SDFC Loses Fifth Straight After Late Stoppage Time Goal Against Portland

San Diego FC returned to Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday to take on the Portland Timbers. Winless in their last seven matches in all competitions, the boys in the Chrome & Azul were desperate for three points. SDFC comes into this match in 10th place with a record of 3-2-4.

Head coach Mikey Varas shook things up a little bit in the lineup. David Vazquez started in the left winger position, bringing flair and creativity into the attack. Amahl Pellegrino made his return from injury last match but unfortunately got sent off with a red card for a dangerous high kick.

Back from injury, Ian Pilcher started in the left back position for the currently injured, Luca Bombino. The dynamic duo of Manu Duah and Chris McVey were back together once again after trading places serving red card suspensions. Duran Ferree continued his streak as the starting goalkeeper.

The Portland Timbers came into this match in 13th place with a 2-2-5 record. The Timbers lined up in a similar 4-3-3 formation and featured their star midfielder, number ten David Da Costa as well as the always-dangerous Kevin Kelsy. Undoubtedly, Portland was looking for revenge for last season as SDFC knocked them out of the playoffs.

First Half

The key for SDFC in this match was making their usual possession advantage count. Even in defeat, San Diego has consistently controlled the ball against opponents, and the opening 25 minutes reflected that trend. SDFC held 75% of the possession early and turned it into four shots on target.

Unfortunately, the hosts found themselves trailing 1-0 early once again. In the 26th minute, Jeppe Tverskov was dispossessed by Kelsy, who broke in alone on goal and calmly finished his one-on-one opportunity. It was another example of San Diego doing much of the good work, only for a costly mistake to hand the opposition a goal as they patiently sat back and waited for their moment.

Things turned around for SDFC in the 33rd minute. A handball was called in the Portland penalty box on defender Brandon Bye. Anders Dreyer stepped up and sent James Pantemis the other way in a perfectly executed penalty kick. The hosts found a much-needed break and capitalized as they looked to build momentum.

Despite the 1-1 scoreline at halftime, it felt as though San Diego had been the stronger side. SDFC controlled the tempo for long stretches, moved the ball confidently, and consistently pinned Portland back in their own half. The numbers reflected that dominance, with San Diego holding a commanding 70%-30% edge in possession while outshooting the Timbers 6-2. The only thing missing from an otherwise impressive first-half display was a lead on the scoreboard.

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Second Half

San Diego opened the second half in typical fashion, striking quickly and appearing to take a 2-1 lead in the 47th minute before the goal was ruled out for offside. Anders Dreyer delivered a dangerous cross from a free kick, and Marcus Ingvartsen guided it into the back of the net with a small touch. However, Ingvartsen had begun his run a moment too early, wiping away what looked to be the go-ahead goal.

Things got a little chippy in the 68th minute. Portland began playing a bit more physical in their own half, not letting SDFC have any easy possession. A string of yellow cards followed. Varas turned to his bench, bringing on Lewis Morgan and Pedro Soma for Vazquez and Godoy, respectively.

Snapdragon Stadium went quiet in the 80th minute when captain Jeppe Tverskov went off with an apparent leg injury. Tverskov was able to walk off on his own which is a good sign for the home team.

San Diego caught another big break in the 82nd minute when Portland winger Antony intercepted the ball in the midfield and took a touch to get around Ferree but failed to score into an open net with his shot trailing just wide of the right post.

Antony thought he had redeemed himself just minutes later. A Portland throw in led to a headed pass into the danger area where Antony finished his chance from right outside of the box only to be called back for offside. San Diego has once again caught a big break in this match.

Things turned really bad for SDFC in the 95th minute when Portland center back Alex Bonetig got on the end of a loose ball in SDFC's penalty area after a corner kick and finished into the back of the net to make it 2-1 to the visitors.

"I know nobody wants to hear it but we took a step forward today," said Varas.

Another painful result for San Diego FC, who once again controlled large stretches of the match but were undone by costly mistakes in key moments. Possession and positive buildup play continue to be strengths, but without sharper finishing and greater defensive composure, the results will remain hard to come by.

SDFC takes on LAFC next Saturday at home in a match where things will certainly not get any easier for the team.