Timo Werner stars as San Jose Earthquakes send shockwaves through MLS with record run

It’s not the first time a Major League Soccer team has experienced an immediate turnaround after signing a star from Europe. The latest example is Thomas Müller, whose arrival helped the Vancouver Whitecaps reach the MLS Cup semifinals in just four months — German efficiency at its sweetest.

Inspired by Vancouver’s bold move, the San Jose Earthquakes picked up the phone and inquired about another German, Timo Werner, who played 57 times for his country between 2017 and 2023, including at the 2018 World Cup.

Timo Werner already transforming San Jose

Three wins into the current MLS season, Werner has had a big part to play in San Jose’s early success. Following on from the three preseason victories over Charlotte, Portland, and New York City FC, the Bruce Arena-led squad officially secured the best start in club history with a win over the reigning Supporters’ Shield champions, the Philadelphia Union.

The Earthquakes triumphed at Subaru Park thanks to Ousseni Bouda’s goal, assisted by Werner, giving San Jose three points for the third consecutive match. Beyond marking the club’s best start in its 52-year history, the feat also makes San Jose only the third MLS team to start a season with three wins and three clean sheets, joining the LA Galaxy in 2010 and the Seattle Sounders in 2009.

Precision playmaking over goal scoring

Werner has already contributed two critical assists in just two games, including one in his debut against Atlanta United under Gerardo Martino. In just 74 minutes of play, he has recorded an expected assist (xA) of 1.03, completed 100% of long passes, and achieved 79% overall passing accuracy.

So far, Werner’s impact doesn’t rely on scoring goals. Instead, it shows in his game intelligence, the width and depth he provides from the flanks, and his pinpoint accuracy in delivering the final pass.

Timo Werner stars as San Jose Earthquakes send shockwaves through MLS with record run

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