Javier Hernandez ready to lead Galaxy on MLS Cup chase

Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez made his long-awaited return to action Saturday.

Hernandez, who had missed the previous 12 games due to a calf injury, went 62 minutes against Colorado in the Galaxy’s 1-1 draw.

“We know this is a busy week, so we didn’t want to use up everything in one game because we know we’re coming back midweek,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said Saturday. “It was great to see him back out there again because he’s an important piece of this group.”

Hernandez and the Galaxy are back Wednesday night against the Houston Dynamo at 7:30 p.m. at Dignity Health Sports Park. This is the Galaxy’s first home game since Aug. 20. The club is 0-2-1 in its past three home games.

This will be Hernandez’s first home game since June 19.

“The past is the past, it’s done,” Hernandez said of his injury. “I just try to help my team. I don’t think I’m the solution, a hero over there. I’m just one more player trying to do the best he can to help this team improve.”

Hernandez’s quick start can’t be forgotten. He opened the season with 10 goals in the first 10 games.

He’s one of nine players to score at least 10 goals this season. He just reached his number quickly.

“I don’t need credit, I don’t want credit,” he said. “I don’t need personal awards. What I want is the sixth championship for this organization. I’m not better or worse than anyone here. We all have different roles and with my uniqueness and my personality, I try to just express, try to share.

“I’m just trying to do the best I can. That’s the only thing I want to share, honestly, to all my teammates and the people around. We all need to try our best, then from that to try to win a title. Everyone here is working for the same goal: They want to see the Galaxy in the MLS final and lifting the trophy.”

The Galaxy (11-8-4, 37 points) hits the second of three games in eight days, taking on a Dynamo club that has just one win in the past 17 games. The Dynamo is winless on the road (0-7-5) and in 12th place in the Western Conference.

However, the Galaxy has just one win against the Dynamo in the past eight meetings.

“With respect to their season, they’ve had a difficult time in terms of results,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. “Having said that, I think the last game they played the other night was the best game they’ve played all year. They won 3-0 (against Austin FC), they looked energetic, they looked like they believed and worked hard for each other on the defensive side.

“Their record says one thing, but their last performance says something very different.”

HOUSTON (4-10-10, 22 pts) at GALAXY (11-8-4, 37 pts)

When: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Dignity Health Sports Park

TV: Spectrum SportsNet