San Diego FC's storybook debut season in MLS rolls on as they prepare to welcome the Portland Timbers for Game 1 of their Best-of-Three series on October 27.
It’s a clash between two sides at opposite ends of history's timeline — the new kids who've lit up the league versus the old guard chasing former glory. The Timbers are desperate to end a decade-long wait for a second MLS Cup, while San Diego, unbelievably, are gunning for their first title in what's only their inaugural season.
To call it a dream start would be underselling it. Mikey Varas has engineered something special in Southern California — his team not only topped the Western Conference but did so with swagger, collecting 19 wins and 63 points to secure a playoff berth at the first time of asking. Portland, meanwhile, snuck into the postseason through the Wild Card backdoor, despite getting humbled 4-0 by San Diego not too long ago.
Still, credit where it's due, the Timbers showed grit in bouncing back with a 3-1 win over Real Salt Lake, a far cry from last year's forgettable 5-0 thumping by the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch, including TV channel, streaming details and more.
How to watch San Diego FC vs Portland Timbers online - TV channels & live streams
 | Apple TV | Watch here |
The match will be shown live on Apple TV in the US. Live updates can be found here on GOAL.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out GOAL's guide to the best VPNs for streaming sport.
San Diego FC vs Portland Timbers kick-off time
The match will be played at Snapdragon Stadium on Monday, October 27, with kick-off at 9:30 pm ET or 6:30 pm PT for fans in the US.
Team news & squads
San Diego FC vs Portland Timbers lineups
4-3-3
Formation
4-2-3-1
POTSDI-Line up
SDISubstitutes
Manager
M. Varas
Injuries and Suspended players
Injuries and Suspensions
- No sidelined players
Injuries and Suspensions
- No sidelined players
San Diego FC team news
The Western champs will have to dig deep, though, as Alejandro Alvarado (knee), Andres Reyes (leg), Anisse Saidi (leg), and Oscar Verhoeven (leg) are all sidelined. Leo Duru and Paddy McNair are racing against time to prove their fitness before kickoff.
San Diego's cutting edge will once again hinge on Anders Dreyer, a legitimate Newcomer of the Year contender who’s been nothing short of electric — 19 goals and 19 assists from 34 starts tells you all you need to know. Behind him, Jeppe Tverskov quietly keeps the engine purring, completing 90% of his passes and dictating tempo like a seasoned metronome.
Portland Timbers team news
As for Portland, Felipe Carballo (leg), Jonathan Rodriguez (knee), and Matias Rojas (leg) are all ruled out, while defensive anchor Zac McGraw remains a game-time decision due to a back issue.
Their hopes may rest heavily on the heroics of James Pantemis, who pulled off six vital saves in that Wild Card victory — the kind of performance they’ll need on repeat against the high-flying hosts. Up front, Kevin Kelsy and Antony, both with seven goals to their names, will be tasked with finding a way past a side that’s made winning look routine.
Form
SDI-Form
SDIPortland Timbers
0
-
4
San Diego FC
W
Houston Dynamo FC
2
-
4
San Diego FC
W
San Diego FC
0
-
1
San Jose Earthquakes
L
Atlanta United
1
-
1
San Diego FC
D
San Diego FC
1
-
3
Minnesota United
L
- Goal Scored (Conceded)
- 10/7
- Games over 2.5 goals
- 3/5
- Both teams scored
- 3/5
POT-Form
POTPortland Timbers
3
-
1
Real Salt Lake
W
Portland Timbers
0
-
4
San Diego FC
L
Seattle Sounders FC
1
-
0
Portland Timbers
L
Portland Timbers
2
-
2
FC Dallas
D
Vancouver Whitecaps
1
-
1
Portland Timbers
D
- Goal Scored (Conceded)
- 6/9
- Games over 2.5 goals
- 3/5
- Both teams scored
- 3/5
Head-to-Head Record
SDILast 2 matches
POT1
Win
1
Draw
0
Wins
Goals scored
0- Games over 2.5 goals
- 1/2
- Both teams scored
- 0/2