San Diego FC played the Portland Timbers in a decisive Game 3 match in the first round of the playoffs this Sunday, November 9, at Snapdragon Stadium.

SDFC had won the first game of this series 2-1 at the Mission Valley Fortress, then went on to lose Game 2 in Portland. Starting goalkeeper CJ dos Santos picked up an injury in that game at Providence Park and was unavailable for this match.

That was the only change Mikey Varas made from Game 2 to Game 3 as Pablo Sisniega started the decisive match in net. Sisniega had already taken over for dos Santos in the 29th minute in Portland, following his injury.

Immense playoff atmosphere in Mission Valley. San Diego FC vs. Portland Timbers starts soon.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/GDwKAoWR1y

— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) November 10, 2025

Game 1 of this series at Snapdragon Stadium hosted an electric atmosphere, and that was replicated in this final Game 3 clash. Another sold-out crowd was very invested and very present several hours before kickoff around Snapdragon Stadium.

The pregame ceremony featured YouTube celebrity Faze Rug, pyrotechnics, and an exciting interpretation of the National Anthem on the electric guitar.

Pregame ceremony with Faze Rug at Snapdragon Stadium.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/QU0YtLoPDb

— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) November 10, 2025

SDFC controlled possession in the first two games of this series, and that was expected in this third game as well. San Diego had 63 percent possession of the sphere in the first half and enjoyed a very dominant display at the Snap’.

Just five minutes into the match, Anders Dreyer scored to give the home side a very early lead. Onni Valakari crossed the ball into the penalty area, and Dreyer struck the sphere first time with a sweeping volley that found the back of the net.

OF COURSE IT WAS ANDERS DREYER! 🔥@sandiegofc strikes first in Game 3 // Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. pic.twitter.com/2grMBRZxR6

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 10, 2025

This early goal was extremely valuable and really set the tone for the match and the rest of the first half. San Diego scored again in the 17th minute as Amahl Pellegrino was able to get on the scoreboard.

Valakari played a key role in the goal once again as he crossed the ball in the box for the Norwegian forward. The veteran winger struck the ball, but was denied by Portland goalkeeper James Pantemis. However, Pellegrino reacted quickly on the rebound and was able to get that 2-0 lead for SDFC.

Pablo Sisniega also played a key role in the first half as he had three saves, including a very impressive one on the goal line. Jimer Fory headed the ball towards goal, and a deflection by Christopher McVey almost put the ball into his own net.

Sisniega reacted quickly and was able to keep the 2-0 lead for his team. There was not much of a contest in the first half, and that was amplified at the start of the second half as San Diego scored immediately in the 53rd minute.

Amahl Pellegrino scores his second of the night to give San Diego a 3-0 lead over Portland.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/TaS1jTe60F

— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) November 10, 2025

Pellegrino scored his second of the night in what was a tremendous scoring play. The veteran forward volleyed the ball perfectly off a pass by Corey Baird to get that massive 3-0 lead.

San Diego kept the offense moving, and Dreyer was able to score his second goal of the night for the significant 4-0 lead. Hirving Lozano had come on in the 70th minute and made an impact on this goal in the 79th minute.

Anders Dreyer makes it 4-0 for SDFC over Portland.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/irx8hhk5r3

— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) November 10, 2025

“Chucky” came bursting in with pace from the wing and delivered a perfect pass to Dreyer on the other end of the net. Dreyer struck the ball with power to secure his brace.

Snapdragon Stadium exploded with cheers as the game was very much sealed before this goal was even scored. This further solidified San Diego’s dominance and control over this third game of the series.

San Diego FC players celebrate with supporters after the massive 4-0 win. Chucky Lozano leads the charge.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/ZdVZHMLLWt

— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) November 10, 2025

SDFC has now advanced to the Conference Semifinals and will face Minnesota United in the next round of the playoffs. San Diego continues to be very impressive in this historic season and now looks forward to this initial round.

Francisco Velasco

Francisco, 28, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego FC, San Diego Wave. I have covered Liga MX, MLS, Mexico National Team, USWNT, Copa América and European clubs like Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.