Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. PT / 7:30 p.m. ET
PayPal Park, San Jose, California
TV/Streaming: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass – free for all MLS games in 2026), local radio
The San Jose Earthquakes welcome Atlanta United FC to PayPal Park for their second home match of the 2026 MLS regular season. San Jose rides high after a commanding shutout win in their opener, while Atlanta looks to erase a frustrating road defeat and find attacking rhythm under returning head coach Tata Martino. This inter-conference matchup offers San Jose a chance to build early momentum at home against an Atlanta side desperate for points on the road.
Weather Updates
Predicted conditions: Mild and pleasant in the Bay Area—highs in the upper 60s°F (19-20°C) during the day, cooling to low-to-mid 50s°F (10-13°C) by kickoff and evening. Light winds (5-10 mph), mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies, no precipitation expected. Ideal early-season soccer weather at PayPal Park—fast field, comfortable for players, and supportive of open, attacking play without major fatigue or weather disruptions.
Team Records & Context
- San Jose Earthquakes (1-0-0, Western Conference): Strong start with a shutout victory. Under Bruce Arena’s continued influence (or successor if changed), they emphasize forward momentum, numbers in attack, and defensive organization after a solid 2025 turnaround.
- Atlanta United FC (0-1-0, Eastern Conference): Opened with a 2-0 road loss at FC Cincinnati. Tata Martino’s return brings structure and purpose, but finishing and late-game concessions highlighted areas to fix quickly.
Recent Team Forms (Last Match – Week 1)
Earthquakes: 1-0-0 (3-0 win vs. Sporting Kansas City on Feb. 21/22 at PayPal Park). Dominant performance—goals from Daniel Munie (42′, 54′ header), Preston Judd (45’+1′), clean sheet, high possession, and clinical finishing. Attendance 16,367; strong home energy and tactical execution.
Atlanta United: 0-1-0 (0-2 loss at FC Cincinnati on Feb. 21). Competitive but unfinished in final third; chances created but no goals. Conceded late (Kévin Denkey 80′, Nick Hagglund 90′). Standouts included Tomás Jacob, but overall lack of cutting edge and defensive lapses late.
Injury Report
San Jose Earthquakes:
- No major new injuries from opener. Key contributors (Daniel Munie, Preston Judd, Jamar Ricketts, Niko Tsakiris, goalkeeper if Zack Steffen or similar) available. Squad depth solid post-2025 progress.
Atlanta United FC:
- No significant absences reported post-Cincinnati loss. Core pieces (e.g., Giorgos Giakoumakis or current forwards, Brooks Lennon, etc.) expected fit. Minor knocks possible after road travel, but full rotation anticipated under Martino.
Both teams relatively healthy early in the campaign; check final reports closer to kickoff.
Key Player Matchups
- Preston Judd / Daniel Munie (Earthquakes forwards) vs. Atlanta center-backs (e.g., Stian Gregersen / others): Judd’s late runs and Munie’s aerial threat (two goals in opener) test Atlanta’s backline—San Jose’s set-piece prowess could exploit vulnerabilities.
- Atlanta attackers (e.g., dominant forward line) vs. San Jose defense (Munie / fullbacks): Atlanta needs clinical finishing after blanking in opener; San Jose’s clean sheet form challenges them.
- Midfield battles (Niko Tsakiris / others for SJ vs. Atlanta creators): Control of tempo key—San Jose’s forward emphasis vs. Atlanta’s structured build-up.
- Home Energy & Set Pieces: PayPal Park crowd + San Jose’s early scoring patterns vs. Atlanta’s need for road resilience.
Series History
Competitive but Atlanta has held edges in some recent meetings. Last H2H (e.g., 2023) featured drama; San Jose strong at home in spots. Games often goal-filled or decided late; totals trend moderate-to-high with attacking styles clashing.
Betting Trends
- San Jose strong home openers/follow-ups (win/cover after strong start).
- Atlanta poor early road form (losses in openers); winless in recent similar spots.
- H2H often features goals (high first-half averages in previews); BTTS possible.
- San Jose ~55-60% implied win prob; home value after 3-0 win.
- Early-season overs in attacking matchups; unders if Atlanta tightens defense.
MATCH ODDS
Atlanta United FC + 235
San Jose Earthquakes – 110
Draw + 290
Over 3.5 + 105 Under 3.5 – 135
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 27, 2026
