FC Cincinnati’s spectacular 2022 MLS marketing campaign was spearheaded by numerous causes, however one that might pave the way in which for the membership’s future success was the expansion of striker Brandon Vazquez.

Vazquez stood out as one among FC Cincy’s breakout stars this season, tallying 19 objectives and a career-high eight assists for Pat Noonan’s crew. A former youth participant for Liga MX’s Membership Tijuana and MLS Cup winner with Atlanta United, the 24-year-old doubled his objective manufacturing from his first 5 seasons in 2022, ending among the many prime ten scorers within the league this yr.

Together with fellow forwards Brenner and Luciano Acosta, Vázquez helped FC Cincy attain the MLS Cup Playoffs for the primary time of their historical past, whereas additionally posting a 2-1 victory over the New York Crimson Bulls. Regardless of a second-round elimination by the hands of the No. 1 seed Philadelphia Union, Vazquez and FC Cincy had a lot to be pleased with going ahead.

Vazquez’s season has come to an early exit, however Noonan helps his ahead for the lengthy haul after a optimistic outlook in 2022.

“It seems good,” Noonan stated Wednesday on his season-ending convention name. “I might say that if he continues down this path, he’ll go away. That is my guess. Can we need to lose it? No. If he continues the way in which he’s, he can produce for us for a very long time and that is what we wish. However the actuality is that at his age and with this specific place, the goalscorer, he’s going to be a scorching commodity.”

“I do not count on it to be a part of this group if manufacturing continues on the price it did in 2022. For FCC, is {that a} good factor? , no, while you speak about manufacturing and what it means for our band. However for Brandon, the individual and the participant, if different alternatives come up and he can transfer on to one thing larger and higher, I believe that is incredible.”

Vazquez’s quick future stays at FC Cincy after signing a brand new long-term extension with the membership in August. His new deal runs via the 2025 season and in addition features a one-year possibility for 2026.

Vazquez’s breakout marketing campaign has not solely attracted European suitors, but additionally added stress on USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter about together with the Mexico-eligible striker in future plans. Vázquez has but to earn a senior call-up to the USMNT regardless of his previous appearances with the USMNT U-20, U-19 and U-17 from 2014-16.

FC Cincy will now head into a significant offseason as they attempt to maintain the vast majority of their 2022 roster collectively. Vazquez’s dedication to FC Cincy over the following few seasons is essential, particularly because the membership has seven present gamers set to turn out to be free brokers. this winter.

“I believe it is a signal that gamers might be a part of our workers and this membership, be ready to develop themselves to play at a better degree, wherever which may be, no matter meaning,” Noonan added. significance of Vazquez. amongst different gamers who’re on the radar elsewhere. “Once more, we wish Brandon right here for a very long time. However when he scores objectives, the others will discover and go searching for him. So once more, we’ll cross that bridge when it occurs, however we’re very pleased with Brandon and pleased to have the ability to work with him and his character on a day-to-day foundation.”