The former Chelsea star scores his first MLS goal in a statement victory for the Quakes
Category: Sports
In a dazzling display that showcased his talents, Timo Werner scored his first Major League Soccer (MLS) goal on April 19, 2026, leading the San Jose Earthquakes to a resounding 4-1 victory over LAFC at BMO Stadium. This match marked a personal milestone for Werner and solidified the Quakes' position at the top of the Western Conference.
San Jose's triumph was highlighted by a remarkable turnaround from last season, when the team finished ninth in the conference. Now, under the guidance of head coach Bruce Arena, the Earthquakes have surged to the forefront of the league, boasting a record of seven wins and one loss in the 2026 season.
"You can see that Timo’s going to be a special player for us," Arena said postgame, praising Werner's impact on the team. "It’s going to take a little time to get his fitness and his rhythm, but he’s a special player. He’s going to be a great addition to our team." The coach's words rang true as Werner demonstrated his skill and vision throughout the match.
In the second half, just moments after assisting Ousseni Bouda's opening goal, Werner showcased his individual brilliance. He weaved through LAFC's defense and fired a precise shot past goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, doubling San Jose's lead at 2-0. This goal was particularly meaningful for Werner, who expressed his joy, saying, "I’m very happy to score my first goal. It’s always important for every player on the pitch, but especially for strikers to score goals and make assists. It helps you build a lot of confidence, to build the trust from the team."
The match began with a tense atmosphere, as both teams struggled to find their footing in the first half. LAFC created a few chances, including a volley from Son Heung-min, but San Jose's goalkeeper, Daniel De Sousa Britto, was up to the task, making key saves to keep the score level at halftime.
San Jose broke the deadlock shortly after the interval. Bouda, who had been a standout performer, scored in the 53rd minute, ending Lloris' impressive scoreless streak of 594 minutes. This goal energized the Earthquakes, who quickly capitalized on their momentum. Just three minutes later, Werner's solo effort put San Jose firmly in control.
The scoring frenzy continued as an own goal from LAFC's Ryan Porteous added to San Jose's tally, bringing the score to 3-0 within a span of six minutes. LAFC managed to pull one back with another own goal, this time from San Jose's Reid Roberts, but Bouda sealed the game with his second goal in the 80th minute, ensuring a comprehensive victory for the Earthquakes.
With this win, San Jose claimed their first road victory against LAFC since 2020 and tied for first place in the Western Conference with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, both teams now sitting on 21 points. "A lot of the players who are playing now got beat up last year to get the experience they needed to be where they are today," Arena noted, emphasizing the growth and development of his squad.
Werner's early contributions to the team have been impressive, with three assists and now one goal to his name. The former Chelsea forward's transition to MLS has been closely watched, and his performance against LAFC has certainly raised expectations. "It’s twice as fun when you can score a nice goal," Werner added, highlighting the importance of his first goal in building confidence.
As the season progresses, San Jose's success will hinge on maintaining their current form. With several key matches on the horizon, including rematches against Seattle and Vancouver, the Earthquakes aim to continue their winning streak. Arena expressed optimism about his team's future, stating, "It’s a good group of players to work with; they’re a really good group."
The Earthquakes' next challenge will come on April 22, 2026, when they host Austin FC at home. With the momentum from this impressive victory, to see if San Jose can keep the winning spirit alive.