Houston Dynamo v Philadelphia Union: Olsen keen to fix defensive frailties

Houston lost their last home match 3-0 to the Vancouver Whitecaps, marking the third time since the start of June that they have conceded three or more goals on home soil.

In that period, they have won just two of their seven matches and sit 11th in the Western Conference, three points off the playoff places.

But Olsen knows they need to strengthen at the back if they want to make it past the regular season.

"We'll continue to work on it," he said when asked about Houston's defensive problems.

"We're giving up way too many goals, and that's not the hallmark of this team. All I can say is that we're working on it. We understand the data and stats and why and where and how.

"Some of it's preventable. Some of it's, at times, some personnel and the guys not making plays. We'll get back to work and keep trying to get better on the defensive side."

Standings heading into the final matchday before #MLSAllStar week. pic.twitter.com/cP9OSUrKgu

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 17, 2025

Philadelphia, meanwhile, sit top of the Eastern Conference after recording back-to-back wins over the New York Red Bulls and CF Montreal.

They are looking to at least maintain their one-point cushion over the Chicago Fire, and head coach Bradley Carnell has full confidence that his side have what it takes to extend their winning run despite a three-game week.

"We feel good with our roster, where we are currently," he said.

"I think guys are confident to start or be competitive, regardless of who starts first and foremost. That's credit to the players.

"They love the way we're playing currently; they love who we are and embrace who we are, which gives chances to everyone. We're strong."

Jack McGlynn, Griffin Dorsey and Daniel Steres are the only players on Houston's roster who featured in the last meeting between the two clubs in July 2022.

McGlynn did so for Philadelphia in a 6-0 win, registering a goal and an assist, and he will be hoping to have a similar impact on Saturday.

Tai Baribo scored his 14th goal of the 2025 regular season on Wednesday and the 23rd of his MLS career.

Only Lionel Messi and Sam Surridge (both 24) have scored more goals since Baribo scored in MLS for the first time on June 19, 2024.

What a night #DOOP pic.twitter.com/yn6FKPhPoF

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) July 17, 2025

The Philadelphia Union have won four straight regular-season matches against the Dynamo after winning just four times in the first (D4 L6) in the first 14 league meetings in the fixture. This will be Houston's first time hosting the Union in any match since the Dynamo's 3-0 win in the 2019 U.S. Open Cup final.

Philadelphia provide a threat from all over the field and have had 16 different goalscorers in 2025. Only the Vancouver Whitecaps boast as many different scorers, while the Union have equaled their club record for a single season (also 16 in 2011).

Houston conceded three goals for the fourth time in their last four home matches in a loss to Vancouver on Wednesday. The Dynamo have conceded 22 home goals this season (tied for the second most in MLS behind Sporting Kansas City's 23), including multiple goals in all seven of their home losses.

Houston Dynamo – 34%

Draw – 25.8