Late goal creates stalemate (4,3)
I believe the answer is:
dead end
'stalemate' is the definition.
(thesaurus)
'late goal' is the wordplay.
'late' becomes 'dead' (similar in meaning).
'goal' becomes 'end' (both can mean a purpose).
'dead'+'end'='DEAD-END'
'creates' is the link.
(Other definitions for dead end that I've seen before include "Blind alley, closed passage" , "Blind alley, cul-de-sac" , "Impasse" , "Blind alley or situation without prospects" , "that's leading nowhere" .)