San Diego FC’s historic first home game got off to the worst possible start after star player Hirving Lozano had to be helped from the field after suffering an injury.
After 28 minutes, with the score still 0-0 against St Louis City SC, Lozano burst forward and created a goalscoring opportunity, though his effort was blocked. Lozano instantly looked over to the San Diego bench and began clutching his hamstring before trainers helped him limp off and took him straight to the locker room.
The electric atmosphere inside Snapdragon Stadium was eliminated, as San Diego’s first Designated Player in franchise history may face a spell on the sidelines. It’s a cruel blow for the newest expansion team, who defeated reigning MLS Cup champion Los Angeles Galaxy on the opening weekend of the 2025 season.
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It was their other DP, Anders Dreyer, who became the hero last week, scoring both goals in a 2-0 win to raise the curtain in style. Lozano recorded an assist in that game, as an early partnership was formed between the two stars.
Still 29, Lozano signed a four-year contract through 2028 after ending his second stint at PSV Eindhoven. The winger also spent four seasons in Italy with Napoli, helping the team clinch the Serie A title for the first time in 33 years.
Lozano snubbed interest elsewhere in Europe and committed to San Diego, with more than just personal interests in mind. The new MLS franchise has launched a Right To Dream academy, and Lozano wants to inspire future generations of soccer players.
Lozano recorded an assist on his MLS debut in a 2-0 win over LA Galaxy (
Image:
Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
“Since I was introduced to the Right to Dream project, I’ve been very interested, I’ve always been a match,” Lozano said after opening up about his decision to join MLS. “I lived very similarly, a stage of my career in Pachuca.
“That interested me a lot, to be able to help young people, kids who can fulfill their dreams, and to be their motivator for them to come here to San Diego. For me, it’s been that choice and I want to leave my legacy, and an important footprint for the future generations.”
Lozano has already left a lasting impression on San Diego general manager Tyler Heaps, believes that his character fits perfectly with their aspirations. “He’s a tremendous human being,” Heaps told Mirror U.S. Sports. “He is a very family-oriented, quiet guy.
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“And I say that he comes off as a quiet guy, probably to the outside public, but he’s also a massive jokester inside the locker room. And I think he’s done a tremendous job blending in the different cultures that we have.”
San Diego FC’s Right to Dream Academy is a fully-funded, free residential program, school and football academy. The Right to Dream program was founded back in 1999, but has since led to academies being opened in Ghana, Denmark, and Egypt, with more soccer clubs showing interest in joining forces.
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