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San Diego FC were seconds away from advancing to the next round of the playoffs. A last-ditch effort by the substitutes via a cross into the box by Ariel Lassiter was headed in by Gage Guerra. Guerra had just come on to the field in the 86th minute.
In a game of many ups and downs, San Diego did enough to seal the deal until the last moments of the game. Perhaps, focus and intensity was an issue for Mikey Varas' club. San Diego FC dominated possession and created chances all game long against a desperate Portland side who were fighting for their lives.
SDFC Not Utilizing Their Best Attribute
With just 15 minutes left on the clock, San Diego FC refused to take their foot off the gas. True to the identity they've shown all season, there was no attempt to slow the match down or bleed out the clock with safe possession. Instead, SDFC continued to push numbers forward and hunt for another goal, sticking to the same attacking mindset that has defined their style from opening day to the postseason.
Some might argue that San Diego FC could have secured the result had they shifted into a more conservative approach late in the match. After all, SDFC finished the regular season as the league’s top possession team — a metric that usually favors closing out games with control rather than chaos. But in the postseason, teams live and die by their strengths, and on this night, San Diego chose not to lean on theirs.
Chucky Makes His Playoff Debut - Scores
It's no secret - the big story on Saturday was Hirving Chucky Lozano. After a tumulus two weeks where the Mexican star did not travel with the team to end their regular season and missed the first playoff game due to an argument in the locker room after being subbed off, Chucky made his playoff debut on the bench.
Chucky proved his support for the team by serving his internal punishment and still celebrating with the team on the field after SDFC's win in the first game of the playoffs against Portland.
On Saturday, Chucky was subbed in at the beginning of the second half. Clearly, SDFC were not producing many chances in front of the net. Corey Baird, who had an assist to Amahl Pellegrino for the first goal, has been simply a fill-in at the number nine position. His inability to provide goal contribution in a position that requires it, proved to be a disappointment.
Chucky provided an instant spark that SDFC needed. He came on the pitch and play with intensity, driving straight at defenders in his signature style. It only took him six minutes to get on the score sheet. A stark reminder to the SDFC coaching staff that he is a game-changer and must be present on the pitch during decisive games.
Pellegrino's Rise, Ingvartsen's Future
Amahl Pellegrino's newfound success has been a treat to watch. He's making a difference in games for the club and his numbers back it up. In the last four matches, Pellegrino scored four goals and nabbed three assists. At this point, Mikey Varas cannot deny Pellegrino future opportunities at a starting role. Even with Chucky back, Pellegrino has cemented himself into the starting lineup with consistent contributions.
Marcus Ingvartsen played 20 minutes off the bench but failed to contribute much during that time. Perhaps, Ingvartsen needs more time to settle back into game pace. This season has been a tough one when it comes to Ingvartsen's productivity and club expectations. There was a reason why the club decided to pay Ingvartsen $1.7 million per year, to rack up goal contributions and be the lethal number nine that the club so desperately needs.
Unfortunately for Marcus Ingvartsen, a season riddled with injuries has kept him from delivering on the high price tag that came with his signing. And with San Diego FC uncovering serious value in a low-cost pickup like Pellegrino, the contrast is hard to ignore. When offseason budget talks begin, the front office will almost certainly have to revisit Ingvartsen’s contract—and decide whether the investment still matches the return.
The 29-year-old Ingvartsen is signed on a three-year deal worth $1.7 million per year with club options in 2028 and 2029.
CJ Dos Santos Injury Update
San Diego FC starting goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos suffered a broken cheekbone following a 21st minute collision with Timbers striker Kevin Kelsy. Dos Santos dove into the feet of Kelsy to try and gather the ball. The speed of Kelsy prevented him from avoiding the collision and unfortunately struck Dos Santos in the face.
In a frightening scene, Dos Santos was seen lying face down, motionless. After about a 10-minute delay, the medical staff carried Dos Santos off the field on a stretcher and transported him to the hospital. He returned with the team on Saturday and underwent further evaluation.
He can be expected to miss 4-8 weeks while he undergoes recovery and it's safe to assume he will not be back this season. Dos Santos also suffered a broken nose earlier in the season, which forced him to wear a Batman-like protective face mask for many weeks.
Lack of Focus Leads to Loss
Pablo Sisniega stepped up in a time of need for SDFC. As the game progressed into a penalty shootout, Sisniega was incredible in the net, saving multiple PKs and giving his team a chance.
Anders Dreyer and Chucky converted their PKs, but the rest of the takers did not. Onni Valakari and Marcus Ingvartsen both missed the goal completely, skying the ball over the top. The decisive kick came to Jeppe Tverskov and the captain hit the crossbar, sending this series to a game three in San Diego.
San Diego FC’s penalty shootout collapse was more than just bad luck — it was a breakdown in focus. Much like the closing moments of regulation, the execution simply wasn’t there when it mattered most. At this level, the bare minimum is putting the ball on frame and forcing the goalkeeper to make a play. Instead, SDFC made the job far too easy, and it proved costly.
Despite the loss, no one in the SDFC locker room will blame themselves more than head coach Mikey Varas. If the loss was truly attributed to a lack of focus, Varas will ensure he does his job to get the team ready to play for their playoff lives on Sunday.
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