San Diego FC prepare for Chucky Lozano's return in Game 2 | OneFootball

By Justin Ruderman

Up 1-0 in their Round One Best-of-3 Series against the Portland Timbers, San Diego FC are about to get a boost in their Audi MLS Cup Playoffs quest.

Star winger Hirving "Chucky" Lozano will return for the Western Conference No. 1 seed in Saturday's Game 2 at Providence Park (9:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass, Apple TV).

"Based on everything that we've seen, he'll be traveling to Portland and will be coming off the bench for us," head coach Mikey Varas told reporters earlier this week.

Key piece

The first Designated Player in club history, Lozano joined forces with fellow DP winger Anders Dreyer to create one of the most dangerous forward pairings in the league. The duo combined for an astonishing 28g/29a during the regular season.

After missing San Diego's regular-season finale and Game 1 due to disciplinary reasons (both against the Timbers), the Mexican superstar is eager to reunite with his Danish counterpart and send his side to the Western Conference Semifinals with a win in Portland.

"He wants to be part of the group," Varas said of Lozano's attitude. "I think it's the most important thing through actions. That you want to be part of the group is the most important thing for everybody."

Historic year

San Diego have enjoyed a record-setting expansion season, accruing the most-ever points (63) and wins (19) in a debut season to secure the West's No. 1 seed.

They weren't just a fantastic expansion team, either. SDFC also tied last season's Supporters' Shield champions Inter Miami CF for the most away points in MLS history (37).

The last exclusive club San Diego are aiming to become a part of? Joining Chicago Fire FC as the second expansion team to win MLS Cup presented by Audi in their inaugural season.

San Diego FC need Chucky Lozano back for Game 2