MLS: San Jose 2, Kansas City 0

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 24 (UPI) -- The defending MLS champion San Jose Earthquakes beat the Kanss City Wizards, 2-0, Sunday to take the lead in their Western Conference semifinal series.

Dwayne De Rosario gave the Earthquakes the lead just before the half on a goal that took a deflection off a Kansas City defender. Craig Waibel got San Jose's other goal shortly after the break with a corner kick.

The Earthquakes overcame the loss of both starting central midfielders. Ronnie Ekelund suffered a hamstring injury in last weekend's victory in Dallas. Richard Mulrooney didn't play due because of "personal reasons", which kept him out of training for most of the week.

Mulrooney also is doubtful for the second leg next Sunday in Kansas City.

Ramiro Corrales moved into a holding role in the center of midfield and Landon Donovan moved to an attacking midfield role -- his usual position with the U.S. national team.