The San Jose Earthquakes secured a 2-1 win over FC Dallas in their MLS clash despite playing the second half with 10 men.
The visitors could have taken the lead in the 11th minute when Michel lifted a free kick into the penalty, but Matt Hedges could only head the ball wide when unmarked in the middle.
Dallas were to rue that miss as San Jose took the lead when Cordell Cato latched onto a flick-on from Chris Wondolowski and slotted the ball past Raul Fernandez with ease.
Fabian Castillo almost got the visitors level as he raced down the left flank and drilled an effort at the near post, but Jon Busch managed to beat his shot away.
The home side nearly doubled their lead when Alan Gordon headed at goal from close range, but Fernandez somehow kept the ball out with his fingertips and Michel cleared off the line from the rebound.
San Jose were reduced to 10 men when Shea Salinas was given a straight red card for a poor challenge on Zach Lloyd right on half time.
After the break, Dallas came within inches of finding an equaliser as Victor Ulloa hit the post on the half-volley and the rebound by Blas Perez was miraculously saved by Busch, and Castillo headed over.
The lack of potency in front of goal was again to cost the visitors as San Joe doubled their lead when David Texeira turned the ball into his own net, as he tried to clear a free kick into the box from Sam Cronin.
However, Dallas got one back immediately as Michel fired home a free kick from the edge of the area giving Busch no chance.
The visitors pressed late in the game, but were unable to find an equaliser allowing the Earthquakes to hold out for the win.
Simon Sinclair
