Houston Dynamo FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 24 August 2025

As we approach the 28th round of Major League Soccer, Houston Dynamo FC will face off against San Jose Earthquakes at the Shell Energy Stadium on 24 August 2025. This match is crucial for both teams, with Houston currently sitting at the 22nd position with 29 points, while San Jose Earthquakes are a few places above at the 19th position, holding 32 points.

Despite neither team being in stellar form, both sides will be eager to claim three points and edge closer to a playoff spot. Houston Dynamo FC, coached by Ben Olsen, haven’t managed a win in their last five games but will look to capitalize on their home advantage. With key players like Ezequiel Ponce leading their attack, they will aim to break their winless streak.

San Jose Earthquakes, led by Bruce Arena, have seen both teams score in their last five matches, thus, a recommended bet for this match is Both Teams to Score (Yes).

Expect an engaging battle as both teams seek to improve their league standings and overcome their recent defensive challenges.

Houston Dynamo FC vs San Jose Earthquakes Prediction & Betting Tip

Houston Dynamo FC vs San Jose Earthquakes Prediction
Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score (Yes)	1.70

To make your betting slip more exciting, our recommended tip for this match is Both Teams to Score (Yes). Here’s why:

• Recent Form: San Jose Earthquakes have witnessed both teams scoring in 100% of their last five matches. Similarly, Houston Dynamo FC saw goals from both sides in 60% of their recent outings.
• Defensive Vulnerabilities: Defensive frailties are apparent with Houston conceding 8 goals and San Jose letting in 10 goals over their last five games.
• Head-to-Head History: Historical data supports this bet, with both teams scoring in 3 out of their last 5 encounters.

Considering these factors, it’s likely both sides will find the back of the net at the Shell Energy Stadium.

Houston Dynamo FC vs San Jose Earthquakes Odds

This upcoming Major League Soccer matchup between Houston Dynamo FC and San Jose Earthquakes presents some intriguing betting opportunities.

Betting Odds

Houston Dynamo FC vs San Jose Earthquakes Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Houston Dynamo FC to Win	2.04
Draw	3.73
San Jose Earthquakes to Win	3.17

Houston Dynamo FC are the bookmakers’ favourites with odds of 2.04 for a home win. A draw is considered less likely, sitting at odds of 3.73. Meanwhile, an away win for San Jose Earthquakes has odds of 3.17.

The odds reflect the competitive nature of this encounter, with both teams looking to improve their positions in the league standings. Recent form, defensive challenges, and head-to-head results reveal that there is a reasonable chance for both sides to find the back of the net, making a "Both Teams to Score (Yes)" bet an appealing option in this clash.

Houston Dynamo FC Team Analysis

Houston Dynamo FC Recent Performance

Houston Dynamo FC have struggled in their recent matches, reflecting a lacklustre form denoted by LLLDD. Their last five games include draws against Vancouver Whitecaps (1-1) and Austin FC (2-2) and losses to Pachuca (1-2), Mazatlan FC (0-2), and Tigres (1-4).

• Average Goals Scored: 1.0
  Despite their rough patch, Ezequiel Ponce remains a pivotal player, leading the team with 7 goals this season.
• Clean Sheets: 0
  Defensive frailties have plagued the team as they failed to secure a clean sheet in their last five encounters, conceding 10 goals collectively.

With an immediate need to tighten their backline and more potent offensive performances required, the team will be hoping to turn the tide at Shell Energy Stadium against San Jose Earthquakes. This match is crucial for their pursuit of climbing the league standings from their current 22nd position.

Houston Dynamo FC Key Players

Houston Dynamo FC will rely heavily on their top scorer, Ezequiel Ponce, who has netted 7 goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net will be crucial if Houston is to overcome their recent slump in form.

Sebastian Kowalczyk and Ondrej Lingr are also expected to play pivotal roles in the attack, contributing to the chances created and potentially providing the assists for Ponce.

Key individual battles to watch out for include Ezequiel Ponce going up against San Jose’s central defenders Bruno Wilson and Daniel Munie, who will aim to contain his goal-scoring threat.

Expected lineup for Houston Dynamo FC:

• Goalkeeper: Jonathan Bond
• Defenders: Griffin Dorsey, Antonio Carlos, Pablo Ortiz, Felipe Andrade
• Midfielders: Jack McGlynn, Artur, Junior Urso
• Forwards: Sebastian Kowalczyk, Ezequiel Ponce, Ondrej Lingr

With an attacking trio led by Ponce, Houston will be looking to convert their chances and improve their standing from the 22nd position in the league.

Houston Dynamo FC Suspensions & Injuries

Houston Dynamo FC will head into their clash against San Jose Earthquakes with several key players sidelined due to injuries and suspensions.

Injuries:

• Nelson Quinones (Knee injury, return expected early September 2025)
• Andrew Tarbell (Cruciate ligament injury, return expected late November 2025)
• Erik Sviatchenko (Muscle injury, return expected early September 2025)
• Gabriel Segal (Muscle injury, return expected early September 2025)
• Franco Escobar (Muscle injury, return expected early September 2025)

Suspensions:

• Brooklyn Raines (Yellow/red card, banned for 1 match)

These absences will undoubtedly affect their team dynamics, particularly in defence, considering the injuries to key defensive players like Sviatchenko and Escobar. The suspension of Brooklyn Raines further depletes their midfield options, posing a significant challenge for Ben Olsen’s side as they strive to secure a crucial three points at home.

Houston Dynamo FC Tactics and Formation

Houston Dynamo FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Ezequiel Ponce
• Midfield Trio: Jack McGlynn, Artur, Junior Urso

The team is expected to line up in their usual 4-3-3 formation, focusing on a balanced approach between attack and defence. Ezequiel Ponce, as the key forward, will be targeting an offensive thrust, harnessing the creative support from midfielders Jack McGlynn, Artur, and Junior Urso.

• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in the last five games.

Ben Olsen’s reliance on a high-press system may further pressure their injury-hit backline. The forwards, including Kowalczyk and Lingr, are anticipated to press high up the pitch, trying to convert high turnovers into scoring opportunities.

• Notable Strategy: Look for dynamic wing play, with Dorsey and Andrade expected to make overlapping runs frequently.

With their current 22nd position, Houston Dynamo FC must utilize these tactics effectively to regain momentum and aim for a crucial win.

San Jose Earthquakes Team Analysis

San Jose Earthquakes Recent Performance

The San Jose Earthquakes have had a mixed bag of results lately, highlighted by their recent form of DLLWL. These performances include losses to San Diego FC (1-2) and Real Salt Lake (1-2), a victory over Vancouver Whitecaps (2-1), a draw against FC Dallas (2-2), and another loss to Seattle Sounders FC (2-3).

• Average Goals Scored: 1.6
  Despite the inconsistency, San Jose’s offensive capabilities are notable, netting an average of 1.6 goals in their last five matches.
• Clean Sheets: 0
  Defensively, the Earthquakes have also faced challenges, failing to keep a single clean sheet in their recent outings and conceding 10 goals overall.

The blend of scoring proficiency and defensive vulnerabilities reflects a team with potential but in need of tightening up at the back. They currently sit 19th in the league standings with 32 points, a place they’ll aim to improve starting with their game against Houston Dynamo FC.

San Jose Earthquakes Key Players

Key players for the San Jose Earthquakes include Josef Martinez, who has an impressive 12 goals this season, making him the top scorer. His goal-scoring threat will be crucial against Houston Dynamo FC’s shaky defence. Cristian Espinoza and Cristian Arango will support him in the attack, both of whom contribute significantly to the forward momentum and creativity of the team.

Watch out for key battles, such as Josef Martinez against Houston’s central defenders Antonio Carlos and Pablo Ortiz, which could be decisive in determining the match outcome.

Expected lineup for San Jose Earthquakes:

• Goalkeeper: Daniel
• Defenders: Bruno Wilson, Daniel Munie, David Romney
• Midfielders: DeJuan Jones, Beau Leroux, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Vitor Costa
• Forwards: Cristian Espinoza, Josef Martinez, Cristian Arango

In this lineup, the offensive trio of Martinez, Espinoza, and Arango could pose a continuous threat, aiming to exploit Houston’s defensive vulnerabilities and increase San Jose’s goal tally.

San Jose Earthquakes Suspensions & Injuries

San Jose Earthquakes approach their game against Houston Dynamo FC mainly unscathed by injuries, with only Benjamin Kikanovic sidelined due to an abdominal injury, expected to return early September 2025.

This relatively clean bill of health provides head coach Bruce Arena with plenty of options to field a strong side. Compared to their opponents, who are grappling with multiple injuries and a suspension, the Earthquakes should have more stability in their lineup, contributing positively to their game plan.

Injury:

• Benjamin Kikanovic (Abdominal injury, expected return early September 2025)

With the rest of the squad fit and available, San Jose Earthquakes will aim to capitalise on their offensive strengths and contest for crucial points at Shell Energy Stadium.

San Jose Earthquakes Tactics and Formation

San Jose Earthquakes Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-3
• Key Forward: Josef Martinez
• Midfield Engine: DeJuan Jones, Mark-Anthony Kaye

San Jose Earthquakes are expected to deploy a 3-4-3 formation, which they have frequently used in recent matches. This setup allows for robust midfield coverage and dynamic forward movement.

• Defensive Issues: No clean sheets in the last five games.

Josef Martinez will spearhead the attack, supported by Cristian Espinoza and Cristian Arango, who are vital in both creating and finishing chances. The midfield, led by DeJuan Jones and Mark-Anthony Kaye, will play a crucial role in transitioning from defence to attack.

• Notable Strategy: High pressing intensity and exploiting wings for quick counter-attacks.

Bruce Arena’s squad will aim to capitalise on Houston Dynamo FC’s defensive vulnerabilities, hoping to exploit spaces left by their injury-hit backline to score vital goals.

Houston Dynamo FC vs San Jose Earthquakes Head-to-Head Statistics

The last five meetings between Houston Dynamo FC and San Jose Earthquakes have seen a mix of results, demonstrating a competitive rivalry.

• 2025-05-25: San Jose Earthquakes 3-3 Houston Dynamo FC
  An end-to-end encounter featuring an exciting 3-3 draw.
• 2024-07-18: San Jose Earthquakes 0-1 Houston Dynamo FC
  A narrow win for Houston, showcasing their ability to grind out a result away.
• 2024-03-31: Houston Dynamo FC 2-1 San Jose Earthquakes
  Another close match, with Houston emerging victorious on home turf.
• 2023-06-22: Houston Dynamo FC 4-1 San Jose Earthquakes
  A dominant performance by Houston, winning comfortably at home.
• 2023-04-02: San Jose Earthquakes 2-1 Houston Dynamo FC
  San Jose turned the tables with a solid home victory.

Historically, three out of these five encounters have seen both teams find the back of the net, supporting the notion that another goal-filled match could be on the cards.

Odds accurate as of 22 August 2025 01:33, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.