Brandon Vazquez shines and reinforces FC Cincinnati’s strength in the Leagues Cup

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 27: Brandon Vázquez #19 of FC Cincinnati celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half of a Leagues Cup match against Guadalajara at TQL Stadium on July 27, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 27: Brandon Vázquez #19 of FC Cincinnati celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half of a Leagues Cup match against Guadalajara at TQL Stadium on July 27, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)

In the latest Leagues Cup clash, striker Brandon Vazquez stole the show and showcased why he is an important asset for FC Cincinnati. With an impressive hat-trick, the player helped his team secure a 3-1 victory against Chivas in a match that had to be postponed due to extreme weather conditions.

Vazquez’s performance was even more remarkable, considering he was not initially in the starting XI for the highly anticipated encounter against the historic Mexican team. However, when Sergio Santos had to withdraw from the game due to an injury during warm-up, the 24-year-old forward was called into action and did not disappoint.

The young Mexican-American striker, with family ties to Guadalajara, proved his worth and showed that FC Cincinnati is certainly on the right track by relying on such a talented player. Vazquez had previously turned down offers from Saudi Arabia and the MLS, preferring the adventure in the United States, where he also chose to represent the US men’s national team instead of El Tri.

His decision to play for the American national team has proven to be a wise one, as he made a brilliant debut, scoring in an international friendly against Serbia and contributing three goals in the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer. With this recent track record, Vazquez’s performance in the Leagues Cup was a reminder of what Chivas might have missed out on.

CINCINNATI, OHIO – JULY 23: Brandon Vázquez #19 of FC Cincinnati celebrates with Luciano Acosta #10 and Aaron Boupendza #9 after scoring a goal during the second half of a Leagues Cup match against Sporting Kansas City at TQL Stadium on July 23, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO – JULY 23: Brandon Vázquez #19 of FC Cincinnati celebrates with Luciano Acosta #10 and Aaron Boupendza #9 after scoring a goal during the second half of a Leagues Cup match against Sporting Kansas City at TQL Stadium on July 23, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)

Previous negotiations with the Mexican club did not materialize, and FC Cincinnati was wise to secure his services after an impressive 2022 season, during which Vazquez scored 18 goals and provided eight assists in 33 games. Now, he continues to demonstrate his importance to the team, being decisive in the triumph over Chivas.

FC Cincinnati, the Supporters’ Shield leader, has been showing remarkable performance in the Liga MX, accumulating 51 points in 23 games played (15 wins, 2 losses, and 6 draws). The victory over Chivas secured the club’s status as the winner of Central Group 3 in the Leagues Cup, advancing to the tournament’s round of 16.

Additionally, an exciting semifinal showdown in the US Open Cup against Inter Miami CF awaits the team on August 23. This is an opportunity for FC Cincinnati to showcase its strength and ambition in national competitions, solidifying its place as one of the top teams in Liga MX.

Brandon Vazquez’s performance and FC Cincinnati’s recent trajectory of success are reasons for fans to be excited and optimistic. The club has a unique chance to win titles and shine both domestically and internationally. The ability to attract high-level players like Vazquez shows the growth and projection of soccer in the United States and further strengthens the MLS as a competitive and attractive league for athletes. The future of FC Cincinnati looks promising, and Vazquez’s inspiring performance is a clear sign that the team is on the right path to success.