Desperate for Points San Diego FC Takes on Houston Dynamo

There is not a lot of positive that can be said about San Diego FC right now. Winless in their last five, three of those being losses. Still, head coach Mikey Varas remained optimistic after SDFC fell to Real Salt Lake 2-4.

"This is a long season and at the end of the day we're going to come out of this," said Varas.

They'll get their opportunity in a midweek showdown in Texas when they take on the Houston Dynamo.

Match Information

Teams: San Diego FC vs Houston Dynamo
Referees: Rubiel Vazquez (Ref), Chris Elliott (AR1), Jose Da Silva (AR2), Calin Radosav (4th), David Barrie (VAR), Tom Supple (AVAR)
Odds: SD (+230), Draw (+275), HOU (-105)
Date: April 18, 2026
Time: 5:30pm, Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, Texas
TV: MLS Season Pass - Apple TV (Free)
Radio: AM 760
Radio Commentary: Adrian Garcia Marquez, Darren Smith
Forecast: 78º/69º. 76º at kickoff. Showers. 10 mph winds. 35% chance of rain. 92% humidity.

Head-to-Head

Houston Dynamo

The Numbers

Houston Dynamo Overview

Houston Dynamo comes into this matchup as a team still trying to reset after a difficult 2025 season. Last year was a struggle across the board — defensively shaky, inconsistent in attack, and never really in the playoff picture. That led to a major offseason overhaul, with a number of new faces brought in to raise the level and change the trajectory of the club.

So far in 2026, the results have been mixed. Houston sits 10th in the Western Conference with a 3-0-4 record, nine points, and a -5 goal differential. They’ve gone 2-3 in their last five matches, including snapping a three-game losing streak with a 1-0 win over Orlando last weekend. That result could give them some confidence, but it doesn’t erase some of the issues we’ve seen — especially defensively.

The biggest threat right now is Guilherme Augusto. He’s been the focal point of their attack, leading the team with five goals and four assists. When Houston creates chances, it’s usually going through him. For SDFC, limiting his space and influence will be key, especially in transition moments where he’s been most effective.

Become a Subscriber

Get the best coverage of San Diego FC and San Diego Wave straight into your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE

Tactically, Houston is in a bit of a transition phase. Under Ben Olsen, they used to be one of the most possession-heavy teams in MLS, but that’s shifted. This year, they’ve been more balanced — at times even leaning into a more direct, transitional style. They’ll still look to build through midfield, especially with players like Jack McGlynn who can dictate tempo, but they’re not afraid to play forward quickly when space opens up.

Defensively, they’ve been vulnerable. Before their win over Orlando, they dropped three straight matches and looked exposed at the back, both in open play and when dealing with pressure. Their goal differential reflects that — they’ve struggled to keep games under control when things start to go against them.

For San Diego FC, this is a matchup where execution should dictate the outcome. Houston has attacking pieces that can hurt you, but they’ve also shown they can be stretched and broken down. If SDFC can control possession, stay disciplined, and avoid giving up easy transition chances, there will be opportunities to take advantage.

This is a Houston team still searching for consistency. On their day, they can compete. But they’ve yet to show they can put together complete performances regularly — and that’s something San Diego will look to exploit.

San Diego FC

The Numbers

San Diego FC Overview

Is SDFC going through the infamous sophomore slump? One would certainly think so given the results of the last five matches.

"This is where you test who you are as a person. My job is to steer us through this moment and make sure we come out of it on the other side," said Mikey Varas.

Varas also alluded to the fact that the team needs to stick to their identity. The problem is – many of the teams SDFC faced in the recent matches have figured out a way to counter the heavy-possession based, Right to Dream style. Teams are now man-marking against San Diego, which makes it difficult to receive and move the ball. Team are no longer afraid to press high with numbers after seeing the success of Toluca and the manner that they did it with.

At the end of the day, SDFC is getting what they're asking for, teams are pressing them high up the field while leaving a lot of space to run into in the back. The only difference is, SDFC have not been as sharp with their movement off the ball and the slick passing with which they played early in the season. Varas would like the players to get back to doing the basics better, alluding to the fact that if they can do that – everything else will follow.

Forward Marcus Ingvartsen echoed that sentiment. "Unfortunately, we are at the moment where the basic stuff, the simple passes, the cleanness in our game is not there. We are making too many mistakes, too many giveaways and that makes us come into pressure."

Then, there are the injuries. It's no secret that San Diego only had three healthy defenders on the roster in the game against Real Salt Lake. Midfielder, Bryce Duke was slotted into a defender position out of pure desperation. Against Houston, San Diego will have both, Chris McVey and Manu Duah available. They'll hope for at least a few more defenders to come off the injury list to add depth into the back line.

SDFC will be playing their third match in ten days on Wednesday, with another match looming only three days later, on Saturday. Squad depth will be tested, injuries need to be mitigated. Most of all, this stretch of games gives a ripe opportunity for this team to find their form once again, stand together as one, and do what they need to do in order to get some points and move up in the standings.

The summer transfer window decisions to spend big and bring in difference-makers will depend on how well the team does down the stretch into the World Cup break. Needless to say, each match is of utmost importance, starting with Wednesday night in Houston.