San Diego FC delivered a football masterclass at Snapdragon Stadium, crushing the Portland Timbers 4-0 in their MLS Western Conference quarter-final matchup.
Under the guidance of coach Michael Anthony Varas, the team maintained firm control throughout the match, with two standout players each netting two goals, sealing the emphatic victory. Anders Dreyer opened the scoring in the 4th minute with a powerful strike and later added another in the 78th minute following a well-crafted play.
Amahl Pellegrino electrified the crowd with his 17th-minute goal. After an impressive individual effort down the left flank, he placed the ball perfectly into the bottom right corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
Portland Timbers had a glimmer of hope when Cristhian Paredes struck the post in the 60th minute, but they could not capitalize on that opportunity.
Amahl Pellegrino was the star of the night, scoring twice and testing the opposition’s goalkeeper five times. Likewise, Anders Dreyer proved to be crucial, contributing two goals and making three attempts on goal himself.
San Diego FC employed a 4-3-3 formation with Pablo Sisniega guarding the net; Ian Pilcher, Christopher McVey, Manu Duah, and Luca Bombino in defense; Onni Valakari, Jeppe Tverskov, and Aníbal Godoy in the midfield; and Dreyer, Corey Baird, and Pellegrino leading the attack.
In contrast, Portland Timbers arranged themselves in a 3-4-3 setup, featuring James Pantemis in goal; Finn Surman, Dario Zuparic, and Kamal Miller in defense; Antony Alves, Diego Chará, David Ayala, and Jimer Fory in midfield; and David da Costa, Kevin Kelsy, and Kristoffer Velde at the front.
Referee Joseph Dickerson officiated the encounter.
Substitutions for San Diego FC
- 69’ 2T – Corey Baird off for Marcus Ingvartsen, Amahl Pellegrino off for Hirving Lozano
- 83’ 2T – Manu Duah off for Paddy McNair, Luca Bombino off for Franco Negri, Anders Dreyer off for Pedro Soma
Yellow Cards for San Diego FC:
- 35’ 1T – Manu Duah (Unsporting behavior)
- 9’ 2T – Corey Baird (Unsporting behavior)
- 29’ 2T – Luca Bombino (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Portland Timbers
- 45’ 2T – Jimer Fory off for Juan Mosquera
- 55’ 2T – David da Costa off for Matías Rojas, Diego Chará off for Cristhian Paredes, Kevin Kelsy off for Felipe Mora
- 75’ 2T – David Ayala off for Gage Guerra
Yellow Cards for Portland Timbers:
- 28’ 1T – Jimer Fory (Unsporting behavior)
- 20’ 2T – Cristhian Paredes (Unsporting behavior)
- 25’ 2T – David Ayala (Unsporting behavior)
- 40’ 2T – Kamal Miller (Unsporting behavior)
Red Card for Portland Timbers:
- 34’ 2T – Juan Mosquera (Direct red)