Portland Timbers head coach Phil Neville believes new signing Matias Rojas brings "invaluable" experience to his side.

Rojas has played over 200 professional matches in his career, representing the likes of Corinthians, Inter Miami, and most recently River Plate in Argentina.

The Paraguayan midfielder has registered 69 direct goal contributions (47 goals, 22 assists) in that time, including nine goals and three assists in 20 appearances for Miami.

The Timbers are currently sixth in the Western Conference, six points clear of 10th-place Real Salt Lake.

Neville hopes Rojas can help Portland secure a playoff position, starting with a trip to Western Conference leaders San Diego FC.

"Matias is a player we've been watching closely over the last 12 months and are thrilled to welcome into the team," said Neville.

"The amount of experience he brings from some of the world's top clubs and competitions is invaluable.

"Technically and tactically, he’s a top-quality player with excellent ability on the ball. We expect him to raise the standard and be a massive addition to our playoff push."

Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy added: "We believe Matias can raise the overall level of the team, and he has shown the ability to provide special moments.

"These attributes will be leaned on as we strive to finish the season as strong as possible.

"He provides us with another quality option, and his level of experience both outside and within MLS speaks for itself."

San Diego are in a fine vein of form, winning their last three matches to build a five-point gap at the top of the West.

In their most recent match, Mikey Varas' side completed a late turnaround to win 2-1 on the road against the San Jose Earthquakes.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

San Diego FC – Anders Dreyer

Anders Dreyer has produced an incredible debut MLS campaign thus far, recording 13 goals and 14 assists in 27 league games.

He has either scored or assisted in each of San Diego's last three MLS games (two goals, two assists), including the winner against the Earthquakes in their last match.

Portland Timbers – Kevin Kelsy

Venezuelan forward Kevin Kelsy has been the main attacking threat for Portland this season, finding the net seven times so far in MLS.

Kelsy scored his second brace of the 2025 season last time out against Cincinnati, also scoring twice in April. With another multi-goal game, Kelsy would become the first Timbers player since Brian Fernandez in 2019 with three or more such games in a single regular season.

MATCH PREDICTION – SAN DIEGO FC WIN

The Timbers have scored two goals over their last six road matches in MLS with one win in that span (D1 L4). The only season in which Portland had a span of six road league games with fewer goals was in 2012.

San Diego, on the other hand, have specialised in late goals this season. They scored goals in the 81st and 84th minutes to secure a win against San Jose. The expansion side have scored 13 league goals after the 80th minute in 2025, the most by any MLS club.

San Diego and Portland will be meeting for the first time. Portland have two wins in California already this season (at LA Galaxy and LAFC) but have never won three games in California (across all competitions) since joining MLS in 2011.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

San Diego FC – 45.3%

Draw – 26.9%

Portland Timbers – 27.8%