San Diego FC lose lead late and penalty shootout to Portland Timbers, series extends
Credit: San Diego FC
San Diego FC traveled to Providence Park to face the Portland Timbers this Saturday, November 1, for the second game of a three-game playoff set.
SDFC came away with a 2-1 win over Phil Neville’s side in the first game of this series and was looking to wrap this series up. Head coach Mikey Varas used the exact lineup that was used at Snapdragon Stadium for the first game.
The big change to the gameday roster was the return of Hirving Lozano to the bench after a disciplinary issue that was handled internally.
Portland had the home-field advantage, and it certainly showed in the opening minutes of the match. The Pacific Northwestern team was much more aggressive out of the gate, trying to maintain more possession than in the first game and pressing the visitors.
San Diego stayed true to its game and still had the majority of possession, but Portland was dangerous from the start. In the 8th minute, a shot from inside of the box by Kristoffer Velde smashed the post.
Velde remained persistent and scored the first goal of the game in the 18th minute. Miscommunication in San Diego’s backline allowed a long ball to get through and fall to Velde inside of the penalty area. The Norwegian forward struck the sphere with immense power to get past CJ dos Santos and score the goal.
A few minutes after that goal, CJ dos Santos had a major injury scare as he received a kick to the face that left him on the floor for nearly 10 minutes. The SDFC starting goalkeeper was forced to be subbed out due to this impact and was replaced by Pablo Sisniega in the 29th minute.
Disaster start for #SDFC on the road against Portland. Conceded an early goal and Cj dos Santos took a kick to the face and is out of the game. Just got up on his feet. Had been down for nearly 10 minutes.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/LvcNo4NMMk
— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) November 2, 2025
Mikey Varas’ side really struggled to generate clear-cut scoring opportunities as the frustration grew in the half for the visitors.
A whopping 12 minutes of added time was given to the half due to dos Santos’ injury. SDFC made the most of this stoppage time and tied the game up with a goal by Amahl Pellegrino.
A sharp build-up play by SDFC ended with Anders Dreyer placing a through ball to Corey Baird, who set the ball up for Pellegrino. The veteran forward was given enough space and time to take a precise and potent strike to find the back of the net from the edge of the box.
San Diego have their response! 🌊
Amahl Pellegrino ends a sweet team move with a curled finish. // Audi MLS Cup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/lARrHvkv3f
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 2, 2025
Dreyer went on to put the ball in the back of the net a few moments after this goal, but the play was called offside.
The first half was highly contested, with Portland playing much better than it did at Snapdragon Stadium.
The second half of the match stayed very competitive as Varas immediately brought Lozano into the match at the start of it. The Mexican international replaced Corey Baird, while Franco Negri replaced Luca Bombino after an apparent injury in the 50th minute.
“Chucky” made an almost immediate impact off the bench as he scored in the 51st minute. Franco Negri crossed the ball to Dreyer inside of the box, who struck the sphere with a volley, but was denied by goalkeeper James Pantemis. However, Lozano was able to get on the rebound and easily put the ball into the net.
Back on the field, back on the scoresheet!
What a return for Chucky Lozano. ⚡️
📺 Apple TV: https://t.co/zhAPtS6u5P // Audi MLS Cup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/3snsrDVPEs
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 2, 2025
The flow of the game changed quite a bit after that goal as SDFC played more to try and protect the lead. The flow of passes through the midfield was no longer heavily centered through team captain Jeppe Tverskov.
SDFC still controlled possession, but Portland was playing to try and save its season and really pushing forward. The home team made several offensive changes, bringing on players like Felipe Mora and Ariel Lassiter.
San Diego had some luck with some wide shots, but also really solidified that backline. Portland was seemingly exhausted and restless by the end of it, but stayed persistent, and that paid off.
Near the final moments of the match, Lassiter launched a ball into San Diego’s penalty area, and Gage Guerra was able to head the ball in for a goal. Providence Park exploded in cheers and joy as the Timbers’ season was not over just yet. The fate of the outcome was now to be decided by a penalty shootout.
PORTLAND’S NOT DONE YET.
Antony wraps up the shootout as @TimbersFC force a Game Three! // Audi MLS Cup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/uzxSfAqE0S
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 2, 2025
Anders Dreyer and Hirving Lozano scored their first penalties. Felipe Mora was also able to score Portland’s first penalty. However, there were then four consecutive misses combined by both sides. Kristoffer Velde finally scored to tie it 2-2, but then Jeppe Tverskov missed his penalty, and Portland had an opportunity to win the shootout.
Antony Alves stepped up to take the penalty and did not miss to come away with the win for Portland 3-2 and stay alive in the series. The series will now be decided at Snapdragon Stadium this next Sunday, November 9.
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.