San Diego FC closed out its inaugural MLS season in historic fashion. The 4–0 win over the Portland Timbers on the road secured the top spot in the Western Conference and a place in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. With 19 wins and 63 points, the team set new records for an expansion club. Under Mikey Varas, San Diego also became just the second team in MLS history to win at least 12 road matches in a single season, matching the LA Galaxy’s 1998 achievement.
Control from the opening whistle
San Diego FC started the match at a high tempo and quickly took control. In the 26th minute, Amahl Pellegrino opened the scoring with a right-footed finish after a long pass from Anders Dreyer. Throughout the first half, San Diego maintained its dominance, staying on the front foot and limiting Portland’s opportunities. The narrow lead at halftime reflected the visitors’ control and clinical finishing.
Dreyer takes over and seals the win
Right after the break, San Diego picked up the pace and put the game away. In the 47th minute, Dreyer doubled the lead with a left-footed strike into the top-left corner, assisted by Onni Valakari. Just two minutes later, in the 49th, the forward found the net again — this time after a quick transition and another precise pass from Valakari. The third goal effectively ended Portland’s hopes. In the 64th minute, Pellegrino scored his second of the night, finishing off a pass from Jeppe Tverskov to close out the 4–0 win.
With two goals and an assist, Dreyer reached historic milestones, setting MLS records for most goals (17) and goal contributions (27) in away matches during a single season. Pellegrino also finished with two goals and two assists, directly involved in Dreyer’s earlier strikes and rounding off a standout performance.
A debut season that made MLS history
The result capped off an unprecedented campaign for a first-year club. San Diego FC finished with 63 points, surpassing LAFC’s 2018 expansion record of 57, and broke St. Louis City’s 2023 mark of 17 wins. The team ended the regular season unbeaten in its last 10 road games and topped the Western Conference ahead of the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Along with securing first place and a Concacaf berth, San Diego matched the all-time MLS record for road points in a season (37), a mark previously held by LA Galaxy and Inter Miami.