San Diego FC crushes Portland 4-0 to advance in the 2025 MLS Playoffs

(November 10, 2025, MLS Playoffs, San Diego, California; Photo: Times of San Diego)

San Diego FC confirmed its status as the top seed in the West and eliminated the Portland Timbers in the decisive third game of the Round One best-of-three MLS Playoffs series. In front of a packed Snapdragon Stadium, the Californian side scored twice in each half to seal a dominant 4-0 victory, securing their spot in the Western Conference semifinals. Portland finished the regular season with 44 points and in 8th place, but their postseason journey ended abruptly in San Diego.

The match quickly tilted in favor of the home team. In the 5th minute, Onni Valakari sent in a perfect cross that Anders Dreyer finished first time into the bottom left corner. The pressure kept mounting, and by the 17th minute Amahl Pellegrino headed in a rebound to double the lead. After the break, Pellegrino struck again in the 53rd minute, volleying home a cross from Corey Baird. The final blow came in the 79th minute when Hirving Lozano broke down the right and squared the ball for Dreyer, who scored his second of the night to complete the 4-0 rout. Both Dreyer and Pellegrino ended with braces, as confirmed by the official match statistics.

The standout performers were undoubtedly the goal scorers. Dreyer brought energy and precision, opening and closing the scoring, while Pellegrino dominated aerially and showed clinical finishing. Onni Valakari and Corey Baird added crucial assists, and the San Diego defense gave up very few chances, keeping the Timbers under constant pressure. Portland’s woes deepened after Mosquera’s red card, and the 32,500 fans in attendance witnessed a commanding performance from the new California franchise in its debut MLS season.

The win sends San Diego FC to the next round, where they will face off in a single-elimination clash for a place in the Western Conference Final. For Portland, the campaign ends with mixed emotions after showing glimpses of promise but struggling away from home. With this 4-0 victory, San Diego took the series 2-1 and keeps its dream alive of fighting for the MLS Cup in its very first season.