SAN DIEGO -- Security was increased tonight in San Diego after the Charger's last-minute loss to the New England Patriots, dashing their dreams of going to the Super Bowl, but no incidents were immediately reported, a police sergeant said.

Despite MVP LaDanian Tomlinson's explosive running, the Chargers lost to the Patriots 24-21 on a 31-yard field goal by Stephen Gotkowski with just over a minute left in the game.

San Diego Pro Bowl kicker Nate Kaeding's 54-yard field goal fell short with 3 seconds left.

One fan described the loss as "heartbreaking," according to KNSD Channel 7.

"A bunch" of officers were at Qualcomm Stadium after the game, said Sgt. Bob Dare of the San Diego Police Department.

It makes sense to have extra officers on patrol, as "there's a bunch of people down there who are upset and there may be a lot of disturbances" over San Diego's loss, Dare said.

So far, there have been no major reported incidents, he said.

Before the game, fans were in a festive mood as fighter jets buzzed Qualcomm Stadium, a skywriting plane spelled out "Go Chargers," and fireworks lit up the sky.

Thousands of fired-up Chargers fans - and some New England Patriots fans - crammed the stadium parking lot for tail-gating parties.

The Chargers had the best record in the NFL at 14-2, including 8-0 at home, and Chargers fans were rooting for coach Marty Schottenheimer to get to the Super Bowl for the first time. Instead, the coach lost his sixth straight playoff game.