Germany’s Timo Werner made his MLS debut on Saturday, February 28, 2026, as his new team, San Jose Earthquakes, beat Atlanta United 2-0 on a day in which Colombia’s James Rodriguez sat on the bench but has yet to make his Minnesota debut, and in which the New York Red Bulls won with three U-17s in the starting XI.
Werner played half an hour of the match and provided the assist for the second goal after a good run down the flank and a pass between the goalkeeper and the center back that found his teammate, Ousseni Bouda, alone in front of the net.
San Jose leads the West after second consecutive win
The ‘Quakes have won in both MLS matchdays played in 2026 to date and are at the top of the Western Conference.
The first goal of the game came before the German came on the field.
The filmmaker was precisely the player replaced by Werner, Judd Preston.
He gave his side the lead in the first half after taking advantage of a double mistake by the Atlanta United goalkeeper.
Minnesota wins with James on the bench
James Rodriguez was less fortunate than Werner, and although he was called up for his first game for Minnesota United, he watched the entire game from the bench.
Minnesota defeated FC Cincinnati 1-0 in a thrilling encounter.
Home goalkeeper Drake Callender, formerly of Inter Miami, defended the three points with several saves and was named player of the match.
The winning goal came from Italy’s Kelvin Yeboah in the 66th minute.
Rodriguez will have to wait one more week to make his debut.
He arrived in Minnesota on a contract through June determined to build up a competitive rhythm before the World Cup.
Werner disputó media hora del partido
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New York Red Bulls win with the ‘kids’.
In the Big Apple, the New York Red Bulls repeated their second consecutive victory by starting three U-17 players.
The only goal in the 1-0 win over the New England Revolution came from a combination of the three youngsters.
Matthew Dos Santos, who is of Brazilian descent, put in a cross from the right that was flicked on by 16-year-old Adri Mehmeti before being headed home by striker Julian Hall.
Mehmeti already added an assist in the Red Bulls’ season opener, a 1-2 win over Orlando City.
Uruguay’s Sanabria debuts with an assist
Uruguayan Juan Sanabria, formerly of Atlético San Luis, made his Real Salt Lake debut with an assist in his team’s 2-1 win over the Seattle Sounders.
The midfielder put in a cross from the left that was superbly finished with his left foot by American Aiden Hezarkhani.
The Uruguay international left Atletico San Luis last January for Utah State.
But he did not arrive in time for the opening day match against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Chicago Fire and LAFC shine in an intense day of action
In the rest of the MLS 2026 matchday, Chicago Fire’s 3-0 win over Montreal was the highlight.
This despite playing more than half an hour with one less.
As well as LAFC’s win (0-2) with two goals from outside the box by Mark Delgado and Stephen Eustaquio against a Houston Dymano that finished with nine players.
In addition, Sporting Kansas City and Columbus Crew tied 2-2 with a goal by Diego Rossi in the 82nd minute, and a penalty kick wasted in the 87th minute by Palestinian Wessam Abou Ali for the ‘Crew.
With information from EFE
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