SAN DIEGO — Hirving “Chucky” Lozano scored in his highly anticipated return to Snapdragon Stadium, but his former club had the final word Saturday night.
San Diego FC overcame a second-half red card and responded to Lozano’s goal with one of its own, defeating the LA Galaxy 3–1 in a dramatic Southern California matchup.
Elias Achouri opened the scoring for San Diego in the 11th minute, finishing from close range after the hosts applied pressure from a corner. The goal rewarded an aggressive start from San Diego, which controlled much of the opening half and repeatedly tested Galaxy goalkeeper Novak Mićović.
San Diego entered halftime with a 1–0 advantage after holding 56 percent of the possession and producing four shots on target to the Galaxy’s one. The hosts also held a 6–1 advantage in corner kicks and generated 1.68 expected goals during the opening 45 minutes.
The match changed rapidly after halftime.
Defender Kieran Sargeant doubled San Diego’s advantage in the 48th minute, but captain Jeppe Tverskov received his second yellow card two minutes later, reducing the hosts to 10 players with nearly the entire second half remaining.
The Galaxy immediately took advantage. Lozano scored in the 55th minute to cut the deficit to 2–1, delivering the moment many anticipated in his first match at Snapdragon Stadium as an opposing player. The Mexican international, who was San Diego FC’s first Designated Player and one of the original faces of the franchise, joined the Galaxy on loan earlier this month.
Lozano’s goal appeared to shift the momentum toward Los Angeles, which controlled more of the ball after gaining the numerical advantage. San Diego FC, however, delivered a decisive response.
Amahl Pellegrino entered the match in the 67th minute and scored just three minutes later, restoring San Diego’s two-goal lead and giving the hosts the breathing room they needed to close out the match.
The Galaxy finished with 56 percent possession and matched San Diego with seven shots on target and seven corner kicks. However, San Diego created the more dangerous opportunities, finishing with a 2.41–0.91 advantage in expected goals and producing three big chances compared with one for Los Angeles.
San Diego goalkeeper CJ dos Santos also played an important role in protecting the lead, recording six saves as the Galaxy increased its pressure during the closing stages.
Lozano led Los Angeles with seven total shots and three on target, but the Galaxy could not find another breakthrough against a San Diego side forced to defend with 10 men for more than 40 minutes.
The victory lifted San Diego FC to 30 points with an 8–6–8 record and moved the club ahead of the Galaxy in the Western Conference standings. Los Angeles remained on 26 points and fell to 6–8–9.
San Diego has now won all three MLS meetings against the Galaxy, following victories in both matchups during its inaugural 2025 season.
Lozano supplied the night’s most compelling individual moment, scoring against his former team in his emotional return to Snapdragon Stadium. But San Diego produced the result that mattered, responding to adversity and securing three points despite playing most of the second half with 10 men.
They hope to carry this momentum into their next game vs Orlando City at home on Saturday Sep 5.
Article and photos by Adrian Perez @tnl_fotos
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