Portland Timbers beat San Diego FC 3-1 in MLS. Kristoffer Velde opened the scoring, San Diego levelled just before the break, and two second-half goals gave the hosts the win. It was a result built on efficiency rather than possession.
Velde put Portland ahead in the 29th minute after Cole Bassett set him up. Gabriel Pirani equalised for San Diego in first-half stoppage time from Lewis Morgan's assist, but Ariel Lassiter – booked by then – restored the lead six minutes after the restart. Velde then turned provider for David Perreira da Costa to make it 3-1 in the 68th minute.
The stats underlined the pattern: San Diego controlled 70% possession, had 21 shots to Portland's 11, and attempted 677 passes to 266. Despite that, Portland created three big chances to San Diego's one, had five shots on target, and converted the moments that mattered. Their goalkeeper made five saves, while San Diego's made two.
