Austin FC striker Brandon Vazquez (ACL) out for season

Field Level Media|published: Thu 10th July, 12:42 2025

Mar 23, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Austin FC forward Brandon Vazquez (9) celebrates his first goal of the season during the first half against San DIego FC at Q2 Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images

Austin FC striker Brandon Vazquez will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL in his right knee, the team announced Thursday.

The 26-year-old forward sustained the injury during Tuesday night's road win against the San Jose Earthquakes in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals.

Vazquez will undergo surgery in the coming days and will then immediately begin the rehabilitation process, the team said.

"All of us at Austin FC are devastated to learn of this injury to Brandon, who has proven to be a crucial player for us on the pitch since he arrived," said sporting director Rodolfo Borrell. "We will be with him every step of the way throughout the rehabilitation process."

Vazquez joined Austin in January from Liga MX side CF Monterrey for a reported club-record transfer fee of $10 million.

Selected as an MLS All-Star this season for the second time, he leads Austin with nine goals across all competitions. He has netted 40 goals in 163 career MLS matches (99 starts) with Atlanta United (2017-19), FC Cincinnati (2020-23) and Austin.

The U.S. Men's National Team veteran helped Atlanta win the MLS Cup in 2018 and the U.S. Open Cup in 2019. He earned MLS Best XI and All-Star nods with Cincinnati in 2022 and helped that club win the Supporters' Shield in 2023.

--Field Level Media