San Jose head coach Frank Yallop looks to defensive woes as Houston Dynamo beat the Earthquakes 3-1 at Robertson Stadium.

Following his team's loss, Yallop was clear that San Jose have to improve on a defensive front.

"It's a loss for us," Yallop told reporters after the game.

"We've worked very hard on not conceding on set plays, and in the last two games, we've conceded four goals on set pieces, so it was very tough to take.

"In general play, it was an even-ish game, but obviously the goals make the difference in the match, and Houston scored three of them.

"I feel Ryan Johnson's second goal was onside, and that would've made a difference in the match in the last 10 minutes. Obviously, very disappointed with the result, but our guys kept going, which is important."