It has been awhile since Hirving “Chucky” Lozano received an ovation as he came off the field.
That changed Wednesday night in his Galaxy home debut. Lozano, in his second game with the club since joining on loan from San Diego FC, was subbed off after 68 minutes and received an applause from the crowd at Dignity Health Sports Park as he made his way back to the bench.
“When people receive you like that, it’s for a reason,” Lozano said through translation after Wednesday’s 1-0 win over San Jose. “And the truth is that I thank them. I tried to give my maximum on the field, as I have always done.
“It motivates me a lot to continue helping the team and the club, and to give people that joy. It motivated me throughout the game. I heard them cheering me on, and it made me feel really good and it motivates me to do better and continue to help the team.”
The decision whether or not the Galaxy (6-8-7, 25 points) make the Lozano move permanent will soon come. It probably has already been decided, because can anybody see him going back to San Diego?
“I am very happy and very grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity to play and I am super happy,” Lozano said. “And I would choose the Galaxy again and the truth is that I have no words for what they have done and what they have given me at this moment and the truth is that from the board, the players, the coaching staff have received me in the best way and I think even the fans. So, I have no words and I am very grateful.”
Lozano’s initial contract with San Diego was through the 2028 season with two club options. Lozano, who played just 25 minutes in his Galaxy debut last Saturday, could be in line for a 90-minute run Saturday.
Midfield absences
The Galaxy midfield will need to be restructured for Saturday’s game.
Lucas Sanabria is out, serving a one-game suspension after receiving two yellow cards in Wednesday’s game against San Jose. Elijah Wynder (ankle) is sidelined for approximately at least four weeks after suffering an injury against Houston. Marco Reus is not on the trip as his wife nears the birth of the couple’s child.
Sergi Roberto is expected to arrive this weekend.
First trip to Montreal in nearly 10 years
The last time the Galaxy traveled to Montreal (5-10-5, 20 points) was in 2018, in Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s first season.
In fact, Ibrahimovic was sent off in the first half with a red card in the game, but the Galaxy managed to prevail 1-0 on a 75th-minute goal from Ola Kamara.
The Galaxy have won four consecutive games against Montreal.
Galaxy (6-8-7, 25 points) at Montreal (5-10-5, 20 points)
When: 4:30 p.m. PT Saturday
Where: Stade Saputo, Montreal
How to watch: Apple TV