Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

By: Pearl Allison Lo

The cellar-dweller San Jose Earthquakes and first-place FC Dallas temporarily switched places in the Western Conference at the Toyota Stadium Saturday night.

Vako scored twice for the first time in his MLS career. FC Dallas, third in the league, suffered their first home loss this season. It was also their first home loss at Toyota Stadium in 18 games.

The Quakes scored in the 19th, 47th and 88th minutes and finally snapped a 12-game winless streak. It was a triumphant win for the cellar-dwellers.

Dallas and San Jose goalies Jesse Gonzalez and Andrew Tarbell were each forced to make five saves. Maximiliano Urruti and Vako had career-highs in shots, eight and nine, respectively.

Shea Salinas put a good ball ahead from midfield to set up Vako. Vako avoided Gonzalez, who slid outside the corner of his box, juked another defender along the goal line and kicked the ball past two more defenders to take the 1-0 lead.

FC Dallas tied it 1-1 a short while later in the 23rd minute. Reggie Cannon secured the ball and connected with Michael Barrios in the box. As Barrios shot, Roland Lamah put the ball into the net from Tarbell’s other side.  

Jahmir Hyka took an arced ball into the box from Anibal Godoy and scored with a kick in front of the defender.    

FC Dallas was not without their chances though. The following were just a few of them.

Tarbell showed skill in the 53rd minute, stopping two close saves in one second against Tesho Akindele and Barrios, the latter coming when Tarbell was down.

In the 63th minute, Tarbell was able to stop Barrios again. This led to a corner, which Urruti used to hit the crossbar.

The final goal came when Wondolowski was parallel to the goal line and passed to Vako, who converted. Wondo made his way past three defenders en route to the net.

Up Next: The Quakes will take on the Colorado Rapids next Saturday at 6 pm PDT at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.