Dreyer and Pellegrino Each Score Twice as San Diego Completes Series Sweep Over Portland
SAN DIEGO — San Diego FC clinched their best-of-three MLS Cup Playoffs Round One series with a 4-0 victory over Portland Timbers at Snapdragon Stadium on Sunday. Anders Dreyer and Amahl Pellegrino each scored twice before 32,500 fans as the expansion side completed a 2-1 series triumph to advance to the Conference Semifinals.
Anders Dreyer opened the scoring in the 5th minute. Onni Valakari delivered a cross from the left that found Dreyer in the penalty area. The Danish winger controlled before slotting his left-footed finish past Portland goalkeeper James Pantemis for the early lead.
Portland struggled to generate clear chances against San Diego's defensive organization. Kevin Kelsy's 11th-minute header was saved by San Diego goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega, but the Timbers found limited success breaking down the home side's structure.
San Diego doubled their advantage in the 17th minute through Amahl Pellegrino. The Norwegian forward's initial shot from the center of the box was saved by Pantemis, but Pellegrino reacted quickly to fire home the rebound from close range. The goal came after another dangerous cross from Valakari demonstrated San Diego's effectiveness in wide areas.
Portland's Jimer Fory received a yellow card in the 29th minute for a foul on Ian Pilcher. San Diego's Manu Duah was booked seven minutes later. Despite these disruptions, San Diego maintained their two-goal cushion at halftime while limiting Portland to speculative efforts.
Portland manager Phil Neville introduced Juan Mosquera at halftime, but San Diego extended their lead in the 53rd minute. Corey Baird delivered a cross from the right that found Pellegrino, who struck a right-footed shot from the center of the box into the high center of the goal for his second.
Neville made three substitutions in the 56th minute, bringing on Felipe Mora, Matías Rojas, and Cristhian Paredes. The changes failed to generate attacking momentum. Paredes received a yellow card in the 66th minute for a foul on Jeppe Tverskov.
San Diego manager Mikey Varas introduced Hirving Lozano in the 70th minute, and the Mexican international made an immediate impact. In the 79th minute, Lozano delivered a cross from the left that found Dreyer at the far post. Dreyer finished with his left foot from the left side of the box, sending his shot to the bottom right corner to complete his brace.
Portland's afternoon worsened in the 80th minute when Juan Mosquera received a straight red card for violent conduct. The dismissal left the Timbers with ten men for the final minutes. Kamal Miller added a yellow card in the 86th minute as Portland's discipline deteriorated.
The statistics reflected San Diego's control. The home side registered nine shots on target compared to Portland's two while completing 84.8 percent of their passes in open play versus Portland's 72.8 percent. San Diego limited Portland to seven total shots.
Anders Dreyer earned man of the match honors with his two goals and constant threat. Amahl Pellegrino's clinical finishing proved decisive, while Onni Valakari's delivery from midfield created numerous chances. Hirving Lozano provided an assist shortly after entering. For Portland, James Pantemis made several saves, while Cristhian Paredes hit the crossbar with a 61st-minute header in a rare dangerous moment.
The series victory sends San Diego FC to the Western Conference Semifinals in their inaugural MLS season. Portland's campaign ends after falling in the opening round. San Diego will face the winner of the LA Galaxy-Colorado Rapids series.
