By Will Martin
With the final furlong of MLS season now preparing to run its course what went down in Frisco last Saturday night must be deemed a disappointment.
Especially on the heels of a successful road win against the Rojiblancos last Wednesday on the road.
Much like the other game going on down the road in exhibittion form, FC Dallas and San Jose was a match loaded with physicality and aggressive play.
Most of that warranted due to what happened last May 25th. In that game with the Earthquakes Kenny Cooper would sustain a concussion after a tough sideline hit and would miss action because of it.
Fans of FC Dallas are asked to, ‘Raise The Red’. Not ‘Raise The Red Card’. There were a few of those instances on Saturday night. Lotta fight in San Jose and FC Dallas in what amounted to a 2-2 draw before 14,920 fans who got their money’s worth in another display of a Team Schellas comeback.
Eight minutes into the match the Earthquakes struck first on a Cordell Cato box feed to Alan Gordon who would the first timer beyond FC Dallas goalie Raul Fernandez. The lead would increase to 2-0 in the 16th minute when Rafael Baca would pooch a perfect chip shot in front of Steven Beitashour who would then provide a smooth transitional punch past Fernandez.
San Jose became the first team in 2013 to score so early against the FCD. But in true Lee Corso fashion, ‘Not so fast, my friends…’
Three minutes later FC Dallas had an answer when Blas Perez would collect his 10th goal of the season. Michel with a cross pass found Je-Vaughn Watson outside of the San Jose area. The Jamaican headed the ball and Perez was able to poke the ball before ‘Quakes keeper Jon Busch could get to it.
FC Dallas would make the final score of the night in minute 69 on a controversial penalty decreed by Baldomero Toledo. The penalty involved Victor Bernardez making contact with Dallas forward Blas Perez in the box.
Michel took the penalty kick instead of David Ferreira and Blas Perez while chipping a left-footed shot into the left side of the net for his second goal of the year. Both Bernardez and Kenny Cooper faced ejection in the 86th minute after some roughousing by Victor Bernardez which Kenny Cooper took issue with. When a team gives you a concussion the last time you played, you tend to be protective.
FC Dallas (9-7-10) still sits on the outside in 6th place with a two week break after a stretch of eight games in three days.
They return to action Saturday night September 7th with the Vancouver Whitecaps as every game from here on in is a must win to reach the playoffs in the Western Conference.
