The Philadelphia Union will aim to revive their struggling offense on Saturday night in Chester, Pa., as they face the San Jose Earthquakes, who are benefiting from new player Timo Werner.
Philadelphia (0-2-0, 0 points) has scored just once in their first two matches, despite being one of the top teams in getting into the final third.
“I think we’re getting to where we need to be. We’re just lacking a bit of creativity and coordination in the final third,” said Union manager Bradley Carnell on Thursday. “I’d rather be in a good place and not get the result right now, knowing the process is underway.”
With the offseason losses of Tai Baribo and Mikael Uhre, the revamped Union were expected to face some early challenges.
A worry is the young squad’s occasional lack of composure.
Ezekiel Alladoh, a 20-year-old striker who joined the Union this season, was sent off in the opening match at D.C. for an inappropriate gesture. Last weekend, Olwethu Makhanya received a second yellow card in stoppage time, leading to New York City FC’s late goal.
In contrast, San Jose (2-0-0, 6 points) has outscored opponents 5-0 in their first two home matches.
In last Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Atlanta United, Werner made his MLS debut off the bench, assisting Ousseni Bouda’s late goal.
“Timo brings a lot of experience and drives everyone to work hard,” said Quakes midfielder Jamar Ricketts about the former RB Leipzig, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur player. “He plays at a high level and is here to help the team, which is exciting for everyone.”
Preston Judd and Daniel Munie have each scored twice for San Jose. If Werner scores, it will be his first goal in a domestic league since his late goal for Tottenham against Aston Villa on March 10, 2024.