Lozano Returns, Scores in Galaxy's 4-1 Win
The LA Galaxy forward came back from a month-long hamstring injury to score against Austin FC.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Soccer
Chucky Lozano scored LA Galaxy's second goal in a 4-1 victory over Austin FC on Saturday. The forward returned from a month-long absence caused by a left hamstring injury suffered during Mexico national team duty.
Why it matters
The win keeps LA Galaxy in seventh place in the Western Conference, the final playoff position, with four teams chasing them. Lozano's return adds a key attacking option with two regular-season games remaining.
Lozano has contributed two goals and one assist across nine appearances and 609 minutes for the Galaxy since joining. The extraction does not specify the full-season minutes total or whether his recent contributions have been a direct factor in the team's playoff standing.
The players
Chucky Lozano
Mexican forward who joined LA Galaxy after a prolonged transfer saga involving San Diego FC and who has a long track record with Mexico's national team.
LA Galaxy
Major League Soccer club based in Los Angeles that currently sits seventh in the Western Conference and is fighting for the final playoff position.
Austin FC
Major League Soccer club based in Austin, Texas, which lost 4-1 to the LA Galaxy in this match.
The details
Lozano was called up by Mexico for October's international window games against Colombia, Chile, the United States and Peru. He left the Mexico camp after suffering a left hamstring injury ahead of the USMNT game, and he returned to action against Austin FC on Saturday.
Timeline
October 2026: Mexico called up Lozano for international window games against Colombia, Chile, the United States and Peru.
Saturday: Lozano returned from injury and scored in the Galaxy's 4-1 win over Austin FC.
Season Trajectory
With four teams chasing the seventh-place finish in the Western Conference and two regular-season games left, the Galaxy's position in the playoff race now depends on the remaining schedule. Winning both remaining games would guarantee a postseason berth.
The Galaxy's remaining two games will decide the final Western Conference playoff spot, so the result directly affects standings and postseason qualification. Lozano's availability for those matches will shape the attacking options available to the club.
The takeaway
Lozano's return gives LA Galaxy an important attacking boost in a tight playoff race with two games to play. Winning those games would secure a postseason place for the club.
What happens next
LA Galaxy has two regular-season games remaining, which will determine whether the club secures the final Western Conference playoff position.
Further reading
For more on the club's season, see Soccer coverage of the LA Galaxy's push for a Western Conference playoff spot.
Source note: This article includes information reported by As.
