Timo Werner has found his role, and his form, in Major League Soccer. The German international scored a brace on Saturday against Saint Louis City, bringing his goal contributions to eight in his first eight games for the San Jose Earthquakes. His performances have been a key factor in the Earthquakes' surprising rise to the best record in MLS.
Bruce Arena's Approach
Bruce Arena, the veteran head coach, has never claimed to be a tactical genius. He has expressed open contempt for the concept, routinely brushing off questions about formations and strategic approaches. He once memorably said that “we have a very important analytic, and that’s the score.” This attitude is almost wholly out of step with modern managers, but Arena gets away with it because he wins. His success stems from how he sets out roles and expectations for his players. Robbie Keane, Arena’s star striker at LA Galaxy, once called him the “Sir Alex Ferguson of America.” Matt Turner, who rose to be a USMNT starter under Arena at the New England Revolution, praised the “super powerful thing” Arena offers through man management.
“When you have 25 guys that are on the same page, they know their role, and they know what they can do to help the team the best, it’s a beautiful thing and it creates this energy around the locker room that boosts everyone’s play,” Turner told the New England Revolution website in 2021. “It really simplifies the game so when you’re in higher-pressure moments you can execute.”
Werner's Resurgence
Werner moved to MLS at the start of 2026 after a couple of down seasons with RB Leipzig. His career took him to Chelsea and later Tottenham on loan, where his Premier League stays were uneven. In San Jose, on a team that lost their best provider, Cristian Espinoza, in the offseason, doubts existed about his effectiveness. Those doubts have been quashed. With his brace on Saturday, Werner now has eight goal contributions in eight games. He has not been a starter for all wins as he built up fitness, but the Earthquakes are more than the sum of their parts. “[Arena] said ‘You are the top player, and I want to win something with you,’” Werner told Goal.com last month. “He always said he would be behind me. He will help me.”
Werner’s skills as a lethal finisher, quick reader of the game, and center of gravity willing to get teammates open looks have been accentuated. Contributions from winger Ousseni Bouda, striker Preston Judd, and playmaker Niko Tsakiris have also been significant. With Werner calmly finishing plays, the Earthquakes have made the leap from solid to scary.
Sporting Kansas City's Woes
Sporting Kansas City are starting to make a very good argument that they are putting together the worst campaign in MLS history. After nine matches, they have but a single victory, an unconvincing 2-1 win over an LA Galaxy side navigating their own atrocious campaign. They are well on their way to shattering the record for worst-ever goal differential (currently -18), having scored only seven goals.
For years, Sporting was a model MLS franchise, but they have gotten progressively worse over the past three years. No team has fewer points over that timeframe. The departure of Peter Vermes last year after over a decade was needed, but a leadership void followed. Sporting appointed David Lee as sporting director, but expiring contracts left the club with just 12 players entering the 2026 offseason. There was hope that with more roster flexibility, Sporting would turn a corner. Instead, they have rolled out a USL-level roster, evidenced by their obliteration in the US Open Cup by the Colorado Springs Switchbacks. Lee and first-year head coach Rafa Wicky say they have a longer-term plan, but what could have been a transitional year has turned into the worst season in MLS history.
USMNT Goalkeeper Controversy
Matt Turner is the best goalkeeper in the league right now, even as he is expected to be a backup at this summer’s World Cup behind NYC FC’s Matt Freese. Turner’s play with New England this year puts him among the league’s elite: using Fotmob’s algorithm, he has prevented just over six goals, a league best. He has faced around 2.5 shots more per game than Freese and about half a goal more in expected goals. Turner also passes the eye test, with fearless efforts against Miami and Atlanta. Mauricio Pochettino has clearly favored Freese over his time with the USMNT, but he has shown a willingness to roll out players based on current form. If that is the math he uses for the World Cup group stage opener against Paraguay, Turner feels like a better fit.
