Locker room altercation leaves San Diego FC with tough decision ahead of MLS Cup playoffs
The MLS debutantes topped the Western Conference in their inaugural season but now have an issue with Chucky Lozano, the team’s best-paid player.
San Diego FC capped a stunning debut season by finishing top of the Western Conference but head coach Mikey Varas now has a major selection headache ahead of the MLS Cup playoffs.
On Wednesday The Athletic reported that the team’s star winger Chucky Lozano is a doubt for the postseason due to an internal situation. Reports suggest that Lozano was involved in a locker room altercation earlier this month and was not included in the matchday squad for last weekend’s 4-0 victory over the Portland Timbers.
Sources: Chucky Lozano's status for San Diego's playoff run is uncertain
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) October 22, 2025
Situation stems from verbal altercation that happened around Lozano getting subbed out at HT in game v HOU
One source says Lozano needs to prove to locker room how committed he is https://t.co/aMveW2Q86z
“We had a situation we’re dealing with internally,” Varas said after the game. He has not revealed his plans for the team’s playoff opener on Sunday but Lozano is now be a serious doubt to feature from the start.
Lozano has had a solid first season with the 2025 expansion club, despite seeing his starts limited due to injury. The 30-year-old has contributed nine goals and 10 assists from 22 starts but has not produced at the same level as MVP-candidate teammate Andres Dreyer.
With 74 caps for Mexico to his name, Lozano was the flagship signing for the new team when he arrived from PSV Eindhoven. San Diego spent $12 million on the transfer fee and handed him a $7.63m per year salary, making him the fifth-highest earner in the league.
San Diego will play the first playoff game in team history when they kick-start the postseason journey on Sunday evening. Varas’ side will take on the winner of Portland Timbers and Real Salt Lake from the Western Conference’s wild card game.
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