3 X-Factors for the Los Angeles Galaxy against the Houston Dynamo | OneFootball

For a team that has failed to win once in their first seven regular seasons, they may not have too many bright spots. However, the Los Angeles Galaxy are facing a team on Saturday that also has it's own problems on offense.

Both teams enter the weekend having scored just five goals so far. Five different players have recorded a goal for the Dynamo while the LA Galaxy's highest scorer has three.

Speaking of three, here are the players that could be the one that tips the scale in favor of the Los Angeles Galaxy.

1. Christian Ramirez

One of the many new faces to the defending MLS Cup winners has been one of the few shining stars for the LA Galaxy. Prior to the team's shoutout loss (2-0) against Real Salt Lake last weekend, Ramirez scored in three consecutive games.

His first goal of the season was against the Portland Timbers. Ramirez's score was crucial as the game resulted in a 1-1 tie.

In the next game, the former Columbus Crew forward found the back of the net again. In this instance, it happened against his original MLS club, Minnesota United FC.

On Saturday, Ramirez will be playing against another former team of his in the Dynamo. If the LA Galaxy are to secure their first win in MLS's 30th regular season, then the now 34-year-old forward needs to add another number (or two) to the scoreboard.

2. John McCarthy

The Los Angeles Galaxy's struggles are not just with their offense, or lack thereof. So far, their defense has been abysmal as they have given up the most goals this season.

Veteran keeper and 2022 MLS Cup Finals MVP, John McCarthy, took over in goal after three straight losses with Novak Micovic starting. McCarthy played consistently well in his first season with the Galaxy.

In fact, one of his saves in the season opener last year against Inter Miami earned him Save of the Year honors. McCarthy needs to regain the form he showed in last year's postseason when he pitched two shutouts including the 2024 MLS Western Conference Finals against the Seattle Sounders.

McCarthy also had two games where he allowed just one goal including the 2024 MLS Cup Finals against the New York Red Bulls. Against a weak Dynamo offense, the Philadelphia native has the potential to shine on Saturday.

3. Joseph Paintsil

One of Ghana's best footballers has returned to action for the Los Angeles Galaxy this month. He missed the season's first few weeks due to a hamstring injury.

Last season, Paintsil was one of four players to score at least ten goals for the LA Galaxy. Gabriel Pec is the only other person from that group to be active this season.

In addition to his scoring ability, Paintsil also displayed his passing prowess in 2024. He recorded ten assists during his first season in MLS a year ago.

After all, Paintsil was one of the two members of the LA Galaxy to score in last year's MLS Cup Finals. The win gave the franchise its record sixth title.

Despite going 0-1-3 in his first four games back (that includes both legs of the Concacaf tournament against Tigres UANL), Paintsil has given the stoic scoring of the Galaxy a boost. He scored his first goal of the year last Tuesday in the team's exit from the tournament.

Whether he's the one to find the back of the net or the one to assist a teammate in doing so, Paintsil is capable of being a difference maker on Saturday against the Houston Dynamo. If so, he could be the x-factor as to why the LA Galaxy win their first game of the 2025 regular season.