Brandon Vázquez’s departure from CF Monterrey marks a significant turn in both his professional journey and the dynamics of Liga MX. Having arrived at the Mexican club in January 2024 from FC Cincinnati, Vázquez quickly made an impact, finishing his tenure with a commendable record of 14 goals and an assist over 49 appearances. Despite his success on paper, the terms of his exit following a mutual agreement to terminate his contract have raised eyebrows, especially considering the brevity of his stay at the club.
What stands out is the fact that Vázquez often found himself coming off the bench rather than securing a consistent starting position. Starting only seven times during the Liga MX Apertura and Liguilla, it’s evident that the coaching strategies employed by both Fernando Ortiz and Martin Demichelis favored other players, most notably Germán Berterame. This decision-making ultimately limited Vázquez’s playing time, despite his impressive past performance history in MLS.
As the dust settles on his departure from Monterrey, Vázquez’s future is now a subject of speculation, with various reports linking him to MLS teams. The expansion franchise San Diego FC has emerged as a prominent candidate, particularly given Vázquez’s roots in San Diego. As San Diego continues to build their roster for the league’s upcoming season, the opportunity to sign the talented forward may provide a boost for both player and franchise.
San Diego FC presently has Hirving Lozano onboard as their only designated player, with the chance to bring in two additional DPs before their league debut in February 2025. This presents an exciting opportunity for Vázquez to not only return to the league but also to play in front of his hometown fans, potentially reigniting the spark that propelled him to thrive at Atlanta United and FC Cincinnati.
Before venturing into Liga MX, Vázquez made a name for himself in the MLS. During his three seasons at Atlanta United, he was part of the team that clinched the MLS Cup in 2018 and the U.S. Open Cup the following year. He further showcased his talent and resilience with FC Cincinnati, contributing to their historic Supporters’ Shield victory in 2023. His goal-scoring prowess, reflecting a total of 86 goals in 150 matches prior to his Mexican stint, paints a portrait of a player who has consistently delivered results.
Internationally, Brandon Vázquez has also left his mark, scoring four goals in 11 appearances for the United States Men’s National Team. Most recently, he received a call-up from manager Mauricio Pochettino for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal against Jamaica, underscoring his continued relevance and value in the national setup.
While the departure from CF Monterrey may come as a shock, it could also set the stage for a fresh start and a promising future for Brandon Vázquez. As he explores his next steps, the prospect of rejoining MLS and playing for San Diego FC could offer a pathway to recapture the momentum of his footballing career. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see where Vázquez lands next and how he continues to evolve as a player.