Houston Dynamo beat LA Galaxy 1-0 in MLS, using their 4-1-4-1 structure and greater control of the ball to edge a tight contest. Houston recorded 61% possession, with the midfield shape allowing them to sustain pressure while retaining protection behind the central line. Guilherme scored the only goal, giving the hosts a decisive return from a match in which both sides attempted nine shots. The Dynamo’s 1.24 xG reflected the stronger quality of their openings, compared with the Galaxy’s 0.74, although the visitors remained within one goal throughout. LA’s 4-2-3-1 offered an extra holding midfielder, but they were unable to register an effort on target, limiting their ability to test Houston’s goalkeeper or alter the rhythm of the game. At the other end, the Galaxy goalkeeper faced two shots on target and prevented the margin from growing, finishing with 0.51 goals saved above expected. Houston’s territorial advantage was therefore meaningful without becoming overwhelming, and Guilherme’s contribution separated two teams that produced the same overall shot volume. Houston take three valuable MLS points from a controlled home win.