The Los Angeles Galaxy have strengthened their defence after handing Chris Rindov a first-team contract.

The 23-year-old featured in the Galaxy's MLS win over the Colorado Rapids and Leagues Cup third-place match against Orlando City after a short-term agreement with MLS Next Pro affiliate Ventura County FC.

Rindov has now signed a first-team contract through to the end of the 2026 season, with club options for the 2027 and 2028 campaigns.

The Galaxy, who face the Houston Dynamo next, have conceded the second-most goals in the Western Conference this season (55), but are confident Rindov can help improve their backline.

"Since joining the Galaxy family with Ventura County FC, Chris has not only demonstrated an excellent work ethic and strong defensive instincts but has shown himself to be a selfless teammate and leader, willing to do anything to help his teams be successful," said General Manager Will Kuntz.

"His development is a testament to the great work being done by Matt Taylor and Gordon Kljestan to create a competitive environment that prepares our MLS NEXT Pro players for the challenges of MLS.

"We are excited to welcome Chris and look forward to watching him continue to develop and contribute to the Galaxy."

Unlike the Galaxy, who sit bottom of the West, the Dynamo are fighting for a playoff spot, currently sitting in 10th, three points behind the San Jose Earthquakes.

They snapped a seven-game winless run in the league last time out after beating St. Louis City SC 3-2, but have not won at home since June 29 (also against St. Louis).

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Houston Dynamo – Ezequiel Ponce

Ezequiel Ponce has been a key player for Houston this season. The striker leads the club with seven goals, three of which were the crucial first of the match.

Not only did the 28-year-old score in the Dynamo's last match, but he also found the net in their most recent meeting against the Galaxy.

Los Angeles Galaxy – Marco Reus

Marco Reus is the Galaxy's joint-top scorer in MLS this season, with five goals, and has also provided eight assists.

The German midfielder has either scored or assisted in three of his last four games in all competitions, including the opener against Orlando in the Leagues Cup.

MATCH PREDICTION – HOUSTON DYNAMO WIN

The Galaxy are the only team in MLS without a road league win in 2025 (D5 L9). Dating back to last season, they have not won any of their last 15 regular-season road matches, tied for the team's second-longest winless run in the regular season, behind only a 17-game drought from April 2003 to May 2004.

The Dynamo have won their last two home matches against the Galaxy. It is only the third time the team has won two or more consecutive home matches against LA (2018 and 2019), with the longest streak being four games from October 2011-July 2015.

Duane Holmes came off the bench to score his first MLS goal, tallying Houston's game-winner against St. Louis City. Since last June, 11 different Dynamo players have scored in an MLS game as a substitute, but none of those players have done so more than once.

In their last six league matches, Houston have won two, drawn one and lost three. Galaxy, meanwhile, have won two, drawn two and lost two in their last six.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Houston Dynamo – 47.5%

Draw – 26.2%

Los Angeles Galaxy – 26.3%