Timo Werner tallies assist in MLS debut as San Jose blanks Atlanta

Timo Werner recorded an assist in his MLS debut, helping the San Jose Earthquakes to a 2-0 win over visiting Atlanta United on Saturday.

Werner, the former German international and UEFA Champions League champion with Chelsea FC, entered for his new team in the 61st minute and assisted on Ousseni Bouda's goal nearly 20 minutes later. It sent the Earthquakes (2-0-0, 6 points) to their second win in as many matches to begin the 2026 MLS season.

Atlanta (0-2-0, 0 points) were held scoreless for the second straight match, leaving Tata Martino in search of his first win since returning to the club he led to an MLS Cup championship in 2018.

With the Quakes up 1-0 in the second half with just over 20 minutes remaining, Werner caught up to a pass down the right side of the pitch and fed it to Bouda, who got just enough of it for his first goal of the season and a 2-0 lead.

San Jose enjoyed a massive attacking advantage throughout the opening stages of the first half. Meanwhile, Atlanta United struggled to find any positive momentum outside of a couple of half-chances.

The Quakes finally broke through in the 24th minute. Jamar Ricketts collected the ball on an errant Atlanta pass, ventured into the box, and put a cross into the path of Preston Judd, whose flicked header made its way past Lucas Hoyos for a 1-0 lead. It was Judd's second goal of the season.

Niko Tsakiris appeared to make it 2-0 in the 70th minute as he easily tapped in a Ricketts cross before it was disallowed on an offside call. But Bouda's goal less than 10 minutes later delivered some long-awaited insurance for the hosts.

All told, the Quakes held a 13-8 edge in total shots, putting six on frame to Atlanta's one.

Daniel finished with just one save for San Jose, stopping Miguel Almiron's attempt in the 89th minute. Hoyos ended the evening with four saves for Atlanta United.

--Field Level Media