Dominant San Diego FC Secure Historic Playoff Victory
In a stunning display of attacking football, San Diego FC booked their place in the Western Conference semi-finals for the first time in club history with a resounding 4-0 victory over the Portland Timbers. The decisive win, which clinched their first-round series, was powered by a pair of braces from star forwards Anders Dreyer and Amahl Pellegrino.
Match Highlights and Key Performances
The home side set the tone early, with Anders Dreyer opening the scoring in just the fifth minute. The Danish international met a cross from Onni Valakari with a powerful header that gave the Timbers' goalkeeper no chance. Dreyer, who is in the running for MLS MVP after a regular season with 19 goals and 19 assists, was instrumental throughout.
His partner in crime, Amahl Pellegrino, doubled the lead just 12 minutes later. Another Valakari cross caused problems, and although James Pantemis saved Pellegrino's initial effort, the 35-year-old Norwegian was quickest to react, slotting home the rebound.
The second half continued in the same vein. Six minutes after the restart, Pellegrino volleyed home crisply from a Corey Baird cross to complete his brace, with Dreyer also involved in the build-up. Dreyer then returned the favour, turning provider for Pellegrino's second before adding his own second goal in the 79th minute, set up by substitute Chucky Lozano.
The match ended on a sour note for Portland when defender Juan Mosquera was shown a straight red card for violent conduct against Lozano.
What This Victory Means
This comprehensive win means top-seeded San Diego FC will host fourth-seeded Minnesota United in the Western Conference semi-final following the November international break. The victory was also notable for the defensive performance, with stand-in goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega making two crucial saves to secure the club's first-ever playoff clean sheet while CJ dos Santos recovers from concussion symptoms.
The attacking duo of Dreyer and Pellegrino have now combined for an impressive 13 of San Diego's 16 total goals across their last five matches, including the regular season run-in. For the Portland Timbers, the defeat ends their campaign, though reaching the playoffs marks their best finish since the 2021 MLS Cup final.
