San Diego, Houston Face MLS Playoff Race

San Diego FC hosts Houston Dynamo in a consequential Western Conference matchup, with San Diego in 12th place and trying to close the gap to the playoff positions while Houston aims to steady its campaign from around fifth. Both teams arrive in poor form: San Diego has gone six matches without a win and conceded 17 goals in its last five, while Houston has won only once in its last eight. San Diego coach Mikey Varas has said the team still believes it can make a late push, and home form offers some encouragement; Houston manager Ben Olsen viewed the Dynamo’s recent 2-2 draw at Minnesota as a step forward. Houston won the teams’ earlier meeting this season, 1-0.