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It wasn't exactly a revenge match, but Hirving "Chucky" Lozano was the standout figure for the LA Galaxy on Saturday evening, netting against San Diego FC in a thrilling MLS Western Conference showdown.
The Mexican forward, who had been cast out from San Diego after his relationship with head coach Mikey Varas and the organization deteriorated at the close of the 2025 season, was greeted with a wave of jeers and boos from the moment he stepped onto the pitch.
He finished the night by brushing off his former boss, Varas, who approached him seemingly to exchange words after the final whistle.
Lozano was San Diego FC's very first signing ahead of the club's 2025 expansion campaign, brought in as the marquee talent and inaugural Designated Player before Varas had even been appointed manager. During that season, reported tensions escalated, ultimately resulting in him being separated from the squad and forced to train on his own, despite commanding a $9.3 million annual salary and holding DP status.
After sitting out for San Diego and training in isolation through the first half of the 2026 season, he eventually secured a loan move to the Galaxy—and MLS regulations, unlike those in many of the world's top leagues, did not prevent him from featuring against his parent club.
His feelings were plain to see on Saturday. So too were the San Diego faithful at Snapdragon Stadium, who left in high spirits after their side claimed a crucial win to push the Chrome and Azul up to eighth in the Western Conference.
LO IGNORÓ POR COMPLETO 😳💥
Al finalizar el duelo entre San Diego y LA Galaxy, Mikey Varas se acercó a saludar a Hirving Lozano, pero lo dejó con la mano extendida ⚽️🫲🚫 pic.twitter.com/z6U4d8yn3u
"[The Galaxy] gave me the chance to play 90 minutes, which for me is essential. The truth is that I worked incredibly hard throughout all this time to get to this point of playing a full match. The truth is that I'm improving; I've seen myself performing better than I anticipated," Lozano said of his performance, which marked his first complete game since Sept. 13, 2025 and his first goal since August of last season.
"I had gone a long time without playing and that created some doubt in my mind, but with each game, those doubts are fading away."
Lozano Draws Red Card, Celebrates Goal
While some players hold back when scoring against former clubs, Lozano made no effort to hide his feelings toward the team he remains contracted to. After finding the net to pull the Galaxy back within one goal, he pumped his fists and raised his arms to energize the strong contingent of traveling supporters.
The animated celebrations followed his role in drawing Jeppe Tverskov into a second yellow card, which saw the San Diego player dismissed just moments earlier. Driving into space along the flank, Lozano clashed with his former teammate, igniting a mass confrontation, and the home side were eventually reduced to 10 men.
"I thought he handled it brilliantly," Galaxy manager Greg Vanney told reporters after the game. "I'm happy for him. He wanted to win this match, so I'm not happy for him in that sense, because we all wanted to come away with something here for him, but I thought he carried himself like a true professional. I thought he was outstanding."
Sergi Roberto makes his LA Galaxy debut 💫 pic.twitter.com/a3XQcIgo7b
Beyond the goal and the confrontations, Lozano also shared the field for the first time with former Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto, who made his MLS and Galaxy debut in the 56th minute after joining the club earlier in the week.
"[Lozano] earns the yellow card because of his directness in those dribbling situations where he glides past defenders," Vanney added. "I think he keeps building his fitness and rhythm, and I still believe he's working on developing chemistry with Marco [Reus] and will do the same with Sergi [Roberto] and the rest of the squad as everyone settles in."
With the defeat, the Galaxy slipped to 13th in the competitive Western Conference race for the top nine spots and MLS Cup playoff berths, but will have the opportunity to bounce back next week at home against the New England Revolution.