San Diego FC’s trip to Portland this past weekend was a wild one. In Game 2 of their best-of-three first-round MLS playoff series, SDFC battled to a 2-2 draw in regulation but fell 3-2 in penalties at Providence Park. Portland struck first through Kristoffer Velde in the 18th minute, but San Diego answered before halftime as Amahl Pellegrino curled home a stunning equalizer. Early in the second half, Hirving “Chucky” Lozano gave SDFC a 2-1 lead, only for the Timbers to level deep into stoppage time. In the shootout, San Diego converted twice but missed key chances, allowing Portland to even the series at one game apiece.
Now, everything comes down to Game 3 — this Sunday, November 9, at Snapdragon Stadium. The winner advances to the Western Conference Semifinals, and both sides know what’s at stake. For San Diego, it’s about regrouping, finishing chances, and keeping composure under pressure. They’ll rely on their attacking trio of Pellegrino, Lozano, and Corey Baird to deliver in front of a packed home crowd.
Portland, meanwhile, comes in with renewed confidence after their dramatic comeback. Expect them to stay compact defensively and look to strike on counterattacks or set pieces — areas that hurt San Diego late in Game 2. The Timbers know how to frustrate opponents and will try to silence the Snapdragon faithful early.
The stage is set for a winner-take-all showdown in San Diego. Game 3 kicks off Sunday night, and you can catch all the action — from pregame coverage to the final whistle — live on San Diego Sports 760