San Diego’s Coach Hints at Lozano’s Return Following Drama
SAN DIEGO — Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, the Mexican international and forward for San Diego FC, was absent from the team roster for their inaugural MLS playoff match, reportedly due to a recent incident in the locker room. However, head coach Mikey Varas suggested Lozano might make a quick comeback as early as next week.
In a thrilling home playoff opener on Sunday, San Diego achieved a 2-1 victory over the Portland Timbers, marking the second consecutive match Lozano was not included in the squad. Over 30,000 fans gathered at Snapdragon Stadium to witness the top seed in the Western Conference claim their first win in this three-game series, which will continue on November 1 at Providence Park in Portland.
Varas clarified that Lozano’s omission from the roster does not signify that the situation has escalated. “That does not indicate anything,” he explained. “We are managing a situation internally and will take it day-by-day, week-by-week. Hirving’s participation in training has shown positive progress.”
“He is putting in a lot of hard work and showing a commitment to rejoining the team. We had already informed him before the game that, barring any setbacks this week, he would be back,” Varas added.
Following a decisive 4-0 win against the Timbers in the final regular-season game, Varas had indicated that the team was addressing an internal issue regarding Lozano’s absence.
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Reports from The Athletic revealed that Lozano was involved in a verbal confrontation following a substitution at halftime during a game against the Houston Dynamo earlier this month. Afterward, the winger took to Instagram to issue a public apology.
“As a passionate and competitive individual, I strive to give my all for the team. However, my intensity can sometimes result in reactions that do not represent who I am or the respect I have for everyone involved,” he wrote. “I admit that my reaction was inappropriate, and I have taken responsibility for it and moved forward.”
Varas affirmed that Lozano had shown professionalism regarding the decision to remain on the sidelines. “Hirving accepted it with respect,” he stated. “This has not been a distraction for us; the entire group remains focused on our objectives. We communicated with Hirving before the match, and his reaction has been very positive.”
Although Lozano was not part of the official lineup, he attended the playoff match in casual attire at Snapdragon Stadium.
In his inaugural MLS season, Lozano has contributed nine goals and ten assists across 27 matches. After finishing as the top team in the Western Conference, San Diego looks to face Portland in a best-of-three playoff series for the club’s first postseason venture.
Varas, a candidate for Coach of the Year, has led San Diego to notable records including the most wins (19) and points (63) achieved by an expansion team in MLS history. San Diego has been victorious against Portland in all three encounters this season.
Prior to the playoff match, Lozano was seen engaging in a conversation with Manny Machado, a star player for the San Diego Padres and a co-owner of San Diego FC.
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