- (Sports Network) - Los Angeles coach Bruce Arena continues to label the club as "work in progress" and even a win at Houston on Saturday might not be enough to propel the Galaxy into the playoffs. Arena hasn't turned the Galaxy around since taking over in mid-August, managing just a pair of wins in eight matches. But considering the former U.S. national team coach took over a team on an eight-game winless streak, it would have been a miracle to orchestrate a quick turnaround.

L.A. won Sunday, 3-2 over Colorado, to keep its slim playoff chances alive. But with just two wins in its last 14 matches - albeit both in the last four - L.A. doesn't seem like much of a threat, even if it makes the postseason.

"We live for another day. I like the competitiveness of our team," Arena said after last week's win.

L.A. won last week without David Beckham, who was on international duty and is out again this week due to suspension. It's other star, Landon Donovan was only able to play 27 minutes after playing for the U.S. the day before.

Donovan will return to a starting role at Robertson Stadium, trying to somehow help L.A. close the four-point deficit in the playoff race with two weeks left. He scored both goals when L.A. tied Houston 2-2 earlier this season.

The Galaxy (8-12-8) are four points out of the two wild card spots but need two wins to have shot at the postseason. L.A. ends the season against FC Dallas.

Houston (12-5-11) is the hottest team in Major League Soccer, going an amazing 11-1-6 since mid-July in all competitions. In league play, the Dynamo are 8-1-6 in their last 15 and 8-1-3 in their last 12.

The Dynamo will be without Kei Kamara and Eddie Robinson because of one-game suspensions this week, but have proved all season and throughout the last three seasons they can win without some of its regulars, or top bench players.

Houston defeated San Jose 2-1 on Wednesday, despite playing down a man for the final 80 minutes and resting star midfielder Dwayne De Rosario. Stuart Holden scored both goals for the Dynamo.

"With 10 men in the whole scheme of things it probably one of the top wins we have had all year," goalie Pat Onstad said. "In the first half we had a lot of opportunities; in the end down with 10 men for 80 minutes, it was just a fantastic performance."

Houston has finished second in the Western Conference the last two seasons and went on to win the MLS Cup both times. The Dynamo can clinch their first title in the regular season with a win against L.A., which also secures home field in the playoffs.

If Houston stumbles this week, it visits Chivas USA on the final weekend of the regular season for a game that could determine the Western Conference champion.



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