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The Timo Werner impact is undeniable for the San Jose Earthquakes.
With organizational roots stretching to 1996—including a break from 2006 to 2007—and multiple successful eras, particularly during Chris Wondolowski's goal-scoring prime, the team has never begun an MLS campaign as strongly as they have in 2026.
On Saturday evening, the Earthquakes secured a 2–0 triumph over the defending Supporters' Shield winners, Philadelphia Union. Though the Union lack the dominance they displayed in 2025 following significant roster changes, this represented a crucial victory for San Jose, maintaining perfect points from three fixtures.
"The commitment tonight was excellent, though the display certainly wasn't flawless," renowned MLS coach and former U.S. men's national team leader, Bruce Arena, commented on the Earthquakes' showing. "Strong sides claim these types of matches because they understand how to battle through when the ball movement isn't particularly sharp."
Werner, who joined during the late offseason period, has proven essential.
Following an outstanding assist in a 31-minute inaugural appearance during a victory over Atlanta United the previous weekend, he enhanced his impact at Subaru Park on Saturday.
The 29-year-old former German international is still building toward peak condition, but connected effectively with midfielder Niko Tsakaris and forward Ousseni Bouda. In the 59th minute, he evaded multiple defenders before delivering a perfectly weighted diagonal ball to the advancing Bouda, recording his second assist while Bouda netted his second goal of the season.
Subsequently, the Earthquakes doubled their advantage through a distance strike from Tsakaris, as the 20-year-old continued his development in his sophomore MLS campaign.
Werner with the smooth set-up, Bouda with the cool finish. @SJEarthquakes take the lead on the road!
📺 Apple TV: https://t.co/h7rF36hdzZ pic.twitter.com/2i21yV75Bj
For Werner, who made his mark after coming on at the interval, the assist represented just one of three scoring opportunities he created, alongside four deliveries into the attacking zone.
"Timo is a talented footballer, and we understand that as we progress, he'll contribute not only with assists but will find the net himself," Arena continued. "His ability is clear. He's emerged as a positive influence for our squad in a brief timeframe."
Regarding when the former Premier League and Bundesliga attacker might receive additional playing time? Arena plans to be patient—and it's a welcome benefit that Werner is delivering results, having accumulated fewer than 30 minutes in the 2025–26 Bundesliga campaign with RB Leipzig.
"We aim to develop him properly," Arena explained. "The final thing I want is to push him too hard and risk injury. Hopefully we've been wise with his minutes in the opening two matches, and we can continue building his fitness so that within another month he's truly game-ready."
Standout Defensive Form Amid Perfect Record
Exceptional Defensive Display During Flawless Start
While the initial victories against Sporting Kansas City and Atlanta, two clubs that faced difficulties last season, were noteworthy, facing the top team from 2025 away from home represented elevated competition for the 2026 Earthquakes.
Nevertheless, they successfully contained Philadelphia manager Bradley Carnell's counter-attacking approach and relied on three crucial stops from goalkeeper Daniel to maintain a third consecutive shutout, the longest streak to begin a season in franchise history.
Werner, who recorded four defensive actions, contributed to the second-half effort, while the central defensive partnership of Daniel Munie and 22-year-old Reid Roberts continued their impressive form.
"This represents the level we demand from ourselves," Bouda stated. "We demonstrated in preseason that we appeared strong, not merely because we were victorious, but in our manner of winning."
Following the departure of star offensive players Josef Martínez, Chicho Arango and Cristian Espinoza during the offseason, projections were modest for the Earthquakes in 2026.
Currently, they're soaring due to Werner's immediate influence, leading the Western Conference alongside Vancouver Whitecaps and LAFC with nine points each.