Hirving “Chucky” Lozano has lately been sidelined by the San Diego FC squad, a call that raised eyebrows given his standing because the workforce’s star participant. With the second recreation of the Main League Soccer playoffs on the horizon, head coach Mikey Varas has made a closing determination on Lozano’s function transferring ahead.
Chatting with reporters on Thursday, Varas was requested about Lozano’s availability for Recreation 2 towards the Portland Timbers. The American supervisor made issues clear: “Based mostly on every little thing that we’ve seen, he’ll be touring to Portland and he’ll be coming off the bench for us.”
The controversy first erupted throughout San Diego’s 4–2 win over the Houston Dynamo on October 4, when Lozano was substituted at halftime for Amahl Pellegrino. In keeping with The Athletic, the choice led to a “verbal altercation” between the Mexico worldwide and Varas.
Since that second, Lozano has been excluded from the squad checklist, not solely on MLS Resolution Day towards Portland but additionally for Recreation 1 of the playoffs, additionally towards the Timbers. San Diego secured a 2–1 win to take the benefit, however with Recreation 2 set for Saturday, questions over the workforce’s star participant started to resurface.
Hirving Lozano #11 and Jeppe Tverskov #6 of San Diego FC shaking palms.
Following the primary match, Lozano issued an apology on Instagram, addressing his response and expressing remorse to followers and teammates. When requested what Lozano had proven in coaching since then, Varas replied: “Simply that he needs to be part of the group, it’s crucial factor, by your actions that you just need to be a part of the group.“
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Up to now within the 2025 season, Lozano has registered 9 objectives and eight assists in 30 appearances throughout all competitions for San Diego together with MLS and Leagues Cup. His presence within the upcoming playoff video games might show key for the growth membership, not solely as a result of his expertise but additionally contemplating his high-profile contract, the lately launched MLSPA Wage Information lists the Mexican star with a base wage of $6 million and assured compensation of $7,633,333.
San Diego FC already making historical past
With greater than $20 million invested in transfers, together with Lozano’s arrival from PSV Eindhoven, expectations have been sky-high for San Diego FC’s debut MLS season. Because the league’s latest franchise, the membership has already made historical past in 2025 and nonetheless has room to attain extra.
This yr, San Diego set data for many wins (19) and most factors (63) by an growth workforce, ending atop the Western Convention. Driving that momentum into the postseason, the membership now has an opportunity to be part of the Chicago Fireplace as the one growth aspect to win the MLS Cup in its inaugural season, a feat achieved solely as soon as earlier than, in 1998.
