While Timo Werner continues to find his stride, the San Jose Earthquakes keep marching toward history.
Werner, their star transfer from Germany, had two goals and an assist — his third consecutive game with multiple goal contributions — Saturday night to help the Earthquakes rally past St. Louis City 3-2, and extend their win streak to six games.
Preston Judd added a goal in the eighth minute for the Earthquakes, who tied the all-time MLS record with their fifth straight road victory to open the season.
San Jose (8-1-0) remains in first place in the Western Conference and hasn’t lost since a 1-0 defeat to Seattle at home on March 15. The Quakes also became the first MLS team in the post-shootout era (since 2000) to win nine of their first 10 games to begin a season.
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI – APRIL 25: Timo Werner #11 of San Jose Earthquakes takes a penalty kick during the MLS match between St. Louis CITY SC and San Jose Earthquakes at Energizer Park on April 25, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Chris Carter/Getty Images)
Those streaks were in danger after a two-goal sequence in two minutes for St. Louis put the Quakes behind 2-1 in the 53rd minute. However, San Jose’s Werner-led comeback was complete in the 83rd minute when Ousseni Bouda and Werner teamed up for the winner. Bouda raced down the right wing and his cross across net was volleyed home by Werner for his second goal of the game to make it 3-2.
The game-winning goal marked the fourth time this season Werner and Bouda have combined to score.
“It’s obvious that we find each other every time,” Werner said. “Whether it’s me finding him on the second post, or how I was there for him today…it’s always good to combine.
“I think Bouda is a bit of a player like Brennan Johnson was at Tottenham when I always would find him in the box with some assists. I like to play with Bouda. I like to play with Preston (Judd) and Niko (Tsakiris) and the other guys. I think we’ll continue to build this chemistry.”
When he arrived from UEFA Champions League side RB Leipzig three months ago, the 29-year-old Werner was widely considered the Earthquakes’ biggest signing in their 52-year history. There’s little doubt of Werner’s huge, immediate impact. He’s had four goals and three assists in the last three games, as well as nine goal contributions (four goals, five assists) in his first eight MLS matches.
Quakes coach Bruce Arena, the MLS’ all-time winningest coach and a man whose praise isn’t easily earned, isn’t the least bit surprised what his star forward is doing.
“He’s an experienced player. He’s played in World Cups. He’s won the Champions League. He’s played with big clubs in England and Germany, so we’re not surprised how he made this adjustment quickly to Major League Soccer,” said Arena, . His leadership on the field has been outstanding, and I think there’s more good things to come.”
Trailing 2-1, San Jose’s attack came alive. In the 67th minute, St. Louis’ Conrad Wallem’s heavy challenge on Niko Tsakiris in the box resulted in a penalty kick for San Jose. Werner converted from the spot for his third goal in as many games to tie it 2-2.
Minutes later, Werner’s second goal — with Bouda’s help — enabled San Jose to tie its club record with six straight MLS victories, which was set in 2005.
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI – APRIL 25: Lukas Macnaughton #5 of St. Louis CITY SC and Dave Romney #4 of San Jose Earthquakes battle for the ball during the MLS match between St. Louis CITY SC and San Jose Earthquakes at Energizer Park on April 25, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Chris Carter/Getty Images)
“I give our team high marks for the character they have, their desire to win and get a result,” Arena said. “At 2-1 we were in a difficult position, so a lot of credit to our players to get back in the game, and what a great effort for the winning goal by Bouda and Timo finishing it. So we’re pretty pleased with the three points.”
San Jose’s Earl Edwards Jr. started in goal — his first appearance this season — and the 34-year-old had two saves, including a diving one-hand stop in the 11th minute. Edwards, who played for Arena with the New England Revolution, left due to injury and was replaced by regular starter Daniel in the 24th minute.
St. Louis, now winless in four straight, suffered its first loss to the Earthquakes in seven all-time meetings.
Designated player Sergio Córdova scored his first goal in MLS in the 51st minute and Marcel Hartel quickly added a goal in the 53rd for St. Louis (1-5-3), which took its first lead when Hartel punched a shot into the bottom right corner of the net from the middle of the box .
San Jose is next in action at PayPal Park Tuesday night for a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 match against Minnesota United FC.
The Quakes’ next MLS match will be another road test when they face Toronto FC (3-4-3) on Saturday, May 2 in Canada at 10 a.m. PT.
News services contributed to this report