Overview
- Kristoffer Velde scored and provided two assists in Portland’s 3-1 victory on Wednesday night, opening with a 25-yard strike and creating the second goal with a line-breaking pass.
- New coach Martí Cifuentes earned a win in his home MLS debut as goalkeeper James Pantemis made five saves to help secure the result.
- Gabriel Pirani equalized for San Diego with his first goal for the club in first-half stoppage time, but Anders Dreyer was suspended and did not play after receiving a second yellow in the prior match.
- Ariel Lassiter finished a Jimer Fory cross to restore Portland’s lead early in the second half and David Da Costa sealed the game with a long-range curler in the 68th minute.
- The Timbers completed a regular-season sweep of San Diego, moved to 27 points and into the final Western Conference playoff spot, while San Diego stayed on 24 points and must reshuffle without Dreyer as the season’s tight playoff race continues.