San Diego FC vs Portland Timbers Prediction & Betting Tips (10 November)

Portland is still alive in these MLS play-offs! Having gone through a mouse hole to enter the final phase with a victory over Real Salt Lake during the play-ins 3-1, the Timbers managed to push the best team in the Western Conference to a decisive match this Monday. Although beaten in the first round in California 1-2, the team led by Phil Neville showed character to save its skin during the return match in Oregon. An equalizer at the end of added time 2-2 to offer a victorious penalty shootout and thus send the series back to California on Monday where a decisive match will decide who from Portland or San Diego will go to the second round of these MLS play-offs.The second round, San Diego thought it would validate its participation during the return match in Portland.

But a lack of concentration in the final seconds was fatal to Mikey Varas' players who found themselves forced to play for survival in this match 3. And at home this season, the Californians were not sufficiently sovereign for a team seeded number 1 with, play-offs included, 8 victories in 18 MLS matches. This Monday, San Diego will want to do as well as in the first confrontation which was won 2-1, with a similar scenario which would send San Diego to the 2nd round of this final phase across the Atlantic.

Looking at recent matches, San Diego FC have demonstrated a knack for decisive performances. They closed the regular season with a commanding 4-0 win away at Portland, then followed up with a 2-1 playoff victory at home. Even in their penalty shootout defeat in Game 2, they showed attacking intent, with Dreyer and Onni Valakari continuing to create chances. Hirving Lozano’s potential return adds another layer of intrigue, as his creativity could be crucial in breaking down Portland’s defense. On the other side, Portland’s playoff journey has been marked by highs and lows: the 3-1 triumph over Real Salt Lake showcased their ability to capitalize on limited chances, but losses to San Diego and Seattle earlier in October highlighted defensive vulnerabilities. Their reliance on Felipe Mora and Antony for goals has been evident, and while they can strike quickly, sustaining pressure against San Diego’s organized midfield has proven difficult. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency remains the key factor heading into this decisive encounter.

With the stage set for another dramatic showdown, the prediction leans toward San Diego FC continuing their strong run and prevailing over Portland Timbers. The expansion side has already proven they can dominate Portland both home and away, and their attacking trio of Dreyer, Lozano, and Valakari looks poised to exploit gaps in the Timbers’ back line. Portland will likely find the net through Mora or Velde, but their defensive frailties and inconsistency in recent matches suggest they may struggle to contain San Diego’s relentless pressure. Taking all recent performances and news into account, the forecast is for San Diego FC to secure a convincing 3:1 victory, a scoreline that reflects their superior form and ability to rise to the occasion in their debut playoff campaign.

• Summary: San Diego FC is going head to head with Portland Timbers starting on 10 Nov 2025 at 02:00 UTC at Snapdragon Stadium stadium, San Diego city, USA. The match is a part of the MLS, Playoffs .
• Referee: Joseph Dickerson
• San Diego FC Feedinco Rating: 7.03
• Portland Timbers Feedinco Rating: 6.90