Malik Tillman and incoming San Diego FC star Hirving Lozano score stunners as PSV roll in season opener

Tillman and Lozano were impressive as PSV roared to a four-goal win.

CONCACAF stars Malik Tillman and Hirving Lozano combined for three goals as PSV started their title defense with a dominant 5-1 win over RKC Waalwijk.

U.S. international Tillman scored an absolute rocket in the 37th minute to give PSV a comfortable 3-0 lead. Mexico international Lozano, who is an incoming San Diego FC designated player, was brought on in the 69th minute and made an immediate impact. The midfielder scored two impressive goals within 21 minutes for the Boeren.

Another U.S. international, Ricardo Pepi, also took the pitch, joining in the 70th minute. Pepi had one attempt on goal with a header, but it was denied by RKC goalkeeper Jeroen Houwen.

This is a big season for the trio as there are World Cup implications.

Tillman is coming off an impressive debut loan season with PSV during the 2023-24 campaign. The Bayern Munich prospect had nine goals and 10 assists in 28 league appearances (17 starts) for the Dutch club. Tillman’s season was strong enough for PSV to buy the American outright. With U.S. Soccer continuing to search for a new manager, the 22-year-old has to keep his strong form going to earn more playing time with the national team.

Lozano, 29, is in his prime and will be looking to keep his match fitness up ahead of his highly-anticipated move to MLS next January. The Mexico international was left out of El Tri’s Copa America squad, which had a disappointing tournament this summer.

Pepi appears to be returning to his super-sub role, where he excelled at times for PSV last season, scoring nine goals in two starts despite primarily coming off the bench. He will be hoping to secure more playing time and make a case for the 2026 World Cup.