San Diego FC Faces Tension Ahead of MLS Playoff Debut

San Diego, California – Just days before their MLS playoff debut, San Diego FC experienced a tense moment as Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano was temporarily removed from the team following a reported altercation in the locker room during a match in Houston, where he was substituted at halftime. San Diego FC, who completed their inaugural season as the leader of the Eastern Conference, is set to play Portland on Sunday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m. at Snapdragon Stadium.

Lozano did not travel with the team for the final regular season match in Portland, a decision made by the coaching staff and management. However, on Friday, the Mexican winger publicly apologized on social media and returned to training with the team. “I am a passionate and competitive person who always wants to give my all for the team,” Lozano wrote on his Instagram account. “Sometimes, that same intensity can lead to reactions that do not reflect who I am or the respect I have for everyone around me. I did not react in the right way, and I have taken responsibility for it, addressed it, and moved forward.”

Lozano emphasized his commitment to the club, stating, “What matters most to me is to continue growing as a player, teammate, and person. Every day I learn, improve, and do everything I can to contribute positively to the team.” He expressed pride in being part of the club’s journey and highlighted his focus on upcoming objectives.

Head Coach Mikey Varas, a candidate for the MLS Coach of the Year award, confirmed that Lozano had rejoined training and could be considered for the playoffs. “We had a situation that we are handling internally,” Varas explained at a press conference on Friday in San Diego. “Hirving is fully integrated, he is laughing, committed, and eager. We will take it day by day and decide by the end of the week if he plays.”

As San Diego FC prepares to face Portland, the Timbers are motivated after defeating Real Salt Lake in the wild card round, thanks to a standout performance from Chilean player Felipe Mora. The Timbers, ranked eighth in the conference, will seek revenge after losing 4-0 to San Diego in their last regular season matchup. “We beat them 4-0 away, but playoffs are different. It’s a different tournament, and we have to stay focused,” said Aníbal Godoy, a Panama player for San Diego FC.

If the match ends in a tie, the rules state there will be no extra time and the game will proceed directly to penalties. Game 2 will take place in Portland on Saturday, November 1, at 6:30 p.m. at Providence Park. The winner of this series will face the winner of the Seattle versus Minnesota duel.