'It’s no mystery' – San Diego FC's irving Lozano admits MLS has homefield edge over Liga MX in Leagues Cup

Lozano faces Pachuca Tuesday, the club where he began his career.

Lozano Highlights MLS Advantage in Leagues Cup Showdown

As the heats up, Mexican star Hirving Lozano of opens up about the tournament’s imbalances, shedding light on why teams often struggle against their الدوري الأمريكي لكرة القدم counterparts. With matches exclusively in the U.S. overlapping with ‘s domestic season kickoff, debates rage on fairness and commitment levels in this cross-league competition.

  • Game scheduled at Snapdragon Stadium
  • Lozano’s debut encounter with Tuzos post his 2017 shift to Europe
  • San Diego FC set to battle and Mazatlán FC too

'It's no mystery' - San Diego FC's irving Lozano admits MLS has homefield edge over Liga MX in Leagues Cup'It's no mystery' - San Diego FC's irving Lozano admits MLS has homefield edge over Liga MX in Leagues Cup'It's no mystery' - San Diego FC's irving Lozano admits MLS has homefield edge over Liga MX in Leagues Cup'It's no mystery' - San Diego FC's irving Lozano admits MLS has homefield edge over Liga MX in Leagues Cup'It's no mystery' - San Diego FC's irving Lozano admits MLS has homefield edge over Liga MX in Leagues Cup

Growing Discontent in Liga MX Over Leagues Cup Format

Irritation continues to build among Liga MX squads, their leaders, and athletes regarding the Leagues Cup setup. This event clashes with the early stages of Mexico’s top-flight campaign, and with every game hosted stateside, many argue it creates an uneven playing field, sparking doubts about the tournament’s overall legitimacy and appeal.

During a media session before San Diego FC’s showdown with , Mexican international Hirving “Chucky” Lozano voiced similar concerns, pointing out the built-in benefits for MLS sides.

Lozano’s Take on MLS Home Advantage in Leagues Cup

“It’s clear as day that MLS clubs hold the upper hand,” remarked the forward. “For us in the MLS, it’s fantastic, but Liga MX outfits face real challenges. The constant travel northward and playing every fixture on foreign soil makes it incredibly demanding for them.”

Echoing this, ‘s head coach Domenec Torrent, who previously led Atlético San , voiced strong criticism of the structure during the prior edition.

“To me, this resembles more of a warmup phase than a serious contest,” he stated. “Mexican sides are burdened with endless journeys abroad-jetting from places like Miami to Toronto every few days. The whole thing feels unbalanced.” He added, “Should we return next season, as the sport often demands, I’ll approach it purely as preparation for my team. It lacks logic otherwise. Typically, a handful of U.S.-based teams progress far, but if games ever shift to Mexico, we might see true equity.”

Recent data from the 2024 Leagues Cup underscores this: MLS teams advanced in 70% of group-stage matches, often capitalizing on home crowds and reduced travel fatigue, compared to Liga MX’s ongoing struggles with logistics.

Anticipation Builds for San Diego FC vs. Pachuca in Leagues Cup

The star winger also discussed the impending battle against the Mexican club at Snapdragon Stadium, forecasting a thrilling encounter.

“Expect a high-energy clash,” Lozano predicted. “Pachuca boasts a roster full of promising talents and exceptional skills. We’re in for an exciting duel packed with scoring opportunities and intense physical battles-it’ll be a spectacle.”

Lozano burst onto the professional scene with Pachuca back in 2014, facing Club América in his initial top-tier outing. While with the Tuzos, he emerged as a key figure, securing a and netting 43 times across 149 outings.

In preparation for the Tuesday fixture, the attacker vowed restraint in any goal celebrations against his old team.

“I’m filled with various sentiments. This marks my initial confrontation with them since departing Pachuca,” he shared. “It’s bittersweet; I maintain connections with many there, and I’m eager to exchange greetings if possible.”

Emotional Reunion: Lozano Faces Former Club in Leagues Cup Debut

For the first time since heading to Europe in 2017, Lozano will square off against Pachuca. The venue is Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, where San Diego FC has additional fixtures lined up against Tigres and Mazatlán FC in the competition. This personal milestone adds an extra layer of intrigue, blending with competitive fire.