San Diego FC ignited their inaugural MLS Cup playoff journey with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Portland Timbers, propelled by crucial first-half goals from Onni Valakari and Anders Dreyer, showcasing the expansion team’s immediate impact and setting a commanding tone for the best-of-three series.
The lights shone brightest in San Diego on Sunday night, October 26, 2025, as San Diego FC (SDFC) made a monumental entry into the MLS Cup playoffs. As the top-seeded team and Western Conference champions in their inaugural season, SDFC faced the seasoned Portland Timbers in Game 1 of their best-of-three first-round series. The 2-1 victory was not just a win; it was a powerful statement of intent from the league’s newest powerhouse, marking a significant milestone for the club and its dedicated fanbase.
The match, held in San Diego, lived up to its billing as a fiercely contested playoff opener. SDFC, having already defied expectations by claiming the Western Conference title in its debut year, continued to demonstrate why they are considered a legitimate contender.
First-Half Fireworks: Valakari and Dreyer Strike Early
San Diego FC wasted no time in asserting their dominance, finding the back of the net twice in the first half. The opening goal arrived in the 23rd minute when Onni Valakari capitalized on a rebound. A powerful shot from Manu Duah struck the right post, only for Valakari to calmly slot home the left-footed follow-up past Timbers goalkeeper James Pantemis. This marked Valakari’s first postseason goal, adding to his four regular-season goals, all achieved in his inaugural year with the club.
Just seven minutes later, SDFC extended their lead. 19-year-old rookie defender Luca Bombino, who had an impressive season with four assists in 26 appearances, delivered a perfectly placed cross to Anders Dreyer. Dreyer, a standout in his first MLS season, met the ball with a header that found the back of the net, pushing SDFC to a 2-0 advantage. This goal brought Dreyer’s season total to 20, complementing his 19 goals and 19 assists from the regular season.
Timbers Fight Back, But Red Card Changes the Narrative
Portland, however, refused to be silenced. In the 36th minute, first-year defender Kristoffer Velde scored his first career goal, cutting San Diego’s lead to 2-1. The goal came off an assist from Antony Alves Santos, who notched his first playoff assist in his third appearance, and veteran midfielder Diego Chara, 39, who collected his first playoff assist in his 24th postseason appearance, all with the Timbers.
The second half saw the Timbers push for an equalizer, creating two significant chances. In the 61st minute, Antony had a one-on-one opportunity against SDFC goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos but missed left. Two minutes later, Kamal Miller sent a header just over the crossbar. Dos Santos, making his first postseason start, finished with two saves.
The turning point for Portland’s momentum arrived in the 66th minute when defender Jimer Fory received back-to-back yellow cards in less than two minutes, resulting in an automatic red card. This forced the Timbers to play the remainder of the match with ten men, severely hindering their comeback efforts. Despite the disadvantage, Timbers goalkeeper James Pantemis delivered a strong performance, turning away six shots in his third postseason start and fifth overall appearance.
The Chucky Lozano Enigma: An Unresolved Subplot
Notably absent from the matchday squad for San Diego FC was star forward Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano. His absence stems from a locker room altercation earlier in October, an incident that has fueled considerable discussion among fans. Lozano has not appeared in a game since the October 4 incident against the Houston Dynamo, where he reportedly reacted angrily after being substituted. While his absence didn’t deter SDFC in Game 1, the long-term implications of his situation remain a significant point of interest for the club and its supporters, as reported by Associated Press.
Looking Ahead: Series Shifts to Portland
With Game 1 secured, the best-of-three series now shifts to Portland for Game 2 on Saturday. San Diego FC holds a psychological edge, having previously beaten the Timbers 4-0 in Portland on October 18 during the regular season. The two clubs also played to a scoreless draw in San Diego in late August, indicating SDFC’s strong defensive record against Portland throughout the year, as documented by MLSsoccer.com.
The Timbers’ journey to the postseason marks their first appearance since 2021 and their eighth overall. They earned their spot by defeating Real Salt Lake 3-1 in the wild-card round. Portland previously won the MLS Cup in 2015, highlighting their pedigree and ability to perform under pressure, despite the Game 1 loss and the setback of Fory’s red card.
San Diego FC’s successful playoff debut underscores their remarkable inaugural season. Their blend of youthful talent, like Bombino, and impactful scorers, like Valakari and Dreyer, suggests they are well-equipped for a deep playoff run. The Timbers, despite the Game 1 loss and the upcoming absence of Fory due to suspension, will undoubtedly be looking to leverage their home advantage and playoff experience to bounce back in Game 2.
