Chucky Lozano not in uniform for San Diego FC’s playoff opener

Hirving “Chucky” Lozano was on the Snapdragon Stadium field on Sunday night, hugging minority owner Manny Machado before San Diego FC’s inaugural playoff game against the Portland Timbers.

But that was the extent of his involvement. The Mexican star and avowed face of the franchise was not among the 11 starters or the nine players suited up on the bench, a further indication that the rift with coach Mikey Varas has not been fully mended.

Lozano did not make the trip to Portland for the club’s regular-season finale last weekend after what Varas called “a situation in Houston.” Lozano was subbed out at halftime of the Oct. 4 game at the Houston Dynamo, the height of indignity for a player of his stature, and threw a locker room tantrum, according to multiple sources not authorized to speak on the record.

On Friday, Varas declined to confirm whether Lozano would play in Game 1 on the best-of-three series but seemed to indicate a resolution was nearing.

“Hirving is fully integrated in the team and the training,” Varas said. “He’s laughing, he’s working hard. He’s 100% committed to making his way back into the group, and we’re 100% committed to supporting him into his way back into the group. We’ll just take it day by day and make that decision when it needs to be made. … He’s one of our guys.”

During training, Lozano’s Instagram account posted an apologetic message in English.

“I’m a passionate and competitive person who always wants to give everything for the team,” the post said. “Sometimes, that same intensity can lead to reactions that don’t reflect who I am or the respect I have for everyone around me.

“I didn’t react in the right way, and I’ve already taken responsibility, addressed it and moved forward.”

The club apparently has not.

Amahl Pellegrino started in his place on the left wing Sunday night, as he did eight days earlier at Portland. In the past three halves, Pelligrino has three goals and three assists in 4-2 and 4-0 wins.

That much makes sense from a tactical standpoint. But not having a player of Lozano’s quality and experience available off the bench in a playoff game raises questions about his long-term future with the club.

Lozano was acquired from Dutch club PSV Eindhoven for a $12 million transfer fee and makes $7.63 million this season in total compensation, according to MLS Players Association salary data. That makes him the fifth-highest paid player in the 30-team league.