On February 23, 2025, Hirving Lozano kicked off his Major League Soccer (MLS) career with a bang, leading San Diego FC to their first victory against the reigning champions, LA Galaxy, with a score of 2-0. This match took place at Dignity Health Sports Park, marking both Lozano's debut and the historic first win for the new expansion franchise.
Lozano, affectionately known as 'Chucky', was instrumental throughout the match. Although both teams started somewhat nervously, with San Diego FC feeling the pressure as the league's newest franchise, Lozano's performance turned the tide. By the second half, he capitalized on LA Galaxy's defensive error, intercepting the ball during a poor clearance attempt by Galaxy's goalkeeper, Novak Mićović.
With precision, he then set up Anders Dreyer, who scored the inaugural goal for San Diego FC just seven minutes after the halftime break. This pivotal moment highlighted Lozano’s capability to shine on the field, even as he adjusted to his new team and the fast-paced environment of MLS. "El San Diego FC sumó su primera victoria en la MLS," exclaimed San Diego FC's official account, reflecting the team's excitement and the fans' jubilance.
Despite came close to scoring himself during the match, Lozano's only goal contribution came through his assist. His overall performance was commendable, registering 70 touches, 12 duels won, five successful dribbles, and maintaining a pass accuracy of 76%. His tireless work ethic and determination were evident as he played 88 minutes before being replaced by young forward Tomás Ángel Gutiérrez.
Anders Dreyer, another standout player, cemented his place in the history books by scoring both goals for the San Diego FC, effectively sealing the victory. Just when it seemed the game would end with the score 1-0, Dreyer struck again deep in injury time, finding the back of the net at the 90+3 minute mark, which pushed San Diego FC to the third position within the Western Conference.
The San Diego FC, under the guidance of coach Mikey Varas, entered the league with promising aspirations. Their opening match not only set the tone for the season but also established Lozano as a key player within the squad. The significance of his performance was highlighted when Major League Soccer's official account remarked, "The party is just getting started for the @sandiegofc fans!" This sentiment captures the excitement surrounding the expansion team and its potential within the league.
Looking forward, San Diego FC will have the opportunity to showcase their talents at home on March 1, 2025, against St. Louis City. This match at Snapdragon Stadium, which has the capacity to hold 35,000 fans, is anticipated to be a thrilling encounter, not just for the players, but for the community eager to support their new team.
Considering the dynamics of their debut victory and the performance of Lozano, it seems the future is bright for both the player and the club. San Diego FC has officially made their mark on MLS and with 'Chucky' Lozano at the forefront, fans and analysts alike are excited to see what the season holds for this promising team.