Portland Timbers vs San Diego preview

United States flag 2026 Major League Soccer, United States
Providence Park Today - 2:30 AM
Major League Soccer
Portland TimbersPOT
3 1
San DiegoSDL
Full Time Today 2:30 AM
Regular Season
Goal
|
Goal
Gabriel Pirani - 45+1'

CONTEXT

Portland Timbers defeated San Diego 3-1 in the match. The halftime score stood at 1-1 with both teams level. Portland Timbers recorded 30 percent possession while San Diego held 70 percent. Expected goals stood at 1.59 for Portland Timbers and 2 for San Diego creating a differential of minus 0.41. No red cards were shown to either side. San Diego entered as the stronger team yet Portland Timbers claimed the win. The outcome proved inconsistent with xG values. Deviation reached a significant level of 100 percent attributed to Portland Timbers. Efficiency remained in line with overall performance indicators. The result aligned with market projections despite underlying metrics.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Portland Timbers recorded a significant 100 percent deviation in securing the 3-1 win.
  • Efficiency shift: Efficiency shift remained in line with performance metrics for both teams.
  • xG alignment: Outcome was inconsistent with xG as San Diego posted 2 against Portland Timbers 1.59.
  • Market alignment: Result proved aligned with market projections for the 3-1 scoreline.
  • xG expectations: xG expectations indicated San Diego should have performed better than the final result.
  • Event impact: Second half adjustments produced the 3-1 outcome after a 1-1 halftime score.
  • Red card distortion: Absence of red cards created no disciplinary distortion in the match.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
R. Vazquez
R. Vazquez
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.32
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Portland Timbers M. Cifuentes Corvillo
M. Cifuentes Corvillo
VS
San Diego M. Varas
M. Varas
1.26
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
1.26
1.67 i
Last 6 Opponents
Chicago Fire Rank: 66 L
Seattle Sounders Rank: 69 W
Real Salt Lake Rank: 65 W
Dallas Rank: 66 D
Seattle Sounders Rank: 65 W
SJ Earthquakes Rank: 63 L
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
1.33 i
Last 6 Opponents
Los Angeles FC Rank: 73 W
Minnesota United Rank: 67 D
Dallas Rank: 67 W
Colorado Rapids Rank: 62 L
Vancouver Whitecaps Rank: 73 L
Cincinnati Rank: 68 D
1
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
1 - 2 - 3
3

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power ranking is SportMonks' model-based team strength indicator. Historical input capped to 2 seasons.
62.11
67.03
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Portland Timbers
San Diego
Power Score
62.11
67.03
League Position
11
10
Global Rank
484
333

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Portland Timbers — Opponent-weighted form score
San Diego — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Portland Timbers San Diego

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Portland Timbers

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

San Diego

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —
Possession Efficiency data not available for this match.

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Portland Timbers
vs
San Diego
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Portland Timbers San Diego
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
6%
12%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
-0.09 vs -0.23
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Portland Timbers San Diego
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
12%
6%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.23 vs -0.09
Portland Timbers
San Diego
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Portland Timbers
vs
San Diego
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Portland Timbers San Diego
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Portland Timbers 0.00
San Diego 0.00
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Portland Timbers San Diego
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Portland Timbers 0.00
San Diego 0.00
Portland Timbers
San Diego
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • SDL had peak pressure around 69'.
  • SDL started the game with stronger pressure.
POT Pressure SDL Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: SDL reached the top pressure at 69' (71.07).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 6 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Portland Timbers POT Home
6 matches
San Diego SDL Away
Match Record
1
Wins
3
2
Draws
2
3
Losses
1
Goals
5
Goals Scored
13
13
Goals Conceded
5
-8
Goal Difference
+8
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-08-20T00:04:27+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-2-3-1
Match Formation 4-3-3
Pitch

General Information

Date & Time
Aug 20, 2026, 02:30 AM
Competition
2026 Major League Soccer, United States · Regular Season
Stadium
Providence Park
Capacity
25218
Pitch Surface
Artificial turf
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Rubiel Vazquez

Statistics

Possession
POT
35%
SDL
65%

Top Statistics

3 Goals 1
3 Big Chances Created 1
5 Shots 6
21 Dangerous attacks 88
30 Possession 70
0 Corners 7
11 Free kicks 15
2 Yellow Cards 1

Match Overview

74 Ball Safe 76
9 Goal Kicks 6
10 Goal Attempts 11
5 Substitutions 5
13 Throwins 14
1 Hit Woodwork 0
10 Successful Headers 6
3 Assists 1
14 Dribble Attempts 13
9 Successful Dribbles 6
64 Successful Dribbles Percentage 46

Attacking

52 Attacks 156
2 Big Chances Missed 1

Possession

43 Long Passes 43
320 Passes 741
266 Successful Passes 677
83 Successful Passes Percentage 91
7 Key Passes 19
22 Successful Long Passes 26
51 Successful Long Passes Percentage 60

Defensive

5 Saves 2
16 Tackles 19
12 Interceptions 3
45 Duels Won 44

Build-up

6 Total Crosses 28
1 Accurate Crosses 4

Discipline

3 Offsides 1
15 Fouls 11

Lineup

Referee : Rubiel Vazquez

Starting XI ▼

41
James Pantemis
James Pantemis Goalkeeper
7.05
4
Kamal Miller
Kamal Miller Defender
6.68
5
Brandon Bye
Brandon Bye Defender
6.74
15
Eric Miller
Eric Miller
Defender62'
6.61
20
Finn Surman
Finn Surman Defender
7.07
27
Jimer Fory
Jimer Fory Defender
6.73
7
Ariel Lassiter
Ariel Lassiter Midfielder
6.91
14
Vincent Janssen
Vincent Janssen
Attacker83'
6.82
10
David Da Costa
David Da Costa Midfielder
7.1
21
Diego Chará
Diego Chará
Midfielder83'
6.86
17
Cole Bassett
Cole Bassett Midfielder
7.23
80
Joao Ortiz
Joao Ortiz
Midfielder74'
6.73
30
José Luis Caicedo Barrera
José Luis Caicedo Barrera Midfielder
99
Kristoffer Velde
Kristoffer Velde Midfielder
7.15
11
Antony
Antony
Attacker74'
6.66
19
Kevin Kelsy
Kevin Kelsy Attacker
7.08
Referee : Rubiel Vazquez

Starting XI ▼

1
CJ dos Santos
CJ dos Santos Goalkeeper
7.1
3
Dagur Dan Thórhallsson
Dagur Dan Thórhallsson Defender
6.73
33
Oscar Verhoeven
Oscar Verhoeven
Defender74'
6.54
5
Kieran Sargeant
Kieran Sargeant Defender
6.67
27
Luca Bombino
Luca Bombino
Defender74'
6.94
26
Manu Duah
Manu Duah Defender
6.95
32
Ian Murphy
Ian Murphy Defender
6.29
6
Jeppe Tverskov
Jeppe Tverskov Midfielder
7.2
8
Onni Valakari
Onni Valakari Midfielder
7.09
70
Alejandro Alvarado
Alejandro Alvarado
Attacker58'
6.85
12
Gabriel Pirani
Gabriel Pirani Midfielder
6.36
7
Marcus Ingvartsen
Marcus Ingvartsen Attacker
7.2
90
Amahl Pellegrino
Amahl Pellegrino
Attacker74'
6.81
9
Lewis Morgan
Lewis Morgan Attacker
6.62
77
Alex Mighten
Alex Mighten Attacker
6.68
99
Elias Achouri
Elias Achouri
Midfielder59'
6.34

Events

2ND-HALF
Event
Kevin Kelsy 
Handball / 3rd Yellowcard
90+6'
90+1'
Event
Oscar Verhoeven
Foul / 2nd Yellowcard
Event
Diego Chará  → David Da Costa
9th Substitution
83'
Event
Vincent Janssen → Ariel Lassiter
10th Substitution
83'
Event
Antony → Kristoffer Velde
4th Substitution
74'
Event
Joao Ortiz → Cole Bassett
6th Substitution
74'
74'
Event
Luca Bombino → Kieran Sargeant
5th Substitution
74'
Event
Amahl Pellegrino → Marcus Ingvartsen
7th Substitution
74'
Event
Oscar Verhoeven → Dagur Dan Thórhallsson
8th Substitution
Event
David Da Costa
Right foot shot / 4th Goal
68'
Event
Eric Miller → Brandon Bye
3rd Substitution
62'
59'
Event
Elias Achouri → Alex Mighten
2nd Substitution
58'
Event
Alejandro Alvarado  → Onni Valakari
1st Substitution
Event
Ariel Lassiter
Left foot shot / 3rd Goal
51'
1ST-HALF
45+1'
Event
Gabriel Pirani
Right foot shot / 2nd Goal
Event
Kristoffer Velde
Right foot shot / 1st Goal
29'
Event
Ariel Lassiter
Foul / 1st Yellowcard
17'

Match Commentary

90
Attempt Attempt
Lewis Morgan takes a right-footed shot, but it misses the target.
90
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card shown to Oscar Verhoeven.
86
Attempt Attempt
Alejandro Alvarado Jr. takes a left-footed shot but misses.
86
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
85
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
84
Update Update
Offside.
84
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
83
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
83
Update Update
Diego Ferney Chara Zamora comes on for David Pereira Da Costa.
82
Attempt Attempt
Shot by Mohamed Elias Achouri with his right foot, but it misses the target.
81
Attempt Attempt
Gabriel Pirani takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
77
Attempt Attempt
Shot from Mohamed Elias Achouri with his right foot is blocked.
76
Attempt Attempt
Ariel Lassiter takes a left-footed shot but misses.
76
Attempt Attempt
Shot by Oscar Verhoeven with his right foot is saved.
74
Update Update
Amahl Pellegrino comes on for Marcus Ingvartsen.
74
Update Update
Julio Ortiz comes on for Cole Bassett.
74
Update Update
Luca Bombino is on, and Kieran Sargeant is off.
74
Update Update
Julio Ortiz comes on for Cole Bassett.
74
Update Update
Antony Alves Santos comes on for Kristoffer Velde.
73
Attempt Attempt
Alejandro Alvarado Jr. takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
68
GOAL! GOAL! Important
David Pereira Da Costa takes a right-footed shot and scores.
68
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The score is now 3-1.
65
Attempt Attempt
Manu Duah takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
65
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
65
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
64
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
64
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
64
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
63
Update Update
Offside.
62
Update Update
Eric Miller replaces Brandon Bye.
59
Update Update
Mohamed Elias Achouri comes on for Alex Mighten.
58
Update Update
On Alejandro Alvarado Jr, off Onni Valakari.
58
Attempt Attempt
Ariel Lassiter takes a left-footed shot, but it is saved.
56
Attempt Attempt
Kevin Kelsy takes a left-footed shot but misses.
55
Attempt Attempt
Cole Bassett takes a left-footed shot that hits the post.
51
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Ariel Lassiter scores to make it 2-1, assisted by Jimer Fory.
51
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Ariel Lassiter scores with a left-footed shot.
50
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
49
Attempt Attempt
Gabriel Pirani's right-footed shot is saved.
45
Attempt Attempt
Kristoffer Velde takes a right-footed shot but misses.
45
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Gabriel Pirani scores with a right-footed shot.
45
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The score is now 1-1.
43
Attempt Attempt
Gabriel Pirani takes a right-footed shot but misses.
39
Attempt Attempt
Jeppe Tverskov takes a right-footed shot but misses.
36
Attempt Attempt
Marcus Ingvartsen takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
36
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
31
Attempt Attempt
Kevin Kelsy takes a left-footed shot, but it's saved.
29
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Kristoffer Velde scores with a right-footed shot.
29
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Kristoffer Velde scores to make it 1-0, assisted by Cole Bassett.
25
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The score is now 1-0.
24
Update Update
Offside.
24
Update Update
Offside.
20
Attempt Attempt
David Pereira Da Costa takes a right-footed shot, but it's blocked.
17
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card issued.
16
Attempt Attempt
Gabriel Pirani takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
15
Attempt Attempt
Lewis Morgan takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
11
Attempt Attempt
Lewis Morgan takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
9
Attempt Attempt
Kevin Kelsy attempts a header but misses the shot.
5
Attempt Attempt
Gabriel Pirani takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
2
Update Update
Offside.
1
Update Update
Kick-off! The referee is Rubiel Vazquez.

CONCLUSION

The 3-1 result for Portland Timbers over San Diego illustrates the limits of possession and expected goals in determining outcomes. San Diego maintained 70 percent possession and a higher xG total yet failed to convert that into victory. Portland Timbers operated with lower possession and xG but achieved the win through effective finishing after the interval. Halftime equality at 1-1 gave way to a decisive second half shift. Absence of red cards kept the contest at eleven versus eleven throughout. The significant deviation by Portland Timbers underscores how results can diverge from pre-match strength assessments. Analytical review shows efficiency stayed consistent while structural elements produced the final margin.