San Diego FC Hosts Portland Timbers on First-Ever Pride Night at Snapdragon Stadium

SAN DIEGO (Friday, Aug. 22, 2025) – San Diego FC (16-7-4, 52 points) returns home this weekend to celebrate the Club’s first-ever Pride Night, presented by Alaska Airlines in partnership with San Diego Pride, as they host the Portland Timbers (10-9-7, 37 points) at Snapdragon Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT on Saturday, Aug. 23, with live coverage on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, plus English radio on San Diego Sports 760 AM and Spanish radio on TUDN 1700 AM.

Saturday’s match will be more than just a clash for three points as SDFC honors and uplifts the LGBTQ+ community through a vibrant celebration of unity and inclusion. The first 10,000 fans to enter will receive a Pride-themed luggage tag courtesy of Alaska Airlines, while a Theme Night Ticket Package offers fans the chance to secure a limited-edition Pride-branded bucket hat.

Pre-match festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. PT at Fan Fest, featuring local LGBTQ+ performers, interactive activities, and community partner activations. The evening’s Keeper of the FLOW will be U.S. Soccer Hall of Famer and 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup champion Shannon Mac Millan, Chief Impact Officer of San Diego Wave FC.

Fans can also look forward to Pride-themed visuals across the stadium, from rainbow corner flags and smoke in the supporters’ section to special warm-up tops worn by players. “Diversity is our superpower,” said SDFC CEO Tom Penn. “Pride Night is about celebrating the beautiful intersection of love, football, and community here in San Diego.”

San Diego enters Saturday’s showdown fresh off a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory at San Jose, becoming the first expansion club in MLS history to win six straight road matches in its debut season. With that win, SDFC improved to 16-7-4 (52 points), maintaining first place in both the Western Conference and the Supporters’ Shield race.

Winger Anders Dreyer continues his record-breaking season, tallying his 13th goal against the Earthquakes. With 30 goal contributions (13 goals, 17 assists) in 27 matches, Dreyer now holds the MLS record for most goal contributions by a player in an expansion team’s first season, surpassing Carlos Vela’s 27 with LAFC in 2018.

The win also marked the return of forward Marcus Ingvartsen, who scored his second goal of the season and recorded his first MLS assist after missing significant time with injury.

With a victory against Portland, SDFC would tie the MLS expansion record for wins (17, set by St. Louis CITY SC in 2023). The Club also sits just five points shy of LAFC’s expansion points record (57 in 2018), keeping the Supporters’ Shield within reach heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

Portland enters the matchup following a 3-2 home loss to FC Cincinnati and currently sits sixth in the Western Conference standings with 37 points (10-9-7). This will mark the first-ever meeting between San Diego and Portland, a clash between two clubs known for their passionate and inclusive fan bases.

San Diego bolstered its roster this week with two signings ahead of Saturday’s clash with Portland, providing fresh depth and quality as SDFC continues its push toward the postseason:

Defender Leo Duru joined on loan from EFL Championship side Blackburn Rovers F.C. through June 2026, with a permanent purchase option. The 20-year-old is known for his pace and versatility, with the ability to push further forward when needed. “We’re happy to welcome Leo to San Diego,” said SDFC Sporting Director Tyler Heaps. “He’s a player with exceptional physical attributes, and we look forward to supporting his development here.”

Forward Amahl Pellegrino arrives from the San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for $300,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM). The 35-year-old Norwegian winger brings a wealth of experience and a proven scoring record in Europe, including back-to-back Eliteserien Golden Boots with Bodø/Glimt. Pellegrino has already featured in MLS with San Jose, contributing nine goals and five assists across two seasons. “Amahl is a player who has had tremendous success in Europe and contributed in big games throughout his career,” added Heaps. “We believe he can raise the level of competition at the winger position and bring added leadership to the locker room.”

SDFC enters Matchday 30 with a clean, decisive path to the playoffs: SDFC clinches a spot with a win or draw vs. Portland Timbers. If that doesn’t happen, there are 11 additional qualification scenarios involving other Western Conference results. Read the full list of playoff scenarios HERE.

Tickets for Pride Night are available now at SanDiegoFC.com/Tickets. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to take part in pre-match festivities and secure their Pride-themed luggage tag courtesy of Alaska Airlines.