The excitement of the MLS 2025 playoffs reached fever pitch on Saturday with two games being decided from the penalty spot: Vancouver and Portland.
The Vancouver Whitecaps advanced to the Western Conference semifinals after eliminating FC Dallas, while the Portland Timbers staged a dramatic comeback against San Diego FC to keep their hopes alive and force a decisive third game.
Portland revives in the final minutes
Portland revives in the final minutes
WE GO TO GAME 3!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/sgtrZv2zlC
– Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) November 2, 2025
The duel between Portland Timbers and San Diego FC was a real thriller.
Portland started out on top, but the Californian side turned it around with two consecutive goals: one by Norwegian Amahl Pellegrino and the other by Mexican Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, who returned to the lineup after being sidelined last week due to a disciplinary issue with coach Mikey Varas.
When all seemed lost, Gage Guerra salvaged a 2-2 draw in the 98th minute with a shot that silenced the San Diego fans and sent the game to penalties.
The shootout was chaotic. Although San Diego’s goalkeeper managed to stop two shots, his team missed its last three consecutive shots, allowing Portland to take the win and tie the best-of-three series.
The final match will be played on Sunday in San Diego, where both teams will be looking for a ticket to the semifinals.
“It was a night of pure resilience,” Guerra said after the game. “We never stopped believing, and that’s what defines Portland.”
Vancouver continues to dream big
Vancouver finds a way in penalties! 🔥@WhitecapsFC battles back to advance to the Conference Semifinals!!!// Audi USA Cup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/orfstBN8uT
– Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 2, 2025
Vancouver Whitecaps also needed a penalty shootout to eliminate FC Dallas and secure their place in the semifinals.
The Canadian team, led by Germany’s Thomas Müller, equalized 1-1 in stoppage time thanks to a goal by Canadian youngster Ralph Priso in the 93rd minute.
Earlier, Croatia’s Petar Musa had given Dallas the lead in the 25th minute with a powerful strike inside the box.
However, the Texans were unable to hold on to their lead and ended up paying dearly for their lack of precision.
In the penalty kick shootout, Vancouver won 4-2 with a decisive performance by its goalkeeper, who saved Dallas’ second penalty kick.
With the win, the Canadian team became the first semifinalist in the West, where it awaits the winner of the series between Los Angeles FC and Austin FC, a series that is currently dominated by the team from Los Angeles.
What’s next in the playoffs
Buzzy
The next few days will be crucial in defining the outlook for the Western Conference.
The Whitecaps are looking to continue their historic campaign and become the first Canadian club to reach the MLS final since Toronto FC in 2017.
Meanwhile, Portland and San Diego prepare for a series finale that promises to be vibrant.
Lozano’s return has strengthened San Diego, but morale and momentum are on the side of the Timbers, who showed character and mettle under pressure.
With drama, goals in stoppage time and penalty kicks, the MLS 2025 playoffs continue to show why soccer in North America is experiencing one of its most competitive and spectacular moments in recent years.
Fact for the U.S. Latino community: Both games featured Hispanic players such as Hirving Lozano (Mexico) and Miguel Araujo (Peru, in Vancouver), who continue to demonstrate the Latino influence on the growth of U.S. soccer.
Filed under: Vancouver and Portland
