SAN DIEGO (AP) — Anders Dreyer and Amahl Pellegrino each scored two goals to help San Diego FC defeat the Portland Timbers 4-0 on Sunday night, clinching their best-of-3 first-round series in the MLS Cup playoffs.

No. 1 seed San Diego will face fourth-seeded Minnesota in the single-game Western Conference semifinals.

Goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega made his second career playoff start in place of the injured CJ dos Santos and recorded two saves for San Diego. Dos Santos suffered a broken cheekbone early during the team’s penalty-kick shootout loss to Portland last week in Game 2, which forced the decisive third game.

Dreyer opened the scoring in the fifth minute on the counter-attack, volleying an arcing ball in from Onni Valakari into the net to give San Diego a 1-0 lead. Pellegrino doubled the lead in the 17th minute by slamming home the rebound of his own shot.

Later, Pellegrino struck again after his first touch was parried by diving goalkeeper James Pantemis. He was quick to react and put the ball back in from point-blank range.

In the 53rd minute, Corey Baird delivered a cross from the right side to the back post where Pellegrino rose for a volley into the top netting, extending San Diego’s lead.

Dreyer sealed the scoring with his second goal in the 79th minute. Shortly after, Portland’s Juan Mosquera received a straight red card in the 80th minute, forcing the Timbers to play with ten men for the remainder of the match.

Portland goalkeeper James Pantemis finished with five saves despite the loss.

With this victory, San Diego moves on to face Minnesota, as they look to continue their playoff run.
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/dreyer-pellegrino-score-2-goals-041216746.html