San Diego FC triumphed over the Portland Timbers 2-1 in their first-ever MLS Cup Playoff game, marking a significant milestone for the expansion team [2]. The victory came in Game 1 of their best-of-three series in the Western Conference Round One, played at a packed Snapdragon Stadium on Sunday, October 26, 2025 [2, 13].
Key Moments
San Diego FC seized control early in the match. Onni Valakari scored the opening goal, followed by an Anders Dreyer header that extended their lead to 2-0 [14, 6]. Dreyer's goal came from a precise cross by Luca Bombino, which he powerfully headed into the bottom right corner of the net [1]. Portland responded in the 36th minute when Kristoffer Velde capitalized on a San Diego defensive turnover, narrowing the score to 2-1 [1]. Despite Portland's efforts, San Diego's defense held firm, securing the victory [8, 11]. CJ dos Santos, San Diego's goalkeeper, made a crucial save, denying Portland an equalizer [6]. Jimer Fory of the Portland Timbers received a yellow card in the 64th minute [7].
Road to Victory
San Diego FC's successful inaugural season culminated in securing the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference with 19 wins and 63 points, setting an MLS expansion side record [10, 9]. The team's performance reflects a strong start for the new franchise, exceeding expectations and establishing themselves as a force in the league [10]. The atmosphere at Snapdragon Stadium was electric, with fans celebrating the historic win [2, 4, 12]. The series now shifts to Portland, where San Diego FC will aim to complete a two-game sweep and advance further in the playoffs [5].
TL;DR
* San Diego FC defeated the Portland Timbers 2-1 in their inaugural MLS Cup Playoff game [2]. * Goals from Onni Valakari and Anders Dreyer propelled San Diego FC to victory [14]. * Kristoffer Velde scored for Portland, but it wasn't enough to overcome San Diego's lead [1]. * San Diego FC, the No. 1 seed in the West, seeks to sweep the series in Portland [10, 5].