February 28, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Earthquakes forward Timo Werner (11) controls the ball in the second half against Atlanta United FC defender Thomas Jacob (55) at PayPal Park. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Image The Philadelphia Union will look to kickstart their sputtering offense Saturday night in Chester, Pa., when they host a San Jose Earthquakes team enjoying life with new star import Timo Werner.
Philadelphia (0-2-0, 0 points) has scored just one goal in its opening two games despite being one of the league leaders in terms of putting the ball into the final third.
“I think we’re getting to where we need to be and where we want to be. We’re just missing a little bit of that final third of creativity, chemistry and alignment.” Union Manager Bradley Carnell said Thursday. “I want to be in a good position and know that the process is ongoing, not just getting results right now.”
With Tai Baribo and Mikael Uhre departing in the offseason, retooling the Union was always likely to be a work in progress from the start of the season.
Perhaps more worryingly, the young team sometimes loses its composure.
Ezekiel Alladoh, a 20-year-old striker who joined the Union this season, was sent off in DC’s season-opening loss for making an obscene gesture at an opposing player. Last weekend, Olwethu Makhanya received a second yellow card in second-half stoppage time, an incident that paved the way for New York City FC’s late win.
Meanwhile, San Jose (2-0-0, 6 points) started out by outscoring opponents 5-0 in its first two games at home.
Werner made his MLS debut off the bench in last Saturday’s 2-0 win over Atlanta United and provided an assist for Oseni Bowda’s second-half insurance goal.
“Timo’s arrival certainly brings a lot of experience and knowledge, and the way he plays encourages everyone to work hard,” Quakes midfielder Jamar Ricketts said of the former RB Leipzig, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur striker. “He’s playing at a high level every day and he’s definitely here to help the team, which excites everyone.”
Preston Judd and Daniel Munie each scored two goals for San Jose. If Werner can find the net, it would be his first domestic league goal since he scored as a second-half substitute in Tottenham’s 4-0 win over Aston Villa on March 10, 2024.
–Field level media
