San Diego FC draws in first home match, “Chucky” Lozano leaves game early

SAN DIEGO -- It wasn't the result San Diego FC wanted on Saturday night in their inaugural home opening match. 

They had a lackluster 0-0 draw against St. Louis City SC.

"We're very disappointed with the tie," manager Mikey Varas said. "I think it shows a lot. I think we're showing everybody that we're serious when we talk about how we want to play and what type of culture we want to display."

Saturday night was San Diego FC's night. Over 34,506 fans filled Snapdragon Stadium to cheer on their brand-new team.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber was in attendance and, speaking to the media before the match, said that the atmosphere that San Diego FC fans created last week in Los Angeles against the reigning MLS Champion Galaxy was the reason he was excited for Saturday night.

The fans kept the electric environment since they were allowed to tailgate even after the game ended. Their faithful fans, known as the "Fronteras SD," were loud the entire match. Their chanting and consistency brought energy to a game that didn't see a score.

Varas and the team noticed the energy all game long. 

"There was that disappointment in the changing room that we just couldn't sort of give them something to celebrate, but I'm sure that'll come soon," center back Paddy McNair said.

San Diego FC fans were extremely excited to see their biggest acquisition of the offseason in Mexican star winger Hirving "Chucky" Lozano. He had a key assist last week against the LA Galaxy for Anders Dreyer's first goal in club history.

Lozano left the pitch 28 minutes into the game, grabbing at his left thigh. 

After the match, Varas said they will have more on his injury on Sunday after they run further tests.

"What I can say is that he's in a positive mood now, and we hope to obviously get him back as quickly as possible," GM/Sporting Director Tyler Heaps said. 

Emmanuel Boateng replaced Lozano on Saturday, making some good runs and trying to stay active. Last week, when Lozano was replaced in the 88th minute, it was by Tomás Ángel. Varas said he wants different guys to get up to speed and have a feel for the game, so that is why they went with Boateng.

San Diego did everything it needed to win the game, dominating possession for 67% of the match and outshooting St. Louis 16 to 2. San Diego only had one of those 16 shots on goal, while St. Louis had two.

One positive that the manager and players focused on was that San Diego hasn't conceded a goal in its first two MLS matches. 

"These guys are relentless," Varas said about his defense. "When you keep clean sheets, you always have a chance of winning."

As far as off the pitch, the city of San Diego showed that it has been yearning for another professional sports team, as it currently has only the Padres. They showed up last weekend in LA and now Saturday night.

On the pitch, San Diego fans and the team alike will be hoping that Lozano's injury is mild with a chance to return quickly. As Varas said, they need to start consistently finding the back of the net.

Four points in two matches and two clean sheets isn't a bad start to their first season in the MLS.

"When you attack well, you defend well. Trying to find the balance in this sport is very important," Varas said in Spanish. "I believe these guys will find it."