San Diego FC ends historic inaugural season with 4-0 win over Portland
Credit: SDFC
San Diego FC played its last game in its historical 2025 inaugural regular season this Saturday, October 18, against the Portland Timbers.
SDFC closed this campaign on the road with a massive 4-0 victory before the playoffs kickoff.
San Diego was no longer in contention for the Supporters Shield, but was still contending for first place in the Western Conference. With this victory and FC Dallas’ 2-1 win over Vancouver, San Diego finished atop the Western Conference table.
Wins are the top tiebreaker in Major League Soccer over goal differential, and with these results, SDFC finished with 19 triumphs over Vancouver’s 18.
This feat secures home-field advantage through the Western Conference playoffs. This may or may not be seen as an advantage for San Diego, given that the newest MLS team has actually been much better on the road than at home.
San Diego has been the best away team in MLS with 37 points earned in 17 games. Still, having that home support can benefit any team in the league, especially in the postseason.
Portland was entering this game as a very inconsistent side, winless in its last four league games. These inconsistencies were showcased on the night as SDFC commanded possession and the tempo of the game from the initial whistle.
San Diego opened the scoring in the 26th minute as Amahl Pellegrino scored his second goal in the last two matches. Anders Dreyer fired a pinpoint pass that found the veteran forward inside the penalty area in front of Portland’s goalkeeper. Pellegrino was calm and collected on the play and finished the scoring opportunity with ease.
SDFC controlled 74 percent possession in the first half and clearly looked like the better team. Dreyer was not done yet as he scored two goals that came almost consecutively.
ANDERS DREYER!
18 goals, 19 assists. WHAT A SEASON. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QmsN8fXEI7
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 19, 2025
The first came in the 47th minute when the Danish forward fired a bullet from outside the box. Pellegrino assisted Dreyer on the play, returning the favor from the first goal.
Dreyer’s second goal came straight off a perfect counterattack that started with an interception by captain Jeppe Tverskov. The Danish midfielder stole the ball and passed it to Onni Valakari, who sent a precise long ball to Dreyer.
The SDFC star was left alone against James Pantemis as he just chipped the ball over the Canadian goalkeeper for the third goal of the night.
Amahl Pellegrino gets his brace!
4-0 @sandiegofc. pic.twitter.com/4njaxBzk3O
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 19, 2025
The fourth and final goal of the game came in the 63rd minute. Pantemis’ rough night continued as he passed the ball straight to Tverskov on a clearance, who passed the ball to Pellegrino. The Norwegian forward received the bullet pass, brought the sphere down calmly, and shot with precision for his second goal of the match.
Portland was far out of the match, much before this goal was scored. There were not many noteworthy moments after this game as SDFC just controlled the ball and let the clock run out.
This vital victory also served as a great momentum boost to close out the regular season for Mikey Varas’ team. This win also secured some historical feats for the Chrome and Azul side.
San Diego finished with the most wins (19) and points (63) ever for an expansion club, breaking St Louis’ record for wins and LAFC’s point record.
While all of this ensures a very successful start for this new franchise, the season is far from over, with the playoffs on the horizon.
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.