San Diego vs Portland Timbers Match Recap - Nov 10, 2025

San Diego Dominates Portland Timbers 4-0 in MLS Knockout Clash

San Diego delivered a masterclass performance, dismantling the Portland Timbers 4-0 at Snapdragon Stadium, showcasing their dominance in this Round of 16 matchup. The victory not only solidified San Diego's status as a title contender but also exposed the glaring weaknesses of a Portland side that has struggled to find consistency all season.

Anders Dreyer opened the scoring early, netting a goal in the 5th minute that set the tone for the match. Dreyer's strike was a culmination of San Diego's relentless pressure, which had been evident in their recent encounters with Portland. Just two weeks prior, San Diego had already thrashed Portland 4-0 in the regular season, and this latest encounter felt like a continuation of that narrative.

Amahl Pellegrino, who has been in scintillating form, doubled the lead in the 17th minute. Pellegrino's ability to find space and exploit defensive lapses has been a hallmark of his play, and he capitalized on another opportunity today. His brace in this match further cements his status as a key player for San Diego, having already scored multiple times against Portland this season.

The second half saw Pellegrino strike again in the 53rd minute, effectively putting the game out of reach for Portland. With each goal, San Diego's confidence surged while Portland's frustration mounted. The Timbers struggled to maintain possession, managing only 36% of the ball throughout the match. This lack of control mirrored their recent performances, where they have often found themselves on the back foot against stronger opponents.

Portland's woes were compounded by a red card issued to Juan Mosquera in the 80th minute, leaving them with ten men and further diminishing any hopes of a comeback. The Timbers have faced disciplinary issues throughout the season, and this match was no exception. Their inability to keep composure under pressure has been a recurring theme, and it cost them dearly today.

San Diego's defensive unit, anchored by Pablo Sisniega, was resolute, limiting Portland to just seven total shots and three on target. This defensive solidity has been a hallmark of San Diego's recent form, allowing them to dominate matches and control the tempo. Their passing accuracy of 82% compared to Portland's 71% highlighted their superior ball movement and tactical execution.

As the match progressed, Dreyer capped off his impressive performance with another goal in the 79th minute, sealing the scoreline at 4-0. His ability to find the net consistently has been crucial for San Diego, who now look poised to make a deep playoff run. Dreyer's contributions have been vital; he has scored multiple goals in recent matches, including a brace against Portland just weeks ago.

Reflecting on my pre-match prediction, I anticipated a competitive clash but underestimated San Diego's ability to capitalize on Portland's defensive frailties. The Timbers entered this match with hopes of redemption after their previous encounters but instead found themselves overwhelmed by a San Diego side that has hit its stride at just the right moment.

This result leaves Portland with much to ponder as they crash out of the postseason...

For San Diego, this emphatic victory serves as a statement to the rest of the league. They were atop the regular season standings, they are not just contenders; they are favorites. Their blend of attacking prowess and defensive discipline makes them a formidable opponent for anyone in the playoffs.