The body language from FC Dallas was not that of a dominant club from the outset against the San Jose Earthquakes in a 2-0 loss Saturday at Pizza Hut Park, extending the organization's record winless streak to nine games.
San Jose struck first on a questionable play in the 50th minute as Ronald Cerritos was left wide open to get on the end of a nice lefty cross from Mark Chung.
Hoops 'keeper Scott Garlick looked more concerned with the possibly missed offsides call and was distracted enough to allow Cerritos to find the back of the net.
"I looked right over at (FC Dallas defender) Greg (Vanney), I was right in line with Greg and (Cerritos) was a good two yards offsides when he served the ball," said David Wagenfuhr on the first goal of the match. "We all just looked over at the lineman like -- that's an easy call -- I thought it was an easy call and I think everyone saw it on the replay."
Just a few minutes later in the 53rd minute the FC Dallas defense was caught napping as Alejandro Moreno cut across the top of the box from left to right and found the bottom left corner of the net giving the Quakes a two-goal cushion.
Again on the second goal Garlick was caught off guard. He took two steps to the left as Moreno came across, making a save nearly impossible. Garlick lunged back to the right in vein as the ball rolled past him.
"Can't tell," said Colin Clarke when asked if Garlick was out of position. "It's a shot that was hit back across the 'keeper, looked like it went through defenders legs. It's a decent shot straight into the corner."
English midfielder Mark Wilson made his MLS debut after San Jose had a two-goal lead, showing a bit of his skills as he was very active and scrappy in midfield battling for loose balls.
"I think the problems are to be worked out themselves in the dressing room," said Wilson shedding a newcomer's perspective on the winless streak. "And we will do that. It's a great bunch of lads -- plenty of ability in there, plenty of talent -- we'll kick, scrap and fight our way out of this."
Right back Bobby Rhine showed a great level of hustle and was very frustrated following the match.
"If I'm sitting in the stands, I'm not a happy fan right now," said Rhine. "You don't see a lot of effort, not a lot of energy in the second half, it's disgraceful."
Ron Goode is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
