Atlanta United: U.S. Open Cup hero Brandon Vazquez earning more playing time

Atlanta United have advanced to the quarter-finals of the U.S. Open Cup for the first time in club history. And Brandon Vazquez is an important reason why.

Atlanta United met Real Salt Lake for the first time ever at Rio Tinto Stadium on April 22, 2017. The Five Stripes held a 2-1 lead late, and Brandon Vazquez (18 years old at the time) subbed on for Kenwyne Jones in the final minutes of the game.

Vazquez found himself on the end of a through ball from Julian Gressel, and, in a one on one with RSL keeper Nick Rimando, made the most of his chance by putting the ball in the back of the net.

Following his MLS debut and first career goal with Atlanta, Vazquez featured 12 more times for Atlanta in 2017. However, after appearing in the team’s season opener against Houston in 2018, he then battled injuries for the majority of the season and only appeared seven more times for the MLS Cup champions. He has yet to appear for Atlanta in MLS this season.

In the U.S. Open Cup though, Vazquez is putting on a show. In Atlanta United’s fourth-round match against Charleston Battery, he netted a brace in extra time to push Atlanta to a 3-2 win. In the team’s fifth-round match against Columbus, he continued his scoring tear, scoring another brace in another 3-2 win and helping Atlanta advance to the quarter-finals against St. Louis FC.

Vazquez finds himself atop the Golden Boot race for the Open Cup with his four goals. He didn’t even start against Charleston, coming on for Romario Williams late in the match. After his game-winning heroics against Charleston, he was awarded the start versus Columbus and took care of business, proving to be the difference in a wet and sloppy affair.

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Head coach Frank de Boer said the club would be active in the summer transfer window, and although left-back is the team’s most glaring need, striker is the next most important position to address. Yes, Atlanta have Josef Martinez, but beyond the MLS record goalscorer, the position is somewhat thin. Williams is usually the back-up on the bench, but his form has dipped recently, including not being called up to the Jamaican international team for the Gold Cup.

Meanwhile, Vazquez returned to Atlanta United 2 after injury and scored on his first appearance back, just minutes after taking the field. After that goal and his four goals in the Open Cup, it seems Atlanta may have a back-up option for Martinez, just not the one they expected. Vazquez is certainly the best current option and should fill the need for depth at the striker position for the time being. Martinez may rest a match or two when he returns from the Copa America. Vazquez has proven that he is capable of filling in. Because of his age, small number of appearances and low-cost contract, Vazquez’s scorching form may allow Atlanta to be flexible in the summer window with other positions of need.

As he continues to score, Vazquez will continue to play. Look for him to appear with Atlanta against Toronto on June 26 and perhaps against St. Louis in the next Open Cup match on July 10. Beyond that is anybody’s guess, because as the goals fly in, so too will his opportunities increase.