San Diego FC played its 10th game in the 2026 MLS regular season this Saturday, April 25. SDFC hosted the Portland Timbers in what was a vital game for San Diego, given the team’s current run of form.

The Chrome and Azul side was on a seven-game winless streak and had lost four consecutive games before this one. San Diego had been suffering in all aspects of play, from defensive to offensive, and even had severe disciplinary issues.

San Diego FC on a seven-game winless streak faces Portland Timbers, who have only won two games this year. Here is where #SDFC needs to start turning it around.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/BkXsw97YAX

— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) April 26, 2026

Mikey Varas had tried a three-man backline in the previous game against Houston, but reverted back to a four-man defense against Portland. Duran Ferree started in net with Ian Pilcher, Manu Duah, Christopher McVey, and Oscar Verhoeven making up the backline.

Jeppe Tverskov, Anibal Godoy, and Onni Valakari comprised the midfield with David Vazquez, Anders Dreyer, and Marcus Ingvartsen in the attack.

Portland has been a very weak MLS side and was heading into this match with only two wins this season. This was a golden opportunity for SDFC to try to change their fortunes this season, especially in front of the home crowd at Snapdragon Stadium.

Mikey Varas played his usual game of trying to maintain a high percentage of possession, while Portland tried to catch the home team off. The visitors were able to do just that in the 26th minute when Jeppe Tverskov made an elementary school error.

San Diego’s team captain was pressed by Portland’s Kevin Kelsy, and the Venezuelan striker made a potent run and struck the ball to the back of the net.

These are the types of errors that have been costing San Diego FC points in this recent slump, and it was not promising to see it again here. San Diego was able to come back into the match before the end of the first half as the border city team was awarded a penalty due to a handball in the 32nd minute.

Dreyer shot right, the goalkeeper went the other way, and San Diego tied the game at one goal apiece. The final significant play of the first half came in the 41st minute when Duran Ferree was able to make a crucial save.

No doubt as Anders Dreyer converts from the spot. 🤝

All level in San Diego. pic.twitter.com/yf3DR2ne0W

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 26, 2026

The young goalkeeper saved a shot by Alexander Aravena inside the penalty area to keep the score level. The first half was a mixed bag for San Diego as Portland was not providing much of a threat, but that vital error by Tverskov really proved to be of significance.

San Diego needed to come out with more offensive drive in the second half, and the team did find that urgency. Marcus Ingvartsen put the ball into the back of the net in the 48th minute, but his goal was overturned by VAR for offside.

San Diego’s offense grew stagnant after that overturned goal as neither team provided much action in the second half.

Mikey Varas made some changes in the second half as Wilson Eisner replaced Ian Pilcher in the 59th minute. In the 72nd minute, Pedro Soma and Lewis Morgan came on for Anibal Godoy and David Vazquez.

In the 79th minute, a shot by Lewis Morgan was stopped by James Pantemis inside of the penalty area. Varas proceeded to make another pair of changes shortly after that attempt, with Kieran Sargent and Bryce Duke replacing Oscar Verhoeven and Jeppe Tverskov.

Tverskov appeared to have picked up an injury, but the status of the severity of it is still unknown at the time of writing.

SDFC found a bit of luck in the closing minute of the match. Antony missed a wide-open net chance in the 83rd minute. The Brazilian forward took advantage of a bad miscue from Wilson Eisner.

In the 87th minute, a goal by Antony was overturned by VAR for offside as San Diego was fortunate in these closing minutes.

However, that luck only lasted so long as Portland kept on pressing in the final moments and found a goal in stoppage time. Alex Bonetig scored off a shot from a corner kick and gave the visitors the goal they needed.

What a time for your first MLS goal, Alex Bonetig! 🙌@TimbersFC take the lead in stoppage time! pic.twitter.com/ELqB11cqhc

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 26, 2026

The team that played better on the day came away with the three points, as SDFC did not do enough to earn any points from this clash. The offense lacked ideas and drive, while the silly mistakes were inexcusable.

San Diego FC has now lost five games in a row and has not won a game since March 11. While not all of these problems can be put on Varas, the front office certainly needs to analyze the manager’s continuity with the team at this point.

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.