Hirving Lozano’s impact was already felt in San Diego FC preseason
Credit: SDFC
San Diego FC finished its preseason ahead of the 2025 MLS regular season this past Saturday, February 15.
Something that was very apparent from the 6-0 victory against New York Red Bulls and throughout the preseason was Hirving Lozano’s impact on the team.
“Chucky” scored and provided two assists against the Red Bulls and really was the focal point of attack for SDFC. Nearly every ball went through Lozano in the final third, as his quality is very apparent on this squad.
The Mexican superstar was San Diego’s marquee signing for this inaugural season and is still the main star on Mikey Varas’ squad. SDFC’s success this season will also very clearly depend on Chucky’s success this season as the main driving force in the offense.
Lozano is no stranger to this type of pressure on a team as he held a similar role for several years with Dutch team PSV Eindhoven. From the 2017-2018 season to the 2018-2019 season, the Mexican winger scored 34 league goals for PSV and really was the focal point of that attack.
CHUCKY LOZANO ON THE BREAK
BOYS ARE BUZZIN pic.twitter.com/8RKKWhs3Ox
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) February 15, 2025
This resulted in a historic Eredivisie league title for PSV Eindhoven in the 2017-2018 season. In that season, the Mexican international scored 17 goals and provided eight assists in 29 league games played.
“Chucky” did not have similar pressure to be the standout star with a more talented squad at Napoli, but still performed well in the very competitive Italian Serie A. The Mexico City native has had a similar role with the Mexico national team, but the national team has faced chemistry issues in general.
Lozano’s chemistry with Marcus Ingvartsen and Anders Dreyer looked sharp in the 6-0 win against New York Red Bulls. Lozano is now 29 years old and will turn 30 on July 30, but his quality to perform and lead an offense is still there.
The 29-year-old winger scored one goal and provided three assists in San Diego’s official preseason. “Chucky” also scored two goals in a closed-door preseason game in San Diego against Sacramento Republic.
Lozano is a player who provides a quick pace, along with the great vision of play and creativity that was already showcased this preseason. His shooting ability has the potential to be precise and be extremely effective in Major League Soccer.
One thing that is certain is that Lozano will be a fan favorite, as showcased by jersey sales and fan events. This past Sunday, February 16, at SDFC’s Season Kickoff Party, fans were heard chanting his name throughout the festivities.
San Diego FC will play its historic season-opener against LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif, this Sunday, February 23. Lozano will need to be effective in this match for a chance of a positive result against the current MLS Champions.
Francisco, 28, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego FC, San Diego Wave. I have covered Liga MX, MLS, Mexico National Team, USWNT, Copa América and European clubs like Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.