The San Diego vs Portland Timbers showdown promises to be one of the most intense fixtures of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs so far. This winner-takes-all encounter in the Round One Best-of-3 series will decide which team advances to the Western Conference semifinals, where either Minnesota United or Seattle Sounders await.
After two thrilling clashes, the series stands finely balanced at 1-1. Portland edged Game 2 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a gripping 2-2 draw, while San Diego’s earlier home victory ensured this decisive Game 3 at a packed Snapdragon Stadium on Sunday.
Both sides now enter the contest knowing there is no room for error — one will move closer to MLS Cup glory, the other’s season will end in heartbreak.
Fans can expect a high-pressure atmosphere, electric energy in the stands, and a tactical chess match on the field.
San Diego will look to capitalise on home advantage and their fast, attacking style driven by Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, while the Portland Timbers will lean on their playoff experience, defensive organisation, and counter-attacking sharpness. With everything on the line, this clash promises goals, drama, and classic postseason intensity.
San Diego vs Portland Timbers Match Preview – Team News, Recent Form, Tactical Analysis & Prediction
- Competition: Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs – Round One Best-of-3 Series – Game 3
- Venue: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego
- Time: Sunday, November 9, 2025
Series Overview
- Game 1 (October 26): San Diego 2-1 Portland – Home advantage proved decisive at Snapdragon Stadium
- Game 2 (November 2): Portland 2 (3) 2 (2) San Diego – A dramatic affair at Providence Park saw Portland equalize with a last-minute goal from rookie striker Gage Guerra before winning 3-2 on penalties
Team News and Injuries
San Diego FC
The Supporters’ Shield winners enter as strong favorites having finished the regular season with an impressive 63 points from 34 games, winning 19 matches and losing only six.
Goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos sustained a cheekbone fracture in Game 2 following a collision and is undergoing evaluation; Pablo Sisniega will likely deputize after already stepping up in the previous match.
Midfielder Luca De La Torre is available after coming on as a substitute. Winger Hirving “Chucky” Lozano has returned from injury and featured as a substitute in Game 2.
Portland Timbers
Phil Neville’s side faces significant defensive injury concerns heading into the fixture. Key availability includes midfielder Jimer Fory, who returns from a two-game suspension following Game 1.
However, the Timbers will continue without several players sidelined with muscle injuries, including Antony Alves, Matías Rojas, with both expected to return mid-November.
Defenders Finn Surman and J. Mosquera also carry muscle injuries but may be available for selection.
San Diego vs Portland Timbers Prediction and Form Analysis
San Diego FC’s Advantages
San Diego heads into this crucial match in top form, having won three of their last four games and holding a stellar home record in the playoffs.
They’ve never lost to Portland in regular time, giving them a psychological edge bolstered by their first-game victory. As league leaders, they shared the best defensive record in MLS, conceding only 41 goals in 34 games, while also showcasing their attacking strength with 64 league goals.
Portland Timbers’ Challenge
Portland’s recent performance is worrying. They’ve secured just one regular-time win in their last eight matches and haven’t won any of their last nine away games.
Even more concerning, the Timbers haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last 10 games across all competitions, conceding 10 goals in their last five matches—an average of 2.0 goals per game. Their defensive struggles, especially on the road, have been a consistent issue.
San Diego vs Portland Timbers Betting Odds and Predictions
| Prediction Model | Outcome | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Sportytrader Algorithm | San Diego Win | 51.95% |
| Draw | Draw | 32.57% |
| Portland Win | Portland Win | 15.49% |
- Expert Prediction: San Diego 3-1 Portland Timbers – Most analysts favor the home side
San Diego vs Portland Timbers PrediGK: James Pantemis; DEF: Juan Mosquera, Kamal Miller, Dario Zuparic, Finn Surman; MID: David Ayala, Diego Chara (captain), David Da Costa (Omir Fernandez); FWD: Antony, Felipe Mora, Kristoffer Veldected Starting Lineups
San Diego FC:
Portland Timbers:
- Pantemis (GK); Mosquera, Miller, Surman, Smith; Ayala, Chara, Pereira Da Costa; Antony, Mora, Velde.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Dreyer and Pellegrino vs Portland’s Defense: San Diego’s lethal attacking duo has terrorized Portland throughout the season and represents the primary threat on Sunday. Portland’s leaky defense will need to provide significantly tighter coverage than shown in recent weeks.
- Valakari’s Midfield Control: San Diego’s orchestrator in midfield must dominate possession and prevent Portland from establishing any rhythm through the center of the park.
- Chara’s Experience: Portland’s veteran captain must provide crucial leadership and defensive stability alongside Ayala to contain San Diego’s midfield pressure.
This represents a monumental opportunity for San Diego to advance with their home support behind them, while Portland faces an uphill battle given their recent form and defensive fragilities. The Supporters’ Shield winners are the overwhelming favorites to progress, but playoff football can produce unexpected outcomes.
How to Watch San Diego vs Portland Timbers Game 3
- Streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+
- United States: Apple TV+ (MLS Season Pass subscription required)
- Canada: DAZN Canada