San Diego FC returns to Snapdragon Stadium tonight to host the Portland Timbers in Game 1 of their best-of-three 2025 MLS Cup playoffs series.
San Diego capped a record-setting debut season with 19 wins and 63 points, finishing as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. They’ve built a high-press, possession-oriented identity that’s translated into one of the league’s most consistent attacks.
Anders Dreyer, in his first MLS season, makes his playoff debut after a brilliant campaign that saw him score 19 goals — fourth-most in the league — and emerge as the centerpiece of San Diego’s attack.
Portland, meanwhile, advanced via the Wild Card round after a 3-1 win over Real Salt Lake, but they enter the series uneven, with only two wins in their last 10 matches. On Decision Day, San Diego handed them a humbling 4-0 defeat at Providence Park, controlling every phase of the match. Earlier in the season, the two sides played to a 0-0 draw in San Diego, meaning the expansion club went unbeaten against Portland during the regular season.
The Timbers will look to tighten defensively and rediscover their rhythm in attack after managing just one goal across their last three meetings with San Diego. With no draws or aggregate scores in this round — each game must produce a winner via penalties if tied — the pressure will be immediate and constant.
Prediction
San Diego’s form, depth, and home advantage make them strong favorites to take Game 1. Expect the Timbers to fight back, but San Diego’s efficiency in the final third should prevail.
Predicted Score: San Diego FC 3, Portland Timbers 1
Starting Lineups
San Diego FC (4-3-3)
GK: C. dos Santos
DEF: L. Bombino, A. Godoy, A. Pellegrino, C. McVey
MID: M. Duah, J. Tverskov, Q. Valakari
FW: A. Dreyer, C. Baird, I. Pilcher
Portland Timbers (4-3-3)
GK: J. Pantemis
DEF: J. Forv, K. Miller, F. Surman, J. Mosquera
MID: D. Chara, D. Da Costa, D. Avala
FW: A. Alves Santos, F. Mora, K. Velde
How to Watch San Diego FC vs. Portland Timbers
Kickoff for tonight’s match between San Diego FC and Portland is set for 9:30 PM Eastern / 6:30 PM Pacific at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego.
The match streams live on Apple TV with an MLS Season Pass subscription. T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers with qualifying plans can secure a MLS Season Pass access for free this season here.
San Diego FC vs. Portland Timbers
Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Kickoff: 9:30 PM Eastern / 6:30 PM Pacific
Venue: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, CA
TV/Streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (subscription required)