Chucky Lozano delivers can't-miss first goal for San Diego FC | OneFootball

By Cal Meachem

A moment San Diego FC fans will never forget.

WATCH: Chucky Lozano scores first goal for surging San Diego

Chucky Lozano

Forward · San Diego FC

Star forward Chucky Lozano put the finishing touches on a sensational evening for SDFC, tallying his first-ever MLS goal to propel his side to a 3-0 victory against Seattle Sounders FC on Matchday 7.

The expansion club's first-ever Designated Player, Lozano finished off a lightning-quick counterattack by receiving a through ball from Jasper Löffelsend and tucking his finish past Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei to send the San Diego faithful into a frenzy.

Back and better than ever

The Mexican international had missed three matches after picking up a hamstring injury during their Matchday 2 game against St. Louis CITY SC.

After appearing as a second-half substitute during SDFC's 3-2 win over LAFC last weekend, Lozano returned to the starting lineup Saturday at Snapdragon Stadium, and his impact was evident from the opening whistle.

Lozano put in a player-of-the-match performance, beginning with his second-minute assist to Jeppe Tverskov, a winding run along the endline followed by a perfectly placed cutback to the Danish midfielder. He added a second helper on Aníbal Godoy's 41st-minute goal before sealing the result with the moment of the night.

"It’s a beautiful sensation. I was happy to get a goal for me," Lozano remarked in Spanish. "Unfortunately, I got hurt in the second match, and I am now back, and I was able to start.

"I feel great and I was able to score my first goal. I am grateful to my teammates for the opportunities created."

Shining in SoCal

Lozano made waves across the fanbase, stepping into the spotlight when he signed as the club's first DP before their initial MLS season. Now paired with DP winger Anders Dreyer, the duo have been critical in the Chrome-and-Azul's early-season success, tallying a combined 4g/5a.

Even in Lozano's absence, the expansion side have put together an eye-opening start to the season, sitting second in the Western Conference with a 4W-1L-2D record through seven matches. Their 14-point haul to begin the year is the third-most by an expansion team.

In that span, SDFC have taken down some of the West's heaviest hitters, including Southern California rivals LA Galaxy and LAFC, and now historical powerhouse Seattle.

"We have played great in matches against good and important MLS teams," said Lozano postgame. "We have important things to do, but it’s a long road ahead. We have played some great soccer, but there are also things we can get better at. We are on a great path."

WATCH: Sizzling-hot San Diego FC rout Seattle Sounders