Atlanta United shut out again in 2-0 loss at San Jose as finishing woes persist

San Jose strikes in both halves, Atlanta manages one shot on target

Atlanta United’s opening road swing continued Saturday, Feb. 28, with a 2-0 defeat to the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park, leaving the Five Stripes still searching for their first goal of the 2026 MLS season after two matches. San Jose, meanwhile, moved to 2-0-0 with a second consecutive clean sheet to open the campaign.

The game’s key moments came from pressure and transition. San Jose opened the scoring in the 24th minute after an Atlanta turnover in its own half. Jamar Ricketts advanced down the left channel and delivered a cross to the near-post area, where Preston Judd guided a header into the net for a 1-0 lead.

Atlanta had more of the ball over the full 90 minutes (54.6% possession) but struggled to convert possession into clear chances. The visitors finished with eight shots and only one on target, while San Jose produced 13 shots with six on goal.

Werner’s MLS debut helps decide the match late

San Jose doubled its advantage in the 79th minute on a counterattack shaped by second-half substitutions. Newly acquired designated player Timo Werner, making his MLS debut after joining the Earthquakes in late January, delivered a ball from the right side into the box for Ousseni Bouda, who finished from close range to make it 2-0. The sequence also included Jack Skahan in the buildup.

Atlanta’s best defensive sequence of the second half arrived earlier, when goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos denied a point-blank chance in the 59th minute to keep the deficit at one. But Atlanta’s late push did not produce a breakthrough, and San Jose goalkeeper Daniel recorded his second consecutive shutout to begin the season.

Discipline, duels, and the tactical picture

The match was played at a high-tempo, physical rhythm, reflected in Atlanta’s 19 fouls. Three Atlanta players were booked: Emmanuel Latte Lath (16th minute), Cooper Sanchez (39th), and Ronald Hernández (52nd). San Jose’s DeJuan Jones received a yellow card in the 90th minute.

Individually, midfielder Tomás Jacob stood out for Atlanta in ball-winning actions. The club reported Jacob won all eight of his duels in the first half, contributing to a performance that helped Atlanta disrupt stretches of San Jose’s early pressure even as the visitors fell behind.

• Final: San Jose Earthquakes 2, Atlanta United 0
• Goals: Judd (24’), Bouda (79’)
• Shots on target: San Jose 6, Atlanta 1
• Attendance: 16,159

Atlanta now returns home for its first match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2026, scheduled for Saturday, March 7, against Real Salt Lake.