SDFC splitting with Chucky Lozano

• But his season was also riddled with injuries, and a locker-room incident kept him on the bench at the start of the team's playoff run.

What they're saying: "It's about the collective and no player or coach is above the club. We feel confident in the forwards that we have, who performed quite well during the playoffs without Hirving, in driving us to where we want to go," head coach Mikey Varas said in a statement at a media briefing on Friday.

• SDFC did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

Between the lines: SDFC sporting director Tyler Heaps said it was the club's decision to part ways with the 30-year-old Mexican-born forward, the Union-Tribune reported.

• Lozano will keep training with SDFC ahead of the 2026 MLS season, which officially starts in February, as the club works to loan him out or trade him to another club, per the U-T.
• Heaps said SDFC will look to replace Lozano with a new designated player, who won't be subject to MLS salary caps.