LA Galaxy were initially -0.5 at home, but the line dropped to -0.25 close to kickoff, while the home side's water level climbed steadily from 0.94 to 1.08. That is not a normal sign of home support.
Houston have actually not been bad away from home this season, going 2 wins and 4 losses in six road games. Of the four defeats, three came against Western Conference heavyweights such as LAFC and Real Salt Lake, and the margins were not wide. Their away execution has been better than expected.
With the handicap moving from -0.5 to -0.25 and the home side still carrying a persistently high price, the bookmakers clearly do not have much confidence in the Galaxy to win. The head-to-head record is also interesting: in the last 10 meetings, LA Galaxy have won only three, and their home cover rate is under 40%.
In this match, Houston have a decent chance of taking something on the road.