Alex Bonetig's Stoppage-Time Finish Hands San Diego Their Fifth Straight Loss

The Portland Timbers just walked out of Snapdragon Stadium with a 2-1 victory and something even sweeter: San Diego FC's fifth consecutive defeat. Alex Bonetig scored his first career MLS goal in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time to seal it, and honestly, this win means something to Portland after getting bounced by San Diego in last year's MLS Cup playoffs.

How Portland Finally Got It Done on the Road

Let's be real, the Timbers looked like they were going to blow this one. Kevin Kelsy had given Portland an early lead in the 26th minute after forcing a turnover deep in San Diego's half. He slalomed past defender Christopher McVey and buried a low finish into the bottom right corner. That's his second goal of the season and it looked like Portland might actually survive their first away points of the season.

But then Anders Dreyer equalized from the penalty spot five minutes later after a handball on defender Brandon Bye. San Diego tied it up and suddenly the momentum shifted completely. Portland even had an absolute gift in the 83rd minute when Antony somehow missed an open net after San Diego goalkeeper Duran Ferree recklessly sprinted off his line. You could feel the Timbers thinking they'd blown their chance.

Late Heroics and Crucial Saves

Portland kept pushing though. On a corner kick deep in stoppage time, the initial delivery didn't find a Timbers attacker, but San Diego couldn't clear the mess in the box. Bonetig fought through the scramble and powered home a low finish from about 8 yards out past Ferree. Game over.

Portland goalkeeper James Pantemis made only three saves, but man, did they matter. A crucial 79th-minute denial of Lewis Morgan when the match was still tied kept Portland in it, and he came up big again in the final minutes of stoppage time stopping Anders Dreyer after Bonetig's winner. San Diego captain Jeppe Tverskov left the field with an apparent injury in the 81st minute, adding insult to injury for the hosts.

Portland improves to 3-5-1 with 10 points. San Diego falls to 3-5-2 with 11 points and is now dealing with a franchise record fifth straight loss. That's rough.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.