FC Dallas defender Anton Nedyalkov and forward Tesho Akindele watch Houston Dynamo forward Alberth Elis (17) control the ball during an MLS soccer match Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, in Houston. (Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle via AP)
The Associated Press
HOUSTON (AP) - Ronaldo Pena scored his first MLS goal in the 88th minute, helping the Houston Dynamo tie FC Dallas 1-1 on Thursday night in the Texas Derby.
Houston (7-11-7) ended a club-record five-game losing streak, but its winless stretch was extended to eight matches. Dallas (13-5-7) remains atop the Western Conference standings, four points ahead of Sporting Kansas City and Los Angeles FC.
Pena, a Venezuela striker playing in his fourth MLS match, took a pass at the top of the 18-yard box, split two defenders and sent in a shot past a diving Jimmy Maurer.
Five minutes prior, Michael Barrios scored for Dallas by winning a one-on-one battle for a glancing header and sending it through the legs of goalkeeper Joe Willis. Barrios has scored all five of his goals this season in the last five games.
Six of the last seven games in the series have ended in draws - including the first meeting this season.
Houston Dynamo midfielder DaMarcus Beasley, rear, kicks the ball between the legs of FC Dallas forward Tesho Akindele (13) during an MLS soccer match Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, in Houston. (Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle via AP)
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Houston Dynamo midfielder Darwin Ceren (24) vies with FC Dallas Dominique Badji (16) for the ball during an MLS soccer match Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, in Houston. (Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle via AP)
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Houston Dynamo forward Alberth Elis (17) falls onto his back as he keeps the ball in play while under pressure from FC Dallas defender Anton Nedyalkov (6) during an MLS soccer match Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, in Houston. (Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle via AP)
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FC Dallas defender Reggie Cannon (2) gets the header in front of Houston Dynamo forward Romell Quioto during an MLS soccer match Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, in Houston. (Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle via AP)
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FC Dallas Dominique Badji (16) moves the ball upfield during the team's MLS soccer match against the Houston Dynamo on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, in Houston. (Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle via AP)
The Associated Press