SDFC: The “Chucky” Lozano dilemma for Mikey Varas
Credit: Cedric Jones/ EVT Sports
Hirving Lozano recently suffered an injury scare in his last match with the Mexico national team against Uruguay. However, since then, the club has confirmed that the star forward will be available for the playoff game against Minnesota United.
In his day, “Chucky” has proven to be among the most explosive players in Major League Soccer. Lozano had a rather disappointing regular season, given the franchise tag that came with his signing.
The 30-year-old winger scored nine goals and provided eight assists in the regular season, which was not bad, but more production was expected. “Chucky” also had a serious disciplinary issue that kept him on the sidelines in the final moments of the campaign.
What vision from Chucky Lozano to assist Anders Dreyer’s second goal of the game 🇲🇽🇩🇰👀
(Via @MLS )
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 10, 2025
Since then, both the club and Lozano have resolved this disciplinary issue, but there is now a dilemma in the starting 11 for Mikey Varas. While Lozano is the franchise player and the bigger name, Amahl Pellegrino has really stepped up in the playoffs with three goals scored in the three-game series against Portland.
The Norwegian winger also provided an outstanding three goals and three assists in the final two games of the regular season. Pellegrino brings a plethora of experience at 35 years old and has been working very well with Anders Dreyer and Corey Baird on the frontline.
WOW OFF THE VOLLEY 😱
Amahl Pellegrino bags his brace to give @sandiegofc a 3-0 lead in Game 3 // Audi MLS Cup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/lSbsl8li8K
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 10, 2025
However, his finishing can be inconsistent, and Lozano has certainly made the most of his chances lately.
Mikey Varas talked about his decision to start Pellegrino over Lozano in the third game of the series against Portland. “I make the team always to win the game, because we said from day one that we’re here to win. How we win, who we win with matters. So right now Pelle is flying and he’s our starter”, Varas said.
With this statement and given recent performances, it seems that Pellegrino will continue to start on the left wing for SDFC. However, benching the face of the franchise and a big leader on this team cannot be an easy decision.
Loazno has also performed in recent games, and his role off the bench has given a spark to this team. San Diego is expected to control the game flow against Minnesota and will be challenged by a rigid backline led by captain Michael Boxall.
Dayne St. Clair is also a very tough goalkeeper to surpass, as this is set to be a gritty game at Snapdragon Stadium. It will be interesting to see Varas’ decision for that game with Lozano, and if the team moves forward in the playoff run.
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.