San Diego FC shocked everyone by winning the Western Conference as an expansion team. However, the real test came in their first playoff match. Since the 1998 Chicago Fire won the MLS Cup in their first season the only expansion team to win even a single postseason game was Nashville in 2020.

The team has already made its mark on the MLS record book this year, registering the most points of any team in its inaugural season.

In the opening game of a best-of-three series, San Diego FC defeated the Portland Timbers by a score of 2-1.

In the first playoff match in franchise history, San Diego FC (SDFC) came out with a victory over the Portland Timbers by a 2-1 score.

Looking to become the second expansion team to win an MLS champion, SDFC won their first playoff game on their first try.

The historic inaugural season of SDFC continues as the team keeps their playoff dreams alive taking Game 1 in the best of three series against the Portland Timbers.

Lozano’s frustration was apparent in SDFC’s Sept. 27 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes. The following week, he started at Houston but was subbed at halftime for tactical reasons — viewed by some star players as the height of embarrassment — with SDFC trailing 1-0.

San Diego FC will host the Portland Timbers at Snapdragon Stadium on Sunday for Game 1 of Round 1 of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, with tickets sold out and fans able to watch or listen from home or at local bars and restaurants.