their last four matches since facing Houston on May 23. The Galaxy sit 12th in the Western Conference with 22 points and 5-7-7 (WLD) overall record. Gabriel Pec leads the team's attack with five goals and five assists. 

Just this week, Houston announced the acquisition of defender Marcelo Saracchi, a left back who has recorded 12 goals and 25 assists in 272 career appearances across several top-flight leagues, including LaLiga, the Bundesliga,the Turkish Süper Lig, the Scottish Premiership and the Argentine Primera División, as well as prestigious competitions like the Copa Libertadores, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. He has also proven himself as a winner, lifting six trophies across his career. 

Earlier this week, the Galaxy acquired forward Hirving “Chucky” Lozano on loan as a Designated Player from California rivals San Diego FC, as the Mexican international has tallied over 129 goals for club and country. 

The Dynamo have a former Galaxy player on their roster in goalkeeper Jonathan Bond, who has helped the Dynamo post seven clean sheets this season and was signed by Houston in April 2025. The 33-year-old spent three seasons in Los Angeles and played a key role in helping the Galaxy to the 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs with a fourth place Western Conference finish and a run to the Conference Semifinals. 

Houston next open a two-match road trip on Wednesday, Aug. 19, first traveling to face Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place, with kickoff scheduled for 9:30 p.m. CT. Fans can follow the action live via MLS on Apple TV.