Chucky returns to practice, San Diego FC short-handed against Austin FC
Credit: Sebastian Sanchez/EVT Sports
San Diego FC is experiencing early-season adversity. The MLS expansion club works to establish its identity, it must cope with three key injuries and two international player absences ahead of its road match against Austin FC.
“It doesn’t change from an overall process standpoint,” head coach Mikey Varas said when asked how the team will adapt with five starters out. “We look at this as an opportunity to see how deep our squad is.”
Hirving “Chucky” Lozano (hamstring) returned to practice in a limited capacity. He has been sidelined for three weeks after leaving the team’s first home match. Lozano is progressing in his recovery; however, he will not be available to play this Sunday.
Chucky Lozano sighting at the start of San Diego FC practice
@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/XEB1mU20St
— Sebastian Sanchez (@Ssanchez_16) March 21, 2025
Andres Reyes (knee) has yet to make his San Diego debut, sparking speculation that his injury may be more serious than initially believed. All season, Varas has emphasized a cautious approach to his return. When asked about Reyes’ status today, Varas said the defender is “making progress, but nothing definitive yet.” The Colombian centre-back was one of the club’s marquee acquisitions.
Meanwhile, Danish forward Marcus Ingvartsen (lower body) suffered a serious injury this past Saturday against Colobumus that will sideline him for multiple weeks. Varas said, “he won’t be back anytime early this season.”
In addition to the three injured players, SDFC will be without their starting midfielder, Anibal Godoy (Panama), and centre-back, Paddy McNair (Northern Ireland), who are with their respective national teams.
#SDFC HC Mikey Varas gives injury updates regarding Lozano, Reyes, and Ingvartsen, @EVT_News: https://t.co/SYr7bxXGbr pic.twitter.com/hZt3AfUpb2
— Sebastian Sanchez (@Ssanchez_16) March 21, 2025
Next-man-up mentality for San Diego: A chance for players to make a name for themselves.
When Ingvartsen exited against Columbus, 25-year-old Onni Valakari stepped in to start the second half. Fourteen minutes later, he soared to meet a cross, burying a header for San Diego’s first-ever goal at Snapdragon Stadium. The strike salvaged a point. Expect Valakari to get another look to fill the void in the attack.
“The opportunities come, and they’re unexpected,” Alejandro Alvarado Jr. said when asked about potentially starting. “That’s why we work every day.” The 21-year-old midfielder replaced Godoy in the 67th minute, marking his debut for the club.
Also in the attacking third, 22-year-old Alex Mighten played 23 minutes in his MLS debut on Saturday. When asked about replacing Ingvartsen, Mighten said it’s up to the manager and “if I get the chance, hopefully take it.”
Varas has shown no hesitation in trusting the youth. Against Columbus, 18-year-old left-back Luca Bombino and 22-year-old right-back Willy Kumado started in defense. Bombino won five duels; Kumado completed 88% of his passes. It will be interesting to see the lineup Varas submits for Sunday.
Austin FC has two wins and two losses in four matches. All of their matches have been decided by one score. They are coming off an impressive win over LAFC. Austin has two goals on the season, while San Diego has allowed two.
Anders Dreyer has three of San Diego’s six goals, including a brace in the opener and a go-ahead score in compensation time against Real Salt Lake. There will be even more weight on his shoulders.
EVT asked Varas what challenges Austin FC brings. He said they “create a lot of space” and have “good defending metrics.” He wants his team to dictate the tempo and control possession of the ball, which they’ve done extremely well thus far.
Kickoff is on Sunday, March 23, at 1:00 p.m. PST at Q2 Stadium.
