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Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, the marquee signing of San Diego FC’s debut MLS season, is facing an uncertain future with the club after a reported disciplinary clash with head coach Mikey Varas. What initially appeared to be a tactical lineup decision has now evolved into a full-blown controversy that could see the Mexican international miss the MLS Playoffs.
Lozano’s sudden exclusion raises eyebrows
The absence of Lozano from San Diego FC’s Matchday 34 lineup against the Portland Timbers left fans puzzled. The omission came after a 31-match run in which the winger played a pivotal role in helping the expansion club stay competitive in its inaugural season. However, reports soon surfaced indicating that the star’s exclusion was not due to strategy, but rather disciplinary reasons.
According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, Lozano has been temporarily separated from the squad following an internal fallout. The incident reportedly occurred during halftime of San Diego’s match against the Houston Dynamo on October 4, when Hirving Lozano was substituted after the first 45 minutes. What followed was a heated exchange between the player and coach Varas, leading to escalating tensions within the locker room.
Confrontation with head coach sparks fallout
The Athletic’s report indicates that Lozano’s argument with Mikey Varas came at a particularly sensitive time, just before the winger was set to join the Mexican national team for the recent FIFA international window. A source close to the situation revealed,
“He was visibly upset, and that’s when the confrontation took place. Lozano needs to prove his dedication to the group if he wants to be part of the postseason.”
This altercation has cast serious doubts over his short-term future with San Diego FC. While the club has yet to make an official statement, insiders suggest that Hirving Lozano will need to demonstrate renewed professionalism and commitment to be reintegrated into the squad ahead of the playoffs.
A season overshadowed by controversy
Lozano’s disciplinary issue comes at a time when his on-field performances had reignited his career. The 32-year-old had enjoyed a productive debut season, scoring nine goals and providing 10 assists, helping San Diego make a strong impression in their first year in Major League Soccer.
His form even earned him a long-awaited recall to the Mexican national team under Javier Aguirre for the September and October FIFA windows — his first international appearances in over a year.
However, this recent setback threatens to derail that resurgence. With Mexico set to regroup in November for friendly fixtures against Uruguay and another opponent on November 18, Hirving Lozano’s focus and form will be under heavy scrutiny both at club and international levels.
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