San Diego FC Wins Inaugural Playoff Game, Defeats Portland Timbers 2-1
SAN DIEGO (AP) – In a historic night for the franchise, San Diego FC secured a 2-1 victory over the Portland Timbers in the opening game of their best-of-three frist-round MLS Cup playoff series on Sunday. Onni Valakari and Anders Dreyer each found the net in the first half, propelling the top-seeded expansion club to a crucial win in their first-ever postseason appearance.
Valakari broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a shot from Manu Duah that deflected off the right post. It marked the first goal of the regular season for valakari, who finished with four total. Seven minutes later, Dreyer extended San Diego’s lead to 2-0 with a header, assisted by rookie defender Luca bombino. Dreyer, in his debut season, proved a potent offensive force with 19 goals and 19 assists throughout the year, while Bombino contributed four assists in 26 appearances.
Portland responded in the 36th minute with a goal from first-year defender Kristoffer Velde - his first career goal. The assist came from Antony Alves Santos, his first in playoff action, and veteran Diego Chara, 39, recorded his first postseason assist in 24 appearances, all with the Timbers.
The Timbers pressed for an equalizer in the second half, but were thwarted by San Diego’s defense and goalkeeper CJ dos Santos. Antony had a one-on-one prospect in the 61st minute, sending his shot left, and Kamal Miller headed over the crossbar just two minutes later.
Portland’s comeback efforts were further hampered when defender Jimer Fory received two yellow cards in speedy succession,resulting in a red card and forcing the Timbers to play a man down from the 66th minute onward.
Dos Santos finished with two saves in his first postseason start. Portland’s James Pantemis was busy, turning away six shots in his third playoff start and fifth overall appearance.
The series now shifts to Portland on Saturday, where san Diego previously earned a dominant 4-0 victory on October 18th.The teams also played to a 0-0 draw in San Diego in late August.
Portland reached the postseason for the first time since 2021 and eighth time having defeated Real Salt Lake 3-1 in the wild-card round on Wednesday. The Timbers previously lifted the MLS Cup in 2015. San Diego, meanwhile, enjoyed a remarkable inaugural season, winning the Western Conference and now looking to continue their playoff run.
