FC Cincinnati have agreed to terms on the transfer of Brandon Vazquez to CF Monterrey of Liga MX for a multi-million-dollar fee, the clubs announced today. The 25-year-old departs FC Cincinnati after four seasons in Orange and Blue as the club’s all-time leading goal scorer and second all-time in appearances.
“We’d like to thank Brandon for all his contributions to FC Cincinnati,” said Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati General Manager. “He was a centerpiece of the team that brought FC Cincinnati its first trophy, and he’ll forever be part of the fabric of this club. He’s an incredibly talented player and an even better person, and we look forward to his future success. We wish Brandon and his family all the best.”
Vazquez joined the Orange and Blue ahead of the 2020 season, when the former Atlanta United forward was acquired by FC Cincinnati from Nashville SC following the 2019 MLS Expansion Draft. He scored 43 goals across all competitions for FC Cincinnati, four more than any other player in club history. His 127 appearances only trailed Nick Hagglund (129) for the most in club history.
“Cincinnati holds a special place in my heart,” Vazquez said. “The best years of my career have been here, and I’ll cherish the memories I’ve had here forever. Having Cincinnati fans behind my back for the past four years have pushed me to be able to achieve what I have been able to do. Not only me, but the team, I know every single player feels the exact same way. This city is special, and I love it.
“Cincinnati, I have been so grateful for your support since day one. I just want to say thank you.”
The striker ended the 2022 season with 18 regular season goals, none of which came from the penalty spot, tied for the league-lead for most non-PK goals. His 16 goals from open play were the most in MLS, and his six headed goals were tied for the most. His most vital goal, however, came in Round One of the 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs, when his 86th minute game-winning goal secured the first playoff win in club history for FC Cincinnati at the New York Red Bulls.
Alongside teammate Luciano ‘Lucho’ Acosta, in 2022 the duo became the first players in FC Cincinnati history to be named to the MLS All-Star Team and the prestigious end-of-season MLS Best XI.
In 2023, Vazquez scored 17 goals across all competitions for the Orange and Blue, including five in Leagues Cup 2023, highlighted by his first-career hat trick for FCC in the Group Stage match against Liga MX side Chivas.
Season | Goals | Breakdown |
2023 | 17 | 8 Regular Season, 5 Leagues Cup, 3 U.S. Open Cup, 1 MLS Cup Playoffs |
2022 | 20 | 18 Regular Season, 1 MLS Cup Playoffs, 1 Leagues Cup Showcase |
2021 | 4 | 4 Regular Season |
2020 | 2 | 2 Regular Season |
TOTAL | 43 | 36 Regular Season, 5 Leagues Cup, 3 U.S. Open Cup, 2 MLS Cup Playoffs, 1 Leagues Cup Showcase |
His 2023 season was also highlighted by his first call-up to and appearances for the United States Men’s National Team. His first cap came following the USMNT January Camp in an international friendly against Serbia in January, where his 29th minute goal made him the 59th USMNT player to score in their debut.
Vazquez would make eight total appearances for the Stars in Stripes in 2023, scoring three more goals in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, including on July 9 at TQL Stadium against Canada in the quarterfinals.
TRANSACTION: On January 10, 2024, FC Cincinnati transfer forward Brandon Vazquez to CF Monterrey.
