Hirving “Chucky” Lozano will miss San Diego FC’s inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) playoff match against the Portland Timbers. This significant event, taking place on Sunday at Snapdragon Stadium, follows reports of a locker room incident involving Lozano.
Chucky Lozano’s Absence Explained
The absence of Lozano, a pivotal player for San Diego, marks the second consecutive game he will not feature under head coach Mikey Varas. After an impressive 4-0 victory against Portland in the last regular-season match, Varas revealed that the team is handling an internal situation regarding Lozano.
Coach Varas on Lozano’s Status
When questioned about Lozano’s potential participation in the playoffs, Varas stated, “We don’t know.” He emphasized that Lozano’s actions and interactions would ultimately determine his involvement. The coach noted that Lozano has been engaged and fully integrated in the team training sessions.
Details of the Incident
Reports indicate that Lozano was involved in a verbal altercation after being substituted at halftime during a match against the Houston Dynamo earlier this month. Following the incident, Lozano took to social media to apologize for his behavior, expressing his competitive nature while acknowledging that he did not react appropriately.
- “I’m a passionate and competitive person who always wants to give everything for the team,” he stated.
- He admitted responsibility for his actions and mentioned that he has moved forward.
Lozano’s Performance in MLS
In his rookie MLS season, Lozano has made a notable impact, contributing nine goals and ten assists in 27 games. Despite missing the pivotal playoff match, he will be present at Snapdragon Stadium to support his team.
| Player | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| Hirving “Chucky” Lozano | 9 | 10 |
San Diego FC’s Playoff Journey
This upcoming match is monumental for San Diego FC, marking its first foray into the MLS playoffs after finishing at the top of the Western Conference. The club will compete in a best-of-three series against the Portland Timbers.
Coach Mikey Varas, who has been instrumental in the team’s record-setting season with 19 wins and 63 points, is a finalist for Coach of the Year. His leadership has propelled the expansion team to new heights this year.
