Chucky Lozano made his debut in Major League Soccer (MLS) on February 23, 2025, leading San Diego FC to a remarkable 2-0 victory over the defending champions, LA Galaxy, at the Dignity Health Sports Park. This match not only marked the inaugural game for San Diego FC as a new franchise but also set the stage for what could be a promising season.
The first half of the match saw both teams searching for openings, with neither side able to capitalize on their chances. According to the reports, the visitors were initially thwarted by the LA Galaxy’s solid defense, which had boasted an unbeaten home record since October 2023. But as the teams approached the second half, momentum began to shift.
It was Lozano who ignited the scoring action early in the second half. At the 52-minute mark, a defensive error by LA Galaxy's Carlos Garcés allowed Lozano to swoop in and recover the ball within the penalty area. This moment would prove significant, as Lozano swiftly passed it to Anders Dreyer, who netted the ball with authority, placing San Diego FC ahead with their first-ever goal. “Chucky Lozano recovered [the ball] inside the rival area and passed to Anders Dreyer, who simply sent the ball to the back of the net to make it 1-0,” noted Excélsior.
After taking the lead, the pace of the match intensified, with LA Galaxy desperately pushing for the equalizer. Lozano had another chance to extend the lead, finding himself face-to-face with Galaxy's goalkeeper Novak Mićović, but couldn't find the back of the net. His performance showcased his skill and determination, indicating his potential as a key player for San Diego FC.
With tensions running high, the match reached its climax during injury time. Dreyer clinched the deal with another goal from a fast counter-attack orchestrated by the team. This second goal secured the 2-0 victory for San Diego FC, giving them three valuable points at the outset of the season. “Dreyer scored again to finalize the score at 2-0,” reported Excélsior, highlighting the significance of the match for the team.
For Lozano, this match was not just about making his debut but also about establishing himself within the MLS. His contributions were pivotal, and the assist for the first goal, which marked the franchise's first, will long be remembered. “Hirving Lozano took the ball after Carlos Garcés mishandled it, assisting Dreyer for the first goal in San Diego FC's history,” stated MLS Español, emphasizing the historical impact of his actions.
With their first game under their belt, San Diego FC looks forward to their next challenge. Their next match will take place on March 1, 2025, at the Snapdragon Stadium, where they will face St. Louis City. It remains to be seen how Lozano and his teammates will build on this promising start, but one thing is clear: the thrill of victory at the Dignity Health Sports Park has set a powerful tone for their inaugural season.
This debut not only marks the beginning of San Diego FC's adventure in MLS but also signifies the arrival of Lozano as he transitions from his previous teams to this new chapter. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he continues to develop his role within the team, especially following such a successful outing against formidable opponents.