Jorge Villafana’s goal in the 69th minute snapped a 600-minute scoreless streak and also dealt a blow to FC Dallas’ playoff hopes as Chivas USA forged a 1-1 draw Sunday in Carson, Calif.
With the point earned, FC Dallas is four points behind Vancouver for the fifth and final Western Conference playoff spot, and each team has two games remaining. Vancouver would secure the playoff spot with a victory or an FC Dallas loss.
Villafana’s goal tied the game and ended the second longest drought in league history.
FC Dallas Blas Perez opened the scoring in the eighth minute, when Perez finished off a rebound from a shot by David Ferreira. Meanwhile, Villafana’s tally came off a feed from Miller Bolanos.
At Columbus 1, Sporting Kansas City 1: Eddie Gaven’s header in the first minute of stoppage time gave the Crew a draw with Sporting Kansas City, salvaging an important point for Columbus as it tries to land a playoff spot.
With 49 points, the Crew is one out of playoff position. Houston is fifth in the Eastern Conference with 50 points, and each has two games left to play.
“You’re not satisfied with one point,” Crew defender Julius James said. “We wanted the three points but we’ll take it. It’s still forward progress.”
Gaven scored to the near right post off a pass from Emilio Renteria to continue a trend of late dramatics. The Crew’s past five winning goals have come in the 86th minute or later.
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