Portland Timbers beat San Diego FC 3-1 in MLS, using a compact 4-2-3-1 and clinical transitions to overcome the visitors’ territorial control. San Diego held 70% possession in their 4-3-3 and attempted 21 shots, but Portland protected central areas and made better use of their opportunities. David da Costa, Ariel Lassiter and Kristoffer Velde each scored for the Timbers, while Gabriel Pirani supplied San Diego’s only goal. The underlying numbers reflected a more balanced contest than the possession split suggested: Portland generated 1.59 xG from 11 attempts, narrowly exceeding San Diego’s 1.41 xG. Both sides tested the opposing goalkeeper regularly, with Portland recording five shots on target and San Diego six. The hosts’ goalkeeper delivered the stronger performance, saving 83.33% of the efforts faced and preventing 0.28 goals above expectation. At the other end, San Diego’s 40% save rate contributed to a damaging gap between the chances conceded and the final score. Rubiel Vazquez oversaw a match in which Portland’s defensive discipline and efficiency mattered more than sustained control of the ball. Portland gained a valuable head-to-head victory.