ST. LOUIS, MO – In a match that felt like a rollercoaster ride, the San Jose Earthquakes came from behind to defeat St. Louis CITY SC 3-2 at Energizer Park on Saturday night. Fueled by Timo Werner’s impressive brace, the Earthquakes secured their sixth consecutive victory, making history as they improved to 9-1-0 in the 2026 MLS regular season.

Early Setback: San Jose Strikes First

The match began with the Earthquakes taking an aggressive approach, and it paid off just eight minutes in. In a swift counterattack, Timo Werner showcased his playmaking ability, delivering a pass to Nick Fernandez, who drove into the box and set up Preston Judd. With precision, Judd netted his team-leading sixth goal of the season, putting San Jose up 1-0. The early goal sent shockwaves through the stadium and left St. Louis scrambling to regain control.

St. Louis Responds: A Fight Back

Despite the early setback, St. Louis CITY SC didn’t hang their heads. They responded with a flurry of attacking opportunities, outshooting the Earthquakes 13-4 in the first half. Earl Edwards Jr., San Jose’s goalkeeper, had to make two acrobatic saves within minutes to deny the hosts, showcasing his skill and keeping the Quakes ahead. Unfortunately for San Jose, Edwards later had to leave the match due to injury, making way for Daniel.

As the first half wound down, St. Louis went into the break trailing, but they emerged from the locker room with a renewed sense of purpose.

A Second-Half Surge: CITY SC Takes the Lead

The second half was where the real drama unfolded. Just seven minutes in, in the 52nd minute, Chris Durkin turned provider, dribbling down the right and finding Marcel Hartel at the top of the box. Hartel put a perfect ball through to Sergio Córdova, who finished it off with finesse, leveling the score at 1-1. It was Córdova’s first goal for CITY SC, and the crowd erupted in celebration, sensing a potential turnaround.

Barely a minute later, St. Louis struck again. Simon Becher intercepted a wayward pass in the attacking third, finding Hartel in the middle. Hartel didn’t hesitate, firing a shot that found the back of the net, giving CITY SC a 2-1 lead. The momentum had shifted dramatically in favor of the home side, and the atmosphere was electric.

San Jose Fights Back: Werner’s Penalty and a Late Winner

Just when it seemed St. Louis was set to take control of the match, San Jose had other plans. In the 67th minute, a heavy challenge from Conrad Wallem on Niko Tsakiris in the box resulted in a penalty kick for the Earthquakes. Werner stepped up to the spot and calmly converted, bringing the match back to 2-2.

With both teams locked in a fierce battle, the tension in the stadium was palpable. But San Jose wasn’t done yet. In the 83rd minute, Ousseni Bouda made a darting run down the right wing, delivering a cross that Werner volleyed home for his second goal of the night. The Earthquakes had completed their comeback, taking a 3-2 lead and sending the traveling fans into a frenzy.

The Final Stretch: Defense Holds Strong

With the clock winding down, San Jose tightened their defense and staved off any late attempts from St. Louis. The Earthquakes managed to withstand the pressure, securing their first win over CITY SC in seven total tries. The match ended with San Jose celebrating their historic sixth consecutive victory, matching the club record set in 2005 during their Supporters’ Shield winning season.

Key Performers: Who Stood Out

Timo Werner: The star of the night, Werner showcased his scoring prowess with two crucial goals, proving once again why he is one of the league's most dangerous forwards. He now has four goals in three games, making him an essential asset for the Earthquakes.
Preston Judd: With his early goal, Judd not only set the tone for San Jose but also demonstrated his ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, solidifying his role as a key player for the Earthquakes.
Marcel Hartel: The St. Louis City SC midfielder was a standout performer, contributing one goal and one assist, showcasing his playmaking abilities and potential to influence games.

Stats That Matter

Shots: St. Louis outshot San Jose 14 to 7 overall, demonstrating their attacking intent, but the Earthquakes made their chances count with clinical finishing.
Possession: The match was tightly contested in possession, with both teams vying for control, but San Jose's efficiency in front of goal made the difference.
Penalty Kicks: This match marked the first penalty awarded to San Jose this season, highlighting the importance of capitalizing on key moments.

What It Means: A Historic Win for San Jose

With this victory, the Earthquakes not only solidified their place atop the Western Conference but also made history by becoming the first MLS team in the post-shootout era to win nine of their first ten games to start a season. This performance sends a message to the rest of the league that San Jose is a force to be reckoned with.

For St. Louis, this match serves as a reminder of the challenges ahead. Despite a strong performance, the inability to secure points at home will sting, and they’ll need to find consistency as they move forward in the season.

Timo Werner's Brace Propels San Jose Earthquakes Past St. Louis CITY SC in Thrilling 3-2 Victory