FRISCO, Texas, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Dallas defender Jair Benitez headed the ball into his own net in the 82nd minute Thursday, allowing New York to escape with a 2-2 tie.
Dallas had played a man short since the 30th minute, when attacker Brek Shea was handed a red card. Even so, it appeared Dallas was headed for a victory before Benitez drove a header past his own goaltender while trying to clear the ball.
It was the league-leading 12th tie of the season for Dallas (10-2-12), which has not lost in its last 15 games. New York (12-8-5) remained three points behind first-place Columbus in the Eastern Conference.
Milton Rodriguez gave Dallas the lead in the 24th minute and Mehdi Ballouchy tied it shortly after halftime.
Dallas regained the lead in the in the 69th minute on a goal by Eric Alexander.
