San Jose Earthquakes’ new international star Timo Werner has taken MLS by storm in his first two appearances.
‘Quakes Making the Most of Timo Time
Two matches in, and it’s already Timo time in San Jose. One of the biggest signings in club history, Timo Werner has already lived up to the hype for a San Jose side that could emerge as one of 2026’s biggest surprises.
A UEFA Champions League winner and German national team veteran, Werner has seamlessly slotted into the ‘Quakes lineup with two crucial assists in just 74 minutes of action. Under Bruce Arena – a head coach known for getting the most out of his stars – the Earthquakes are 3-0-0 to start the year and sit third in the Western Conference.
On Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire against Seattle Sounders FC (7 p.m. ET), Werner and the ‘Quakes can prove this start is no fluke.
Unbeaten California Trio Make MLS History
Prior to 2026, only two teams in MLS history had won their first three games of the season and produced a shutout in each (2010 LA Galaxy and 2009 Seattle Sounders FC). After Matchday 3, that number is now five clubs as three California clubs joined the group – LAFC, San Diego FC, and the San Jose Earthquakes.
San Diego looks like a Supporters’ Shield favorite in Year 2, dominating games with the most possession and passes completed in MLS so far. LAFC’s depth has been evident so far and Canadian Men’s National Team midfielder Stephen Eustáquio is an MLS Best XI contender already. Up the coast, San Jose leads the league in expected goals (7.55 xG) as legendary head coach Bruce Arena is making magic happen once again.
Will each of the three California clubs continue their hot start and leave Matchday 4 without a blemish?
MLS, Messi Near Major Goal-Scoring Milestones
MLS history will be made this weekend, but could we also see further greatness from reigning two-time Landon Donovan MLS MVP Lionel Messi?
Heading into Matchday 4, there have been 24,989 goals scored in MLS regular-season history, just 11 shy of the 25,000-goal mark. The most recent goal-scoring milestone in league history was Andrew Gutman, who scored the league’s 20,000 regular-season goal for Atlanta United on August 13, 2022.
One of the contenders to score the league’s 25,000th goal could be Inter Miami CF’s Lionel Messi, who has scored in his last two MLS appearances. Messi sits on 899 goals, and his next will mark the 900th of his legendary career.
Concacaf Champions Cup Ramps Up with Round of 16
All seven MLS teams progressed through Round One of the Concacaf Champions Cup. Now the Round of 16 kicks off tomorrow.
Of the eight matchups, seven will feature at least one MLS team, including two familiar all-MLS ties (Inter Miami CF vs. Nashville SC and Seattle Sounders FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC). The priority in Leg 1 is protecting home-field advantage. Every matchup features an MLS side at home, which has been a significant edge in recent years, especially against LIGA MX opponents.
Over the past four editions, MLS teams have won or drawn 82% of their home matches against LIGA MX opposition. Three MLS clubs – Philadelphia Union (vs. Club América), San Diego FC (vs. Toluca), and FC Cincinnati (vs. Tigres UANL) – will look to continue that trend this week.
Klauss Shining Early for the Galaxy
When Riqui Puig went down with a knee injury that knocked him out for the 2026 season, the Galaxy jumped into action to find his replacement, João Klauss. Through three games, that urgency seems to have paid off.
Klauss’s life in LA is off to a quick start, and the big forward is already tied for the league lead with four goals. Not only is Klauss scoring goals for the Galaxy, but he’s also playing a key role in the Galaxy’s buildup from the No. 9 role.
Next up for the Brazilian forward is Walmart Saturday Showdown against a familiar foe in Sporting Kansas City (9:30 p.m. ET), who he scored three times against when playing for St. Louis CITY SC.
Quick Hits From Around the League:
- Teenage talent shined again in MLS with the Real Salt Lake duo of Zavier Gozo (Watch Here) and Aiden Hezarkhani (Watch Here) both provided spectacular goals in the 3-2 road victory.
- In a thrilling match between D.C. United and Inter Miami CF at M&T Bank Stadium, D.C. set their regular-season attendance record with 72,026 fans for a 2-1 Miami win.
- 18-year-old Timbers midfielder Eric Izoita made his MLS debut on Saturday and did so with a stunning goal, which his family was on hand to celebrate (Watch Here).
