Cochrane attended La Salle High School near Portland, Oregon[1] and played three years of college soccer at Santa Clara University, from 2001 to 2003.

Following his junior season, Cochrane signed a Project-40 contract with Major League Soccer, and entered the 2004 MLS SuperDraft, where he was selected 5th overall by San Jose Earthquakes.

After the 2007 season, Cochrane returned to San Jose to play for a newly formed 2008 expansion side, also named Earthquakes.

Houston accommodated his request and left him exposed in the November 2007 MLS Expansion Draft where San Jose made him the first selection.

Less than two years after leaving Houston, Cochrane was traded back to Dynamo on August 14, 2009, in exchange for an international roster slot through the 2010 season.