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LA Galaxy will make their play-off return in 2022, but will they now secure a home first round tie?
The record five-times MLS Cup winners have only featured in the post-season in one of the last five season, winning just two play-off matches since last lifting the trophy in 2014.
However, last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Real Salt Lake in Carson ensured LA will be invited to this year’s post-season party.
Douglas Costa converting a penalty in that one, but only after Riqui Puig had seen a spot-kick saved.
This means the Galaxy have missed five penalties this season, equaling the single-season record, jointly held by Chicago Fire and Tampa Bay Mutiny, both from 2000, coincidentally enough.
Greg Vanney will certainly be hoping none of their play-off games go to a shootout that’s for sure.
Will the Californian club leave Texas with the required three points?
Houston Dynamo meanwhile faced LA in back-to-back MLS Cups in 2011 and 2012 but, since then, have only made the play-offs twice in ten attempts.
That ratio has worsened this season with el Naranja second bottom of the west, just two clear of San Jose.
The Dynamo did at least win 2-1 in Nashville last Sunday; Sebastián Ferreira with both of the goals.
But, after Paulo Nagamura was sacked in September, the Houston hierarchy will be spending the first part of the off-season searching for a new boss.
Will LA Galaxy be too strong at PNC Stadium?