Real Salt Lake v Houston Dynamo: McGlynn targets World Cup after dismantling LAFC

Houston Dynamo midfielder Jack McGlynn has his sights set on a place in the United States’ World Cup squad, ahead of Wednesday’s visit to Real Salt Lake.

McGlynn scored twice on Sunday as the Dynamo cruised to a 4-1 away win over Los Angeles FC.

McGlynn stunned the home fans at BMO Stadium with an arcing, left-footed strike from distance to open the scoring, then found the bottom-left corner for Houston’s fourth goal 10 minutes into the second half.

Guilherme and Mateusz Bogu had both got on the scoresheet for the Dynamo between those two goals, while Nathan Ordaz found the net for LAFC.

Having won four of their last five MLS matches, Houston are up to eighth in the Western Conference, ahead of Wednesday’s trip to America First Field.

But with just three games to go until the season pauses for the World Cup, McGlynn has another aim – to reclaim a spot in Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT plans.

McGlynn has 13 caps for his country and has scored two goals, though his last six appearances for the USA have all come off the bench and his most recent international outing was against Japan last September.

Asked about the World Cup, he told the MLS website: “It’s on your mind. The number one objective for any player to play in the World Cup.

“You definitely think, ‘how can I show my ability’, but most importantly, I have to show it for Houston and help Houston out, and that’ll get me there.

“Being in LA, seeing all the signs and everything, it gets you up for it and gets you in the mood to have a performance like tonight. I hope I can just keep doing that until the World Cup, and hope that I’m there.”

Take a bow, Jack pic.twitter.com/JcNr3pxAFM

— Houston Dynamo FC (@HoustonDynamo) May 11, 2026

Real Salt Lake are one point above Houston in sixth place, having fallen to a 3-1 defeat against FC Dallas on Saturday.

They have lost three of their last four MLS games, with their only victory in that run coming at home to the Portland Timbers.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Real Salt Lake – Diego Luna

Luna has created 27 chances for Real Salt Lake in MLS this season, with 21 of those coming from open play.

Only seven players have created more chances than Luna this term, with Niko Tsakiris and Sebastian Berhalter the only Americans to do so.

Houston Dynamo – Jack McGlynn

McGlynn has five goal involvements in seven MLS appearances this season (two goals, three assists), and only Guilherme (26) has created more chances for Houston than his 14.

MATCH PREDICTION: REAL SALT LAKE WIN

Real Salt Lake have been formidable at home this season with five wins and just one loss in six MLS contests.

Houston, meanwhile, have registered two wins and three losses on their travels this season in league play.

RSL have also won three of the last four MLS meetings between the teams (D1), as many victories as they managed in their last nine such games.

In the teams’ last eight clashes at America First Field, RSL have registered six victories and only lost once, playing out one draw.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Real Salt Lake – 52.5%

Houston Dynamo – 24.4%

Draw – 23.1%