TIMO TIME ARRIVES: QUAKES TOP ATLANTA UNITED 2-0

By Fernando Abarca

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — The San Jose Earthquakes kept their early-season momentum rolling

Saturday night, defeating Atlanta United 2-0 at PayPal Park behind a goal from Preston Judd

and a debut assist from Timo Werner.

San Jose entered the match riding high after a 3-0 season-opening victory over Sporting

Kansas City. The week was highlighted by the arrival of Werner, the German international

whose transfer quickly became one of the biggest headlines of the MLS window. The forward

made his league debut in front of a sold-out crowd eager to witness what fans have already

dubbed “Timo Time.”

The Earthquakes also unveiled their secondary kit honoring Bay Area rock band The Grateful

Dead, adding to the atmosphere on a night filled with anticipation.

San Jose broke through in the 24th minute. Jamar Ricketts delivered a well-placed ball inside

the box to Preston Judd, who rose for a header that beat the goalkeeper and gave the Quakes a

1-0 lead.

Atlanta United responded with increased possession and pressure through the midfield, looking

to exploit space out wide. The visitors created a handful of half-chances before halftime but

struggled to find the final touch in the attacking third. San Jose’s back line stayed compact,

limiting clear opportunities.

Werner entered in the 60th minute to a loud ovation, replacing Judd and immediately stretching

Atlanta’s defense with his pace and off-ball movement. Just 10 minutes later, the Quakes

thought they had doubled the lead, but a goal was ruled offside.

Werner made his impact count in the 79th minute. Receiving the ball near the top of the area,

he quickly slipped a pass into the path of Ousseni Bouda, who finished cleanly to give San Jose

a 2-0 advantage.

Atlanta nearly spoiled the clean sheet in the 88th minute when Miguel Almirón fired a dangerous

attempt on goal, but goalkeeper Daniel came up with a crucial save to preserve the shutout.

Atlanta pressed late, committing numbers forward and forcing San Jose into defensive shape,

but the Quakes managed the final minutes with composure to secure their second straight

victory.

With the win, San Jose sits atop the Western Conference standings early in the season, building

confidence and momentum. If Saturday night was any indication, the combination of defensive

discipline and Werner’s attacking spark could signal that “Timo Time” is only just beginning in

San Jose.