February 28, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Earthquakes forward Benjamin Kikanovic (28) passes the ball during the first half against Atlanta United FC at PayPal Park. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Image Timo Werner recorded an assist in his MLS debut, helping the San Jose Earthquakes to a 2-0 win over Atlanta United on Saturday.
Werner, a former Germany international and UEFA Champions League champion with Chelsea FC, joined his new side in the 61st minute and assisted Oseni Bowda’s goal almost 20 minutes later. sent the Earthquakes (2-0-0, 6 points) to their second win in as many games to start the 2026 MLS season.
Atlanta (0-2-0, 0 points) has gone scoreless for two straight games and will be looking for its first win since Tata Martino returned to the club where he led the team to an MLS Cup victory in 2018.
With the Quakes leading 1-0 in the second half with just over 20 minutes remaining, Werner caught up with a pass on the right side of the pitch and passed it to Bouda, who scored his first goal of the season to make it 2-0.
San Jose had a huge offensive advantage from the beginning of the first half. Meanwhile, Atlanta United struggled to find positive momentum outside of a few half chances.
The Quakes finally broke through in the 24th minute. Jamar Ricketts collected the ball from an errant Atlanta pass, raced into the box and placed a cross into the path of Preston Judd, whose header past Lucas Hoyos for a 1-0 lead. It was Judd’s second goal of the season.
Niko Tsakiris looked to have made it 2-0 in the 70th minute when he easily tapped in Ricketts’ cross before being flagged for offside. But less than 10 minutes later, Bowda’s goal gave the hosts their long-awaited insurance.
All told, the Quakes maintained a 13-8 advantage in total shots, adding six to Atlanta’s frame.
Daniel made just one save for San Jose, stopping a Miguel Almiron attempt in the 89th minute. The Hoyos finished the evening with four saves for Atlanta United.
–Field level media
