In a season of firsts, SDFC in its inaugural Major League Soccer season, accomplished another first Sunday night.
SDFC won its first MLS playoff series, beating Portland 4-0 in a deciding 3rd game of the 3-game first round series.
A sold-out, electric crowd at Snapdragon Stadium didn’t have to wait long to erupt.
5 minutes into the match, Onni Valakari with a beautiful cross to Anders Dreyer who one timed it into the back of the net for 1-0 SDFC lead.
12 minutes later, SDFC doubled their lead. Once again Valakari had a splendid cross to Amahl Pellegrino, who’s initial header was saved by the Portland goalkeeper, but Pellegrino pounced on the rebound for a 2-0 lead.
SDFC goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega, filling in for the injured C.J. Dos Santos, was up the challenge in net. Sisniega made a miraculous save on the goal line in the middle of the first half to keep the advantage at 2 goals.
Early second half, SDFC scored their 3rd beautiful goal of the match, as Corey Baird floated a pass to Pellegrino who one-timed the ball out of the air for a 3-0 lead.
Next up, SDFC will play Minnesota in a one game winner advances semifinal in the MLS Western Conference.