FC Dallas look capable of avoiding defeat away to LA Galaxy

Los Angeles Galaxy drew 1-1 with San Jose Earthquakes in their last league match. They had far fewer attempts than their opponents and, although striker Joseph Paintsil opened the scoring early, they were pegged back midway through the second half. Galaxy needed goalkeeper Novak Micovic to save a stoppage-time penalty to preserve the draw.

FC Dallas lost 1-0 to San Diego FC in their previous league outing. They were under pressure throughout the match, and goalkeeper Maarten Paes was forced off injured midway through the first half, with Jonathan Sirois coming on in his place. Dallas continued to defend deep and eventually conceded early in the second half, but only went down narrowly.

Galaxy will be without Riqui Puig, Elijah Wynder and Matheus Nascimento through injury, while FC Dallas are missing Maarten Paes and Geovane Jesus. Neither side has any suspension concerns.

In terms of recent form, Galaxy’s draw with San Jose ended their league losing streak, but they have still lost their last two home league games, conceding three goals in each, which underlines problems at both ends of the pitch. FC Dallas saw their three-match unbeaten league run ended by the defeat to San Diego FC, yet their away form remains solid, with three wins, one draw and one defeat from their last five league trips, so they should not be underestimated here.

The two sides have each recorded one win, one draw and one defeat in their last three league meetings. Their most recent encounter ended 2-2, and that match produced seven corners.