San Diego FC defeats Portland 2-1 in Game 1 of the 2025 MLS Playoffs

(October 26, 2025, MLS Playoffs, San Diego, California; Photo: Times of San Diego)

San Diego FC continues its dream debut season. At Snapdragon Stadium, the team struck first in the best-of-three series with a 2-1 victory over the Portland Timbers in the opening round of the 2025 MLS Playoffs. As the top seed in the Western Conference, San Diego earned the right to host the first match at home. The second leg will take place in Portland, and if necessary, a decisive third game would be played back in San Diego.

Portland took the lead in the 23rd minute through Onni Valakari, who capitalized on a defensive lapse from the home side. However, San Diego reacted quickly when Anders Dreyer leveled the score in the 30th minute with a precise finish inside the box after a well-worked attacking move. Just six minutes later, Kristoffer Velde completed the comeback, scoring the decisive goal that sealed the 2-1 victory.

The Californian side managed the tempo in the second half, closed down spaces, and withstood Portland’s late push, driven by the energy of the fans who packed Snapdragon Stadium. The new California franchise continues to make history in its inaugural MLS season, combining talent, energy, and determination at the most crucial stage of the year.