San Diego FC secured their first-ever playoff victory with a 2-1 win against the Portland Timbers in the opening match of the Western Conference Round One of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs [3, 10]. Onni Valakari and Anders Dreyer scored the crucial first-half goals, leading the top-seeded San Diego to victory [5, 9]. The win marks a significant milestone in the expansion club's inaugural season [10].
Key Moments
The first half saw San Diego FC take control with goals from Valakari and Dreyer [5, 9]. Valakari's goal ignited the home crowd, while Dreyer's strike further solidified their lead [10]. However, the Timbers' Jimer Fory received two yellow cards in quick succession in the 66th minute, reducing Portland to 10 men [6]. This ejection proved to be a turning point, allowing San Diego to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game [2, 6]. Midfielder Luca de la Torre noted that the strategy shifted to managing the game after Fory's dismissal [2].
Absence of Lozano
Notably absent from San Diego FC's lineup was star player Hirving "Chucky" Lozano [1, 5, 8]. Lozano was not in uniform for the playoff opener [1]. While the exact reason was not specified, it was mentioned that Lozano was left off the roster after "a verbal altercation" [8]. Despite Lozano's absence, San Diego FC demonstrated their ability to win, highlighting the team's depth and tactical flexibility [11, 12]. The team has shown it can still perform at a high level even without Lozano's contributions [11].
TL;DR
* San Diego FC achieved its first playoff win in franchise history, defeating the Portland Timbers 2-1 [3, 10]. * Onni Valakari and Anders Dreyer scored first-half goals to give San Diego the lead [5, 9]. * Portland Timbers' Jimer Fory was ejected in the 66th minute, shifting the game's momentum [6]. * Hirving "Chucky" Lozano was absent from the match day roster due to a reported verbal altercation [1, 8].