Pellegrino, Dreyer each score twice as San Diego beat Portland 4-0

VIDEO SHOWS: HIGHLIGHTS OF GAME 3 OF THE MLS PLAYOFF SERIES BETWEEN SAN DIEGO FC AND PORTLAND TIMBERS COMPLETE SHOTLIST TO FOLLOW SHOWS: SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (NOVEMBER 9, 2025) (SOCCER UNITED MARKETING – Editorial use only. No more than 30 seconds per match. Must on screen courtesy 'MLS on Apple'. No use after December 31, 2025. No resales. No sublicensing. No monetisation) STORY: Amahl Pellegrino and Anders Dreyer scored twice each as San Diego FC secured their first-ever Western Conference semifinal berth with a commanding 4-0 victory over Portland Timbers in their first-round series on Sunday (November 9). The top-seeded San Diego will host fourth-seeded Minnesota in the semifinal following the November international window. Dreyer, who also assisted Pellegrino's second goal, has emerged as a key figure for San Diego, scoring three goals this postseason and earning MLS MVP finalist consideration after tallying 19 goals and 19 assists in the regular season. His opening goal, a header from Onni Valakari's cross in the fifth minute, set the tone for the match. Pellegrino, a midseason acquisition from San Jose Earthquakes, has provided a significant boost to San Diego's attack. The 35-year-old Norwegian scored his first goal on Sunday by converting his own rebound after a save by Timbers goalkeeper James Pantemis, and added a second with a volley six minutes after halftime, assisted by Corey Baird and Dreyer. San Diego's defense also impressed, with backup goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega recording two saves to secure the club's first playoff clean sheet. Regular starter CJ dos Santos remained sidelined due to concussion symptoms sustained in Game 2. Portland struggled throughout the three-game series, being outscored by five goals overall. Despite a penalty shootout victory in Game 2, the Timbers fell short of advancing, though their season marked their best finish since the 2021 MLS Cup final. Defender Juan Mosquera was sent off late in the match for violent conduct against San Diego substitute Chucky Lozano. San Diego's attacking duo has been instrumental in the team's recent success, combining for 13 of the club's 16 goals over their last five matches, including the postseason. Manager Mikey Varas credited Pellegrino for adding a new dimension to the squad, noting his nine goal involvements in just 10 appearances since joining in late August. (Production: Suramya Kaushik)

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