Chucky Lozano Apologizes; Will He Play in Sunday’s MLS Playoff?

Basio badr

ago 4 hours

Chucky Lozano Apologizes; Will He Play in Sunday’s MLS Playoff?

Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, a winger for San Diego FC, has publicly apologized for a locker room incident that occurred on October 4. In his Instagram post, he admitted, “I didn’t react in the right way.” This incident caused him to be left out of the team for their last regular-season match.

Lozano’s Future in the MLS Playoffs

With the MLS playoffs set to begin, questions arise about Lozano’s availability for the first match against the Portland Timbers on Sunday at Snapdragon Stadium. Coach Mikey Varas has yet to confirm if Lozano will play. He stated, “We don’t know,” and emphasized the need to assess players as the week progresses.

Details of the Incident

Date of incident: October 4, 2025
Location: Houston
Consequences: Lozano was excluded from the final match of the regular season.

Varas did confirm that the situation stems from issues during the Houston game but refrained from going into detail. He reassured the media that Lozano is “fully integrated” with the team and is showing commitment during training.

Player Responses and Team Dynamics

Lozano’s Instagram apology expressed his desire for personal and professional growth. “What matters most to me is continuing to grow,” he explained. His teammates, captain Jeppe Tverskov and midfielder Aníbal Godoy, both spoke positively about Lozano’s current state, emphasizing his professionalism and readiness to play.

Challenges for Coach Varas

Lozano’s situation presents a critical decision for Coach Varas in his first season with San Diego FC. Stars typically receive greater leniency in roster decisions in U.S. sports. Lozano, acquired for $12 million from PSV Eindhoven, is a significant asset, being the fifth-highest paid player in MLS, with a salary of $7.63 million this season.

However, his absence has not hindered the team’s performance. Amahl Pellegrino, who stepped in for Lozano, recorded three goals and three assists during matches against Houston and Portland, showcasing the team’s depth.