After much anticipation from local soccer fans, Irving Chucky Lozano made his first appearance on the pitch with his new San Diego FC teammates during the inaugural pre-season preparation match against USL Championship side Phoenix Rising on Saturday.

The closed-door meeting saw SDFC come out victorious 2-0 with the other goal coming from forward Marcus Ingvartsen. The Rising set foot in San Diego for the first time since defeating SD Loyal 4-3 in the USL Championship quarterfinals at Torero Stadium.

Lozano officially arrived in San Diego on June 10 to the cheers and applause of the waiting fans having signed with the club on June 6 to a four-year contract through 2028 making him the first Designated Player in the history of the club. He started his professional career with Liga MX side Pachuca and most recently with Eredivisie club PSV Eindhoven.

He made 70 appearances with the senior Mexican national team including his most famous appearance on June 17, 2018, in the opening round of the World Cup when El Tri defeated then defending champion Germany. The goal, which came in the 35th minute, caused the ground to shake and set off seismic sensors in Mexico City due to the celebration that ensued, according to experts.

Besides winning championships with PSV Eindhoven, Lozano has also lifted the league title with Napoli in Italy and with Pachuca of Liga MX. Among his many accolades are being named CONCACAF Men’s Player of the Year in 2018 and the best eleven in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2021.

SDFC will be playing in the upcoming Coachella Valley Invitational versus NYC FC on Feb. 8, followed by the Portland Timbers on Feb. 12 and N.Y. Red Bulls on Feb. 15 as part of its preseason preparations.