Atlanta United fell 2-0 to the San Jose Earthquakes Saturday night at PayPal Park. The home side scored goals in each half to secure the three points. Two weeks into the 2026 season, the five stripes have yet to score a goal. Atlanta is back at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, March 7, for its home opener against Real Salt Lake.
Preston Judd scored the opening goal of the match for San Jose in the 24th minute. After an Atlanta turnover, Jamar Ricketts delivered a cross from the left wing to the center of the box, where Judd headed the ball past Lucas Hoyos.
San Jose had an opportunity to add its second of the night in the 59th minute after a corner kick, and the ensuing cross reached Beau Leroux inside the box. A Hoyos save denied the midfielder’s attempt.
With Atlanta growing into the game and pushing for the equalizer, the home side hit the Five Stripes on a counterattack. Second half substitute Timo Werner was played in down the right flank and crossed the ball to Ousseni Bouda at the back post, where he finished the cross in the 79th minute to double San Jose’s lead.
Atlanta put pressure on San Jose in the closing minutes of the match. Miguel Almirón ran onto a ball over the top of the backline in the 89th minute and struck a left-footed shot on goal that forced a quick save from Daniel. In stoppage time, Atlanta had another chance as Amador won a free kick on the edge of the box. Juan Berrocal took the free kick from about 20 yards out, but his attempt went wide of the right post.
With two straight goalless matches and just one shot on target tonight, Atlanta United will hope to turn things around and try something new for their home opener next week.
Atlanta United (0-2-0, 0 points) returns to action Saturday, March 7, when it hosts Real Salt Lake in the club’s home opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET, Apple TV, 92.9 The Game, La Mejor). All Atlanta United matches are available on Apple TV.
-Jon Jones
Photos: Courtesy of Atlanta United