San Diego FC is set to face the Portland Timbers in a crucial matchup, marking the first time SDFC has played against this Western Conference opponent. This game has an interesting connection between the two cities, rooted in a shared past through the San Diego Padres and the Portland Beavers. As San Diego looks to secure a playoff spot, this match is a must-watch.

Background

The Portland Timbers, have existed in various forms since 1975. Initially, they played in the North American Soccer League until 1982. The team later played in the Western Soccer Alliance as F.C. Portland from 1985 to 1990. Soccer returned to Portland in 2001 when the Portland Timbers joined the USL. Although Portland was a well-known soccer hub, it was not initially considered “major league ready” when Major League Soccer (MLS) was founded.

In 2001, PGE Park, the Timbers’ home stadium, was renovated to include new luxury suites and club seats, increasing its capacity to approximately 17,000. The renovations were intended to benefit both the Portland Timbers and the Portland Beavers, a former minor league baseball team that was an affiliate of the San Diego Padres. From 2001 to 2010, several Padres players, including Will Venable, Wade LeBlanc, and Chase Headley, played for the Beavers.

During this period, Merritt Paulson purchased both the Timbers and the Beavers and sought to renovate the stadium again to add more seating. By 2008, a plan was in place: PGE Park would be renovated for soccer, with Paulson paying the $40 million MLS expansion fee, while the city of Portland and its taxpayers would fund a new baseball stadium for the Beavers. The Timbers were granted an MLS franchise in 2009, becoming the league’s 18th team. However, a new baseball stadium for the Beavers never materialized , leading Paulson to put the team up for sale and relocation. Padres owner Jeff Moorad bought the franchise and moved it to Tucson, Arizona, as the Tucson Padres, with the intention of building a stadium in Escondido, CA, which also never happened. The team was eventually sold again, relocated to El Paso, Texas, and remains there today.

Current Timbers

The Portland Timbers are coached by Phil Neville, a former Manchester United player. Neville played for both Manchester United and Everton during his 20+ year senior career. He is the brother of Gary Neville, who also played for Manchester United for a long time. Before joining the Timbers after the 2023 season, he coached Inter Miami from 2021 to 2023, where he had a .389 winning percentage in league play. In 2024, the Timbers secured the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. They were fourth in the league in goals scored with 64 but had the fourth-worst save percentage at 63%. The team was eliminated in the wild card round after a 5-0 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps.

This season, the Portland Timbers are ranked sixth in the Western Conference. The team’s offensive strategy relies on individual effort and fluid movement on the pitch. They rank fifth in progressive carries with 463, just behind San Diego FC, which is third with 467. Portland is tied for first in successful take-ons with 227 each. The Timbers lead the league in carries into the final third with 373. Despite their carrying ability, Portland is not a strong shooting team, ranking 25th in the league with an expected goals (xG) of 32.1 and 22nd in goals scored. Defensively, the Timbers frequently use an offside trap, placing them third in the league for drawing opponents offside with 67 calls. They also have the fourth-most saves in MLS with 93 and the sixth-best save percentage at 73.5%.

Key Players

Antony: The 23-year-old Brazilian is having his most productive MLS season since joining the league. He has 11 goal contributions this season, surpassing his 10 from last season in over 1800 minutes. Antony ranks 17th in the league for progressive receptions with 177 and is 11th in successful take-ons with 44. He is also an effective defender and tackler, ranking in the 92nd percentile for attacking midfielders and wingers.

David Da Costa: As one of Portland’s Designated Players, Da Costa is a key attacking midfielder who spent six seasons with Ligue 1 side Lens before joining MLS. In his first MLS season, he has already contributed 10 goals. Known for his high passing ability, Da Costa is 15th in the league for progressive passes with 157. He is even better when it comes to progressive carries, as he ranks fourth in the league with 119. SDFC needs to look out for both Antony and Da Costa in the attacking midfield.

New Face

The transfer window has officially closed, and San Diego has added a new player this week. San Diego FC has acquired Leo Duru on a loan from Blackburn Rovers through June 2026, with an option for a permanent purchase. Duru, a 20-year-old fullback, spent last season with League Two side Barrow, where he played over 500 minutes and scored one goal. He is expected to fill a U22 spot on the roster when the loan is officially completed. Duru’s aggressive, take-on style of play, where he likes to be on the opposition’s side of the pitch, makes him a good fit for San Diego’s system.

A Playoff-Clinching Match

San Diego can secure a playoff spot with a win or a draw against the Portland Timbers. San Diego controls its own destiny. A victory on Saturday night would also allow San Diego to tie the record for the most wins for an expansion club. Below are the rest of the scenarios for San Diego FC: