Portland Timbers Stun San Diego FC in Penalty Thriller to Force Game 3
Photo Credit: @SandiegoFC
Playoff Drama in Providence Park
The 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs delivered another unforgettable night in Portland as the Timbers battled back to defeat San Diego FC in a thrilling Game 2 that ended 2–2 after regulation. Portland held their nerve in a tense penalty shootout to win 3–2, forcing a decisive Game 3 in the best-of-three first-round series.
In front of a packed Providence Park, both teams traded blows in an emotional, high-paced contest that showcased everything fans love about playoff soccer — passion, resilience, and late-game drama.
Photo Credit: @sandiegofc
First Half: Portland Strikes First, San Diego Responds Late
The Timbers came out aggressive, pressing high and dictating the early tempo. Their energy paid off in the 18th minutewhen Kristoffer Velde opened the scoring. The Norwegian forward capitalized on a defensive miscue, latching onto a loose ball in the box and firing low past goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa to give Portland a 1–0 lead.
San Diego responded with patience and precision, gradually finding their rhythm through possession play. As halftime approached, their persistence paid off. Deep into first-half stoppage time (45+12’), Amahl Pellegrino produced a moment of brilliance. After a clever setup from Corey Baird, Pellegrino curled a right-footed shot from the edge of the box into the top corner, leaving James Pantemis with no chance and leveling the score at 1–1 just before the break.
It was the perfect response from the expansion club, who refused to fold in front of a hostile Portland crowd.
Photo Credit: @Sandiegofc
Second Half: San Diego Takes the Lead
San Diego carried their momentum into the second half. In the 51st minute, they completed the turnaround when Hirving “Chucky” Lozano tapped in a rebound after a shot from Pellegrino was parried away. The Mexican international showed his poacher’s instinct, positioning himself perfectly to push the ball over the line and make it 2–1 San Diego.
The goal silenced Providence Park and put San Diego in control. For the next 30 minutes, the visitors managed the match well, using possession to frustrate Portland while defending compactly to limit space in behind.
However, the Timbers’ determination never wavered. Coach Phil Neville introduced fresh legs late in the match, including Ariel Lassiter and Gage Guerra, to inject energy into the attack.
Photo Credit: @sandiegofc
Late Equalizer: Portland’s Never-Say-Die Moment
As stoppage time approached, Portland threw everything forward in search of an equalizer. Their persistence was rewarded in dramatic fashion.
In the 90+8 minute, Ariel Lassiter whipped in a perfect cross from the left flank, and substitute Gage Guerra rose highest to meet it with a powerful header. The ball flew past Ochoa and into the net, sending Providence Park into chaos as Portland tied the match 2–2.
It was a stunning moment that epitomized the Timbers’ fighting spirit and shifted the entire series dynamic.
Penalty Shootout: Timbers Hold Their Nerve
With no extra time in the first round of the MLS playoffs, the match went straight to penalties. The shootout was tense and filled with pressure moments on both sides.
San Diego’s first two shooters converted confidently, but a third attempt rattled the crossbar.
Portland’s captain Diego Chará calmly slotted his shot home to keep the hosts alive.
After both sides traded misses, it came down to Antony, who buried his penalty with conviction to seal a 3–2 shootout win for Portland.
As the ball hit the back of the net, the Timbers players sprinted to celebrate in front of their fans, knowing they had forced a decisive Game 3.
Photo Credit: @sandiegofc
What’s Next: Winner-Takes-All Game 3
The result means the series now heads back to San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium for Game 3 on Sunday, November 9, 2025. With the series tied 1–1, everything is on the line — a place in the Western Conference Semifinals awaits.
San Diego will look to bounce back and protect home turf after coming agonizingly close to a series sweep, while Portland will enter the match full of belief after one of their most dramatic playoff wins in recent years.
Final Thoughts
Portland’s comeback victory showcased the club’s playoff pedigree — experienced, fearless, and relentless to the end. For San Diego FC, it was a harsh lesson in closing out games, but their attacking promise remains undeniable.
The stage is now set for a blockbuster Game 3, with both teams just 90 minutes away from history.
Final Score: Portland Timbers 2–2 San Diego FC (Portland wins 3–2 on penalties)
Series: Tied 1–1