Lozano faces Pachuca Tuesday, the club where he began his career.
Match will be played at Snapdragon StadiumFirst time Lozano faces Tuzos since he moved to Europe in 2017San Diego FC will also play Tigres and Mazatlán FCGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
Frustration is mounting among Liga MX clubs, coaches, and players over the Leagues Cup. The tournament coincides with the start of the Mexican league season, and all matches are played in the United States – factors that many believe put Liga MX teams at a disadvantage and raise questions about how seriously the competition is viewed.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of San Diego FC’s match against Pachuca, Hirving "Chucky" Lozano echoed that sentiment.
"It’s no mystery that MLS teams have the advantage," said the Mexican national team star. "Honestly, it’s great for us [in MLS], but for Liga MX teams, it’s a bit tough. Traveling up here and having to play all the matches on this side is not easy for them."
Monterrey manager Domenec Torrent complained about the format last season while managing Atlético San Luis.
"For me, this feels like a preseason. It’s a joke of a competition for the Mexican teams that have to travel abroad – we’re constantly packing, flying every three days, from Orlando to Montreal. This tournament is a joke," he said. "If we’re here again next year, because that’s how football is, I’m going to treat it as a preseason for my players. It just doesn’t make sense. Every year, three or four American teams will advance. And when they eventually come to play in Mexico, maybe then it’ll be a fairer competition."
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT HIRVING LOZANO SAID
The Mexican winger also shared his thoughts on the upcoming clash between his team and the Liga MX side at Snapdragon Stadium.
"It’s going to be a very intense match. Pachuca has a lot of young players and a lot of quality. It’ll be a very interesting game with plenty of goal-scoring chances — physically demanding, for sure. It’s going to be a beautiful match," he said.
AFPDID YOU KNOW?
Lozano made his first-division debut with Pachuca in 2014 in a match against Club América. During his time with , he became a standout player, winning a league title and scoring 43 goals in 149 appearances.
Ahead of Tuesday’s matchup, the winger promised not to celebrate if he scores against his former club.
"I have a lot of emotions. It’s the first time I’ll face them since I left Pachuca," Lozano said. "I have mixed feelings. I still know a lot of people there, and I hope I get the chance to greet them all."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR LOZANO AND SAN DIEGO FC?
Lozano will take on his former club, Pachuca, for the first time since leaving for Europe in 2017. The match will be held at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, where San Diego FC is also set to face Tigres and Mazatlán FC during the tournament.