Chucky Lozano shows no mercy as San Diego FC runs over Seattle Sounders | OneFootball

San Diego FC had not yet made it a month in MLS, and they already have a clear idea of exactly what will get the job done: get on the board early, pressure hard, and put the game away before halftime. That is exactly what transpired in the 3–0 win against Seattle Sounders at Snapdragon Stadium. Three goals before halftime. It was a night to enjoy, because the three points came against one of the most old-school clubs in the league.

Three opening-half goals, all with a personal touch

The script was already written. Two minutes into the game, Chucky Lozano was already getting Seattle's defense in reverse and set up Jeppe Tverskov with an accurate pass. The Danish striker took possession of the ball gently and lodged it in with a low shot to score the first. SDFC took charge and accelerated the pace from then on when they spotted the chance. The second goal came in the 41st minute: Lozano switched sides with a pass, Dreyer passed it in, and Godoy came into the box and passed the ball into the corner. The lead was doubled. The third came during stoppage time in the first half and removed all doubts. Lozano took the ball from Löffelsend, outplayed two defenders, and scored face to face with the keeper. A masterpiece. His first San Diego jersey goal. And a direct response to anyone who believed he'd take time to get into rhythm after the injury.

Lozano plays like he was never away

Out since the second round, Lozano sat out four games. He eased back in with a brief appearance late against LAFC. And now, starting for the first time since the injury, he showed quite why he was signed as the club's first designated player. Set up the opening goal with a nice pass. Assisted directly on the second. And put the game away with one of his own. He isn't 100% yet. But it appears he is. And SDFC fans are well aware of how much that counts.

Even without Lozano, the team persevered. They won rivalry matches, stayed near the top of the table, and were consistent. That says a lot about head coach Mikey Varas's work.

It's easy to look at the result of San Diego FC's game and ignore that this is the club's first year in MLS. They have 14 points in seven games, have yet to lose at home, and have beat LA Galaxy, LAFC, and Seattle. That's no small feat. It's a start that's got them sitting second in the Western Conference. And don't think for one second that carries Varas's stamp.