Austin FC Striker Brandon Vazquez Out Rest Season Torn ACL

Austin FC striker Brandon Vazquez will miss the remainder of the 2025 season after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee during a U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal match against the San Jose Earthquakes. Vazquez, who scored a penalty minutes before the injury and was later stretchered off, will undergo surgery and begin rehabilitation immediately. The 26-year-old forward joined Austin FC in January from Monterrey for a reported club-record fee of $10 million and leads the team with nine goals in all competitions this season. Vazquez, a U.S. Men's National Team veteran with 11 caps and four goals, was selected as an MLS All-Star but will now be replaced on the roster and is expected to miss potential opportunities with the national team, including chances for the World Cup. Austin FC's sporting director, Rodolfo Borrell, expressed devastation over the injury and pledged the club's full support during Vazquez's recovery. With Vazquez sidelined, Austin FC will rely on other designated players like Diego Rubio, Osman Bukari, and Myrto Uzuni to maintain their playoff push.