GEOFF LEPPER
Associated Press
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Cordell Cato scored his first goal of the season and the San Jose Earthquakes survived a full half playing a man down to beat FC Dallas 2-1 Saturday night.
San Jose (2-3-4) stretched its unbeaten streak at home to three matches despite losing winger Shea Salinas to a straight red card after a studs-up tackle on Dallas defender Zach Loyd just before halftime.
FC Dallas (5-5-1) slid to its fourth straight loss despite a stinging 20-yard free-kick goal by Michel in the 76th minute.
Cato burst in behind the Dallas defense to give San Jose a 1-0 lead in the 25th minute, set free by a long pass forward by goalkeeper Jon Busch and a redirecting header from center back Clarence Goodson. It was the first career assist for Busch, a 14-year MLS veteran.
San Jose doubled its lead off an own goal by Dallas substitute David Texeira in the 73rd minute, providing enough of a cushion to withstand Michel’s strike.
The Earthquakes held on in the second half. Victor Ulloa banged a shot off the post in the 57th minute, and Busch scrambled across his goalmouth to deliver a body block on Blas Perez’s rebound try.
Matt Hedges, Fabian Castillo and rookie Tesho Akindele all missed wide for Dallas in the final 11 minutes of regulation.
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