LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Cristian Pavón’s penalty kick in second-half stoppage time helped the LA Galaxy salvage a 1-1 draw and prevent the Houston Dynamo from advancing to the knockout stage in the MLS is Back tournament on Thursday,
The Dynamo had led since Darwin Quintero’s goal in the 17th minute but surrendered it after Maynor Figueroa fouled Diedie Traore in the penalty area. Pavón then drilled his penalty kick into the right side of the net after Houston goalkeeper Marko Maric went left.
Pavón’s third goal of the season eliminated the Dynamo and allowed New York City FC to take the final wild-card spot in the round of 16. The Dynamo had two chances to regain the lead, but Ronaldo Peña’s header just in front of the goal was high and Tomás Martínez’s shot in the box went was wide right.
Houston went 0-1-2 in the tournament. It opened Group F play with a 2-2 draw against LAFC before a 2-1 loss to Portland. The Galaxy finished 0-2-1 after losses to Portland (2-1) and Houston (6-2).
Tomás Martínez (Houston Dynamo) left footed shot from the center of the box is close, but misses to the right. Tommy McNamara assisted.
Quintero put Houston in the early lead with a free kick from outside the box. The kick caught Galaxy goalkeeper David Bingham flat-footed and sailed over his head into the net.
Maric had five saves to Bingham’s three.
Both teams are still in search of their first win this season. Houston has three draws in five games and LA is 0-3-2.
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