Hirving “Chucky” Lozano has not too long ago been sidelined by the San Diego FC squad, a choice that raised eyebrows given his standing because the workforce’s star participant. With the second sport of the Main League Soccer playoffs on the horizon, head coach Mikey Varas has made a ultimate resolution on Lozano’s position transferring ahead.
Talking to reporters on Thursday, Varas was requested about Lozano’s availability for Recreation 2 in opposition to the Portland Timbers. The American supervisor made issues clear: “Primarily based on every part 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. Based on 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 listing, not solely on MLS Determination Day in opposition to Portland but in addition for Recreation 1 of the playoffs, additionally in opposition to 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 desires to be part of the group, it’s a very powerful factor, by way of your actions that you simply wish to be a part of the group.“
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To this point within the 2025 season, Lozano has registered 9 targets 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 may show key for the enlargement membership, not solely attributable to his expertise but in addition contemplating his high-profile contract, the not too long ago 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 enlargement workforce, ending atop the Western Convention. Using that momentum into the postseason, the membership now has an opportunity to affix the Chicago Hearth as the one enlargement facet to win the MLS Cup in its inaugural season, a feat achieved solely as soon as earlier than, in 1998.
