Brandon Vázquez, the American forward, is making headlines as he departs from CF Monterrey after an agreement to mutually terminate his contract. This decision comes less than a year after he joined the Liga MX side on January 10, 2024, transferring from FC Cincinnati for a significant fee. During his brief stint, Vázquez made a notable impact on the pitch, scoring 14 goals and assisting once across 49 matches. His contributions were vital in propelling Monterrey to the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup and to the finals of the Liga MX Apertura.
Despite his impressive statistics, Vázquez’s role at Monterrey was often as a substitute. He started only seven times during the Liga MX Apertura and the Liguilla. Both former coach Fernando Ortiz and current manager Martin Demichelis preferred to utilize Germán Berterame in the starting lineup, which limited Vázquez’s opportunities to showcase his talents. This strategic decision likely influenced his choice to leave Monterrey, as consistent playing time is crucial for any player looking to advance their career.
As Vázquez exits Monterrey, speculation arises about his next destination, with multiple MLS teams showing interest. Among them, the newly established San Diego FC appears to be a potential landing spot. As a team preparing for its inaugural season set for February 2025, San Diego currently boasts Hirving Lozano as its only designated player but has the capacity to add two more. Vázquez’s return to MLS would not only reconnect him with his roots, as a native of San Diego, but also allow him to reintegrate into a league where he previously thrived.
Before his tenure in Mexico, Vázquez made a significant mark in Major League Soccer, netting an impressive 86 goals in 150 appearances over three seasons with Atlanta United FC and another four with FC Cincinnati. His time with Atlanta was particularly noteworthy, highlighted by clinching the MLS Cup in 2018 and the U.S. Open Cup in 2019, showcasing his ability to perform in high-stakes situations. Additionally, he was instrumental in leading Cincinnati to the Supporters’ Shield title in 2023, further solidifying his reputation as a top striker.
On the international front, Vázquez has represented the United States national team with pride, scoring four goals in 11 caps. His most recent inclusion in the USMNT under the new management of Mauricio Pochettino indicates his ongoing relevance in international play. As he prepares for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals against Jamaica, there’s no doubt that Vázquez’s skills will be an asset to the national squad moving forward.
As Vázquez charts his course beyond CF Monterrey, he stands at an exciting juncture in his career. Whether he chooses to return to MLS or explore other opportunities, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how this dynamic forward navigates what is sure to be a pivotal next step. With his proven track record and history of success, Vázquez’s future looks promising, filled with potential for new achievements and accolades.