San Diego FC Make History: Dreyer Propels Team To First-Ever Playoff Win

Written by Patrick Echatah

Snapdragon Stadium erupted in celebration on Sunday night as San Diego FC secured a 2-1 victory over the Portland Timbers in Game 1 of their Round One Best-of-3 Series in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs.

More Details

Goals from Onni Valakari and Anders Dreyer in the first half gave the home side the lead. Although the Timbers’ Kristoffer Velde scored just before halftime, San Diego FC maintained their advantage to win the opener of the series.

“I thought it was a really good performance,” head coach Mikey Varas told MLS Season Pass post-game.

“It’s a playoff match, so it’s never going to be easy. That’s a good team, well-coached, really good players. So, you’ve got to be ready moment for moment.”

SDFC clinched the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference this year, setting new expansion-club records for both points (63) and wins (19) during the regular season.

This success earned them home-field advantage through at least the Western Conference Final and possibly the MLS Cup on Dec. 6, depending on the Eastern Conference bracket. On Sunday, their debut campaign’s special qualities were on full display for a sellout crowd of 32,500.

“We decided who we wanted to be early on in the season and we stuck to it,” said Varas. “From day one, these guys have gotten after it.”

Read Also – Noah Lyles: America’s Ultimate Showman

San Diego aims to secure a sweep against Portland in Game 2 of their series this Saturday at Providence Park (9:30 pm ET, airing on MLS Season Pass and Apple TV). A potential advantage for San Diego is the possible return of star Mexican player, Chucky Lozano.

Lozano has missed the last two matches, including San Diego’s 4-0 victory over Portland on Decision Day, due to an alleged disciplinary issue, though he did attend the recent game at Snapdragon Stadium. His potential reintegration could provide a significant boost for the team.

“We’ve been taking it week by week,” Varas said. “But speaking with Hirving, we’ve seen what we need to see. As long as there’s no setbacks this week, he should be back with us.”

Do you have a story tip?
Kindly Email: keepup@bettitude.com

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube