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MLS Game Preview: FC Dallas Set for Home Finale Against LA Galaxy on Fan Appreciation Night

FRISCO, Texas (Oct. 4, 2025) – FC Dallas will close out its home slate on Saturday afternoon when it hosts Western Conference rivals LA Galaxy at Toyota Stadium for Fan Appreciation Night presented by H-E-B. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., and the match carries added significance as both clubs battle for playoff positioning in the crowded West.

For Dallas, the contest provides a chance to finish its home schedule on a high note and continue its recent dominance over one of MLS’ most historic franchises.

Series History: Rivalry Defined by Balance

The head-to-head history between FC Dallas and LA Galaxy spans nearly three decades and has produced no shortage of dramatic moments. Dallas holds a 25-9-7 all-time home record against the Galaxy, outscoring them 77-53 at Toyota Stadium and the Cotton Bowl. Overall, the series remains remarkably tight: LA holds the slight edge at 34-36-13, with a goal differential of 137-126 in the Galaxy’s favor.

Recent years, however, have tilted toward Dallas. Since 2021, the club is 6-1-1 against LA, including a 2-0 victory on July 13, 2024, when Petar Musa and Logan Farrington found the net. Dallas’ most emphatic victory in the series came on Oct. 22, 2017, when it stormed to a 5-1 win.

Saturday’s fixture will mark the first meeting of 2025 between the two sides. Their scheduled Aug. 30 clash was postponed due to LA’s participation in the Leagues Cup, adding intrigue to this rescheduled late-season showdown.

Key Players to Watch

For Dallas, Bernard Kamungo and Anderson Julio headline the active roster with two career goals apiece against the Galaxy. Both have been central figures in the team’s current unbeaten stretch and will be counted on to ignite the attack once more.

The Galaxy counter with veteran playmaker Diego Fagundez, who has struck four times against Dallas in his career. His ability to unlock defenses with late runs into the box will be a primary concern for the Dallas backline.

Historically, the rivalry has featured prolific scoring leaders. Jason Kreis holds the Dallas record with 10 goals against the Galaxy, while MLS legend Landon Donovan tops LA’s chart with 12. Midfield creativity has also shaped the series, with Mauro Díaz registering 11 career assists against LA — matched on the Galaxy’s side by Cobi Jones.

In goal, Matt Dodd’s six shutouts remain the Dallas benchmark in the matchup, underscoring how defensive stability has often been the difference in tightly contested matches.

Statistical Breakdown

The scoring splits between the clubs highlight distinct patterns. Dallas has scored 65 goals in first halves of the rivalry compared to 60 after halftime, demonstrating consistency across both periods. By contrast, LA has proven far more dangerous late in matches, with 84 second-half goals compared to 53 in the first half.

Specifically, Dallas has been most potent between the 31st and 45th minutes, registering 26 goals in that span. The Galaxy, meanwhile, are notorious for late drama, scoring 34 times from the 76th to 90th minute — a trend that Dallas must be wary of in a match that could come down to closing moments.

Fan Appreciation Night Atmosphere

Saturday’s clash will also be marked by the annual Fan Appreciation Night, where the club honors its supporters with pre-match festivities, in-stadium giveaways, and postgame interactions. The occasion adds extra incentive for Dallas to deliver a strong performance in front of its home crowd.

What’s at Stake

For Dallas, the finale is about carrying momentum into the final stretch of the regular season and positioning itself for playoff contention. With attacking threats like Musa, Farrington, and Kamungo hitting form, the club has the pieces to challenge anyone in the conference.

For LA, the task is reclaiming ground in a rivalry that has recently slipped away. The Galaxy’s pedigree and attacking firepower ensure they will test a Dallas defense that has tightened in recent weeks.

Regardless of standings, FC Dallas vs. LA Galaxy has long been one of MLS’ most tradition-rich rivalries. With history, playoff implications, and a packed house at Toyota Stadium, Saturday promises another chapter filled with intensity, emotion, and potentially late-match fireworks.

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