LA Galaxy midfielder Joe Corona (15) flies through the air after being separated from the ball by Los Angeles FC defender Dejan Jakovic (5) during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, July 18, 2020, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The Associated Press
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 MartÃnez'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 MartÃnez (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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LA Galaxy forward Cristian Pavon, center, is congratulated by midfielders Sebastian Lletget (17) and Emil Cuello (27) after scoring on a penalty kick during the first half of an MLS soccer match against the Los Angeles FC, Saturday, July 18, 2020, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The Associated Press
Los Angeles FC defender Dejan Jakovic (5) and LA Galaxy forward Cristian Pavon compete for the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, July 18, 2020, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The Associated Press
Los Angeles FC forward Bradley Wright-Phillips, back, scores a goal past LA Galaxy defender Giancarlo Gonzalez during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, July 18, 2020, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The Associated Press
Los Angeles FC forward Bradley Wright-Phillips (66) celebrates after scoring a goal during the second half of an MLS soccer match against the LA Galaxy, Saturday, July 18, 2020, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The Associated Press
Los Angeles FC forward Bradley Wright-Phillips (66) celebrates after scoring a goal during the second half of an MLS soccer match against the LA Galaxy, Saturday, July 18, 2020, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The Associated Press
Los Angeles FC forward Diego Rossi celebrates after scoring a goal past LA Galaxy goalkeeper David Bingham, below, during the second half of an MLS soccer match, early Sunday, July 19, 2020, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The Associated Press
LA Galaxy goalkeeper David Bingham (1) reacts after giving up a goal to Los Angeles FC forward Diego Rossi during the second half of an MLS soccer match, early Sunday, July 19, 2020, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The Associated Press
LA Galaxy midfielder Joe Corona (15) wins a header in front of Los Angeles FC forward Latif Blessing (7) during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, July 18, 2020, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The Associated Press