Guerra's Dramatic Equalizer Forces Shootout as Portland Levels Series with San Diego

Portland, OR — Portland survived a playoff thriller at Providence Park on Saturday, defeating San Diego 2(3)-2(2) on penalties after a dramatic 2-2 draw to level their best-of-three Round One series at 1-1. Gage Guerra's stunning header in the 98th minute forced extra time, and after neither team could find a winner, Portland held their nerve in the penalty shootout to set up a decisive Game 3 in San Diego after losing the series opener 2-1 on the road.

Kristoffer Velde opened the scoring for Portland in the 18th minute, finishing a well-constructed attacking sequence. Antony provided the assist, delivering a precise pass that Velde controlled before placing a right-footed finish from the center of the box into the bottom right corner past CJ dos Santos, giving the home side an early advantage and energizing the Providence Park crowd desperate to see their team avoid elimination.

However, San Diego's starting goalkeeper CJ dos Santos suffered an injury in the 21st minute, forcing an early substitution. Pablo Sisniega entered in the 29th minute and would play a crucial role in the match's dramatic conclusion. Despite the disruption, San Diego maintained their composure and began to take control of the match through patient possession and intelligent movement.

The first half drama intensified deep into stoppage time when San Diego equalized in the 45th+12 minute. Corey Baird found Amahl Pellegrino with space in the penalty area, and the forward executed a precise right-footed finish from the center of the box into the top right corner, silencing the home crowd and leveling the match heading into halftime. The goal came after San Diego had been denied moments earlier when Anders Dreyer had a goal overturned by VAR for offside in the 45th+13 minute, adding to the tension.

The second half began with San Diego showing greater attacking intent, and their pressure paid dividends in the 51st minute when Hirving Lozano, who had replaced Corey Baird at halftime, put the visitors ahead. After Anders Dreyer's shot from the center of the box was saved by James Pantemis, Lozano pounced on the rebound from the right side of the six-yard box, finishing into the bottom right corner to give San Diego a 2-1 lead and put Portland on the brink of elimination.

Portland responded by increasing their offensive pressure, introducing fresh legs through a series of substitutions. Felipe Mora, Omir Fernandez, Cristhian Paredes, and Ian Smith all entered as Portland desperately searched for an equalizer. The home side registered multiple blocked shots and created several promising opportunities, but Sisniega and San Diego's defensive organization held firm as the match entered stoppage time.

The match's dramatic conclusion came in the 98th minute when Gage Guerra, who had entered as a substitute just minutes earlier, salvaged Portland's season. Ariel Lassiter delivered a measured cross from the left flank that found Guerra in the center of the box, and the forward guided his header into the bottom right corner past Sisniega, sending Providence Park into absolute pandemonium and forcing the match to a penalty shootout.

The shootout proved equally dramatic. San Diego opened with Anders Dreyer converting, followed by Felipe Mora for Portland. Hirving Lozano scored for San Diego before Pablo Sisniega saved Cristhian Paredes' attempt. The momentum swung when Onni Valakari missed for San Diego, then Sisniega saved again from Omir Fernandez. Marcus Ingvartsen missed for San Diego, giving Portland hope. Kristoffer Velde converted to keep Portland alive before Jeppe Tverskov hit the crossbar for San Diego. With the pressure on, Antony calmly converted the decisive penalty to the bottom left corner, sending Portland through with a 3-2 shootout victory.

Statistically, San Diego controlled possession at 60.8% compared to Portland's 39.2%, demonstrating superior ball retention and patient build-up play. However, Portland generated more shots with 17 attempts to San Diego's 9, though both teams registered similar shot accuracy with Portland recording 4 shots on target and San Diego 5. Both teams converted 2 goals during regulation time, with Portland's efficiency on set pieces proving crucial as they worked 33.3% of their attempts compared to San Diego's lower success rate.

Individual performances shaped this dramatic encounter significantly. Gage Guerra emerged as Portland's hero with his late equalizer that kept their playoff hopes alive. Kristoffer Velde provided an early spark with his opening goal and later converted his penalty with composure. For San Diego, Hirving Lozano's impact was immediate after his halftime introduction, scoring the go-ahead goal. Pablo Sisniega proved heroic in the shootout despite the loss, making two saves and nearly preventing Portland's comeback. Antony's nerveless penalty conversion sealed Portland's victory under immense pressure.

With the series now tied at 1-1, both teams will travel to San Diego for the decisive Game 3 next week. San Diego will look to capitalize on home advantage after controlling much of this match, while Portland travels with renewed confidence knowing they can overcome adversity. The winner advances to the Eastern Conference semifinals in what promises to be a compelling conclusion to this evenly-matched playoff series.