Portland vs. San Diego FC MLS Picks: Timbers to Level Playoff Series? (Nov 1)

Published Oct 31, 5:19am ET by

Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer

Last updated Oct 31, 5:19am ET

Pick status
Game Two in the Portland vs. San Diego playoff series takes place on November 1. Find the odds and our picks here.

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Updated Oct 31, 5:19am ET

  • San Diego FC hold a 1-0 series advantage over the Portland Timbers
  • Portland must win on Saturday evening to force Game Three

San Diego FC are within one victory of securing their spot in the second round of the MLS Playoffs. You can find our Portland vs. San Diego FC picks here.

The table toppers from the Western Conference were professional in game one of the series after recording a 2-1 advantage on home soil last Sunday.

Goals in the victory were scored by Onni Valakeri and Anders Dreyer. But, San Diego were made to work exceptionally hard to get over the line, as the Timbers pushed for an equalizer into the closing stages of the fixture.

Portland Timbers vs. San Diego FC Overview Watch On: Apple TV

DATE & TIME

Saturday, November 1, 2025 @ 9:30 PM ET
Portland Timbers
Providence Park, Portland
San Diego FC
GAME ODDS
BetOnline
Portland Timbers +155
The Draw +265
San Diego +152

Timbers Face Daunting Prospect

This Saturday's clash is a must-win encounter for the Portland Timbers, as a defeat would see them exit the playoffs in the opening round.

Portland defended well in the opening clash between the sides, but they rarely offered an attacking threat.

That has been a common theme throughout their matches this season after scoring just 1.25 goals per game from an xG of 1.35. It should also be worth noting that they have kept clean sheets in just 11% of their home matches in 2025.

Possible Lineup
(4-3-3) Pantemis (GK); Mosquera, Surman, Miller, Fernandez; Ayala, Chara, Costa; Velde, Mora, Antony

San Diego in Excellent Form

San Diego FC ended the regular season in excellent form after winning each of their last three to cement top spot in the Western Conference standings.

Their bold showings continued in the opening game of this series after winning 2-1 on home soil last Sunday.

On the road, San Diego FC have been a standout team. They have won 71% of their away matches, netting a remarkable average of 2.29 goals per game.

Possible Lineup
(4-3-3) dos Santos (GK); Pilcher, McVey, Duah, Bombino; Valakeri, Tverskov, Godoy; Dreyer, Baird, Pellegrino
Portland vs. San Diego Head-to-Head Record
TOTAL Portland San Diego DRAWS
Games 4 1 2 1
Goals 10 4 6

Portland vs. San Diego Picks

All of the pressure this weekend will be on Portland, as they bid to keep their playoff dreams alive. However, it is hard to overlook the chances of the visitors when making Portland vs. San Diego picks.

San Diego have been the best team on the road in 2025, and they also have the advantage based on recent meetings between the sides.

Pick
San Diego (+152)
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