Austin FC’s Brandon Vazquez Out for Season With Torn ACL

Austin FC’s 2025 playoff hopes took a major hit as star striker Brandon Vazquez has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a torn ACL in his right knee. The injury occurred during Tuesday’s U.S. Open Cup penalty shootout win against the San Jose Earthquakes.

The club confirmed the diagnosis Thursday, expressing its disappointment. “All of us at Austin FC are devastated to learn of this injury to Brandon,” said sporting director Rodolfo Borrell. “We’ll be with him every step of the way throughout the rehabilitation process.”

Vazquez, 26, was enjoying a strong first season back in MLS after a stint with CF Monterrey, having tallied nine goals and one assist in 22 matches. His form had earned him a second career MLS All-Star nod, which he’ll now miss due to the injury.

Austin will now turn to Diego Rubio, Osman Bukari, and club-record signing Myrto Uzuni to lead the attack. The Verde & Black currently sit ninth in the Western Conference, level on 26 points with Houston and Colorado, clinging to the final Wild Card playoff spot as the postseason race intensifies.