MLS: Houston Dynamo 3 LA Galaxy 1

Houston Dynamo defeated the LA Galaxy 3-1 on Sunday to guarantee a place in the MLS Eastern Conference semi-finals.

Dynamo needed to win to avoid slipping into the wild-card places and got the job done against a weakened Galaxy team at Robertson Stadium.

Adam Moffat opened the scoring in spectacular fashion 27 minutes into the match, beating Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts from long-range after picking up a loose ball in midfield.

Bobby Boswell doubled the lead three minutes into the second half, striking from distance after Moffat deflected Brad Davis’ free-kick.

And Davis was involved again for the third, providing the cross that substitute Carlo Costly headed home from close range with 14 minutes remaining.

Striker Jack McBean bagged a consolation for Galaxy with his first MLS goal on 88 minutes.

Dynamo’s victory sees them secure second place in the Eastern Conference, setting up a two-leg semi-final against the Philadelphia Union.

LA were already guaranteed a home match in the first two rounds of the post-season after topping the Western Conference with the best record across the competition.

They could afford to rest David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane against Dynamo, but the star trio will return for their finals opener, with Galaxy’s first opponent to be decided in the wildcard round.