San Diego FC delivered a stunning performance in front of a packed Snapdragon Stadium on Sunday night, routing the Portland Timbers 4-0 to advance to the Western Conference semifinals of the MLS Cup Playoffs. It was a statement win for the expansion club — one that showcased their firepower, composure, and growing chemistry in front of their home fans.
The tone was set early. In just the 5th minute, Anders Dreyer struck first for SDFC, slotting home a low finish off a clever pass from Onni Valakari to put San Diego up 1-0. The early goal energized the crowd and forced Portland to play on the back foot for much of the first half.
The lead doubled in the 17th minute when Amahl Pellegrino pounced on a rebound from his own shot, finishing confidently after Valakari’s dangerous cross caused chaos in the box. San Diego kept pressing and controlling the pace, with Corey Baird and Hirving “Chucky” Lozano stretching the Timbers defense wide and opening up lanes for their attackers.
In the second half, Pellegrino struck again — this time in the 53rd minute — finishing off a crisp assist from Baird to make it 3-0 and effectively seal the result. Dreyer added the exclamation point in the 79th minute, tapping in his second of the night off a low cross from Lozano to cap off a dominant performance.
Next up: the Western Conference Semifinals. San Diego FC will face Minnesota on November 24th
Catch all the semifinal action live on San Diego Sports 760, your home for San Diego FC coverage.